Overview
- Kevin Phan, 20, cut a fishing line to free a juvenile great white near Hermosa Beach Pier, with video from Wednesday morning showing onlookers cheering as it swam away.
- Great whites are protected in California under AB2109, making it illegal to target or keep them, and Phan said the catch was accidental.
- Lifeguards reported more sightings in recent days, including a March 26 Newport Beach closure after an estimated 8-foot shark circled a surfer.
- The Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab expects more near-shore juveniles this season due to a marine heatwave and El Niño, and notes bites are uncommon except when sharks are hooked or near active fishing.
- Officials urge people to choose lifeguarded beaches, swim or surf in groups, avoid dawn or murky water, report sightings to lifeguards, and keep fishing away from swimmers.