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What El Niño means for a 'shark summer' on the California coast
By KTVU FOX 2 News
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Warmer ocean waters might prompt a more shark-filled summer along the California coast. Chris Lowe is a professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at Cal State, Long Beach,
Why this matters in The San Francisco
For San Francisco residents and visitors who flock to the city's beaches and coastal areas, the potential for a shark-filled summer raises concerns about public safety. As warmer ocean waters associated with El Niño conditions may attract more sharks to the California coast, local authorities and beachgoers will be watching the situation closely. The city's iconic beaches, such as those in the Presidio and along the Pacific Coast Highway, are popular spots for swimming, surfing, and other water activities, and any increase in shark sightings could impact these recreational pursuits. Chris Lowe's expertise from the Shark Lab at Cal State, Long Beach, may inform local strategies for mitigating shark encounters and educating the public about the risks and precautions associated with sharing the ocean with these marine predators. San Francisco's coastal communities will be looking for guidance on how to balance the enjoyment of their beaches with the need for safety and awareness.
About this story
Original reporting by KTVU FOX 2 News . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTVU FOX 2 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KTVU FOX 2 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Warmer ocean waters might prompt a more shark-filled summer along the California coast. Chris Lowe is a professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at Cal State, Long Beach,
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KTVU FOX 2 News and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KTVU FOX 2 News. To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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