CSULB shark expert assesses close encounter off Santa Barbara

Published September 15, 2026
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Shark Lab Beach Safety Team
CSULB Shark Lab Safety Team

Chris Lowe, professor and director of Cal State Long Beach's Shark Lab, was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times after reviewing drone footage of a juvenile great white circling a Santa Barbara swimmer and found no signs of aggression or predation. Lowe said the shark appeared inquisitive, emphasized that humans are not prey and noted that most close encounters do not result in bites.

 

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Professor Chris Lowe
Chris Lowe