Summertime Shark Attacks in Southern California could increase, According to Beachgoers, Despite Funding cuts for Study

Attention all beachgoers along the Southern California coastline, there is a concerning development that may impact your safety.

A program responsible for monitoring sharks’ movements, which has gained significant recognition, is at risk of discontinuation. This could potentially lead to an uptick in shark attacks. Stay vigilant and exercise caution.

The Shark Lab at California State University at Long Beach expressed worry about potential cuts to its state funding by June. To ensure the continuity of its programs, the lab is currently making efforts to raise $7 million.

“It’s becoming quite significant,” shared Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe with ABC7.

“We have sufficient funds to sustain us until June, but beyond that, without additional funding, we will be compelled to remove all the equipment from the water,” Lowe expressed. “Monitoring of sharks along the California coast will no longer be possible.”

The Shark Lab keeps a close eye on numerous adult and juvenile sharks that glide through the waters along the Southern California coast.

The lab also sends an immediate alert to lifeguards if a shark comes too close to the shoreline.

The Shark Lab, established in 1966, boasts an extensive collection of receivers, buoys, and underwater monitors that enable them to effectively track and tag sharks.

The director of the Shark Lab expressed his disappointment over the potential closure of the program due to the loss of federal funding.

“All the information we gather from our scientific research is made accessible to the public, which sets us apart,” Lowe stated. “It is widely regarded as one of the most effective shark mitigation programs globally.”