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Early Surge of Young Great Whites Off Southern California Triggers Warnings and Surf Contest Delay

Unusual Pacific warmth is drawing newborn and juvenile sharks toward beaches.

Overview

  • Officials in Huntington Beach postponed a professional surf event and partially closed the ocean after reports of a 10-foot great white displaying aggressive behavior.
  • Anglers at the Hermosa Beach Pier have reportedly hooked nearly two dozen juvenile great whites, prompting posted warnings on the pier.
  • Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab joined L.A. County lifeguards and Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol to search for sharks still trailing hooks and to net and free any animals in distress.
  • It is illegal to target great white sharks, and a new California law bans baiting or luring near them, with penalties that can reach a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
  • Scientists say this spring’s influx started unusually early and concentrate off Orange, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties, and they warn an expected El Niño could draw in even more juveniles.