Marine experts note rising shark activity in California linked to El Niño conditions
Category: Local News
A great white shark was captured on video leaping dramatically out of the water near a boogie boarder in Newport Beach, California, on July 25, 2026. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. when local resident Soaren Stevenson was filming his brother enjoying a morning session on his boogie board near Lifeguard Tower 40. Stevenson was surprised to see the shark breach the water in the background of his footage, creating a splash that caught the attention of many beachgoers.
This remarkable sighting has drawn attention for its visual impact and because it highlights a notable increase in shark activity along the California coastline. Marine biology professor Christopher Lowe, who directs the Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab, identified the shark in the video as a juvenile great white. He explained that such behavior is not uncommon among sharks and could be attributed to a couple of factors.
According to Lowe, the shark may have been attempting to relieve itself of parasites that often cling to its skin. "Based on how they often jump and land on their sides or backs, I suspect they are jumping to dislodge parasites crawling on their sides and backs, relieving a case of the itchies," he said. "The only other reason I can think of is that they are jumping for fun." This playful behavior has sparked interest and curiosity among both marine enthusiasts and the general public.
The sighting comes at a time when shark activity in Newport Beach and across California has been on the rise. The Shark Lab has been monitoring these trends since 1966, and experts have noted that this increase correlates with environmental changes, particularly the El Niño phenomenon. During the last El Niño in 2015, Professor Lowe noted that the Shark Lab observed "twice as many white sharks" in California compared to usual numbers.
El Niño, characterized by warmer ocean temperatures, can influence marine life migration patterns. Lowe explained, "When we have these El Niño conditions, it gets too warm, and the white sharks don’t like it. And it pushes them into California." This shift in shark populations can lead to more frequent sightings, as sharks venture closer to shore in search of cooler waters.
In addition to the environmental factors, the growing popularity of water sports like boogie boarding and surfing has increased human interaction with marine wildlife. As more people flock to the beaches, they are more likely to encounter sharks, which may be swimming in search of food or simply enjoying their natural behaviors.
As beachgoers continue to enjoy the summer sun, the Shark Lab and marine biologists are urging caution and awareness. The increase in shark sightings does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of shark attacks, but it does call for greater vigilance among swimmers and surfers. Local authorities have been prompted to remind the public to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any unusual shark activity.
Future research will likely focus on the long-term effects of El Niño on shark populations and their behaviors. With the current increase in sightings, scientists hope to gather more data to understand how these environmental changes impact marine ecosystems. Lowe emphasized the importance of continued monitoring, stating, "We need to keep track of these trends to inform both the public and conservation efforts."
As scientists work to understand the changing dynamics of shark populations, the public's fascination with these apex predators continues to grow. Videos like the one captured by Stevenson serve as a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of marine life. The Shark Lab encourages anyone who witnesses similar behavior to record it and share their findings, contributing to the broader scientific knowledge about these creatures.
The incident at Newport Beach serves as a thrilling reminder of the ocean's wonders, sparking interest in marine biology and conservation efforts among the community. As the summer progresses, both scientists and beachgoers alike will follow closely the waters closely, hoping for more exciting encounters with the ocean's majestic inhabitants.