Sharks in Santa Barbara

Shark sightings are increasing in Santa Barbara County. On Monday July 26th, a resident teenager reported what he believed to be a great white shark swimming near a buoy to the Hope Ranch Beach lifeguards. According to the security guard, this is the first time in his 17 years on the job that a sighting has been reported.

Aquatic supervisor for the City of Santa Barbara Tony Sholl says, “There has been a good steady uptick in the white shark population for a good number of years now. They started to repopulate, which is not a bad thing. It’s a sign of a good ecosystem and that all the conservation efforts put forth to protect the white sharks have been working.”

On June 12th, five juvenile great white sharks were spotted close to the shore of Santa Claus Beach through to the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve and Rookery.

It’s important to note that juvenile great white sharks are a very low threat to humans. It is believed that they are making their way more north because of conservation efforts and warming waters.

Remember to stay safe and informed. The sharks are also just trying to survive.