The renowned Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach is in danger of shutting down after a program that monitors great white sharks along Southern California’s coastline lost funding from the state. The California Shark Beach Safety Program was initially funded in 2018 due to an increase in the number of white sharks in the area, causing concern for lifeguards responsible for public safety. The program has since tagged over 300 juvenile white sharks and placed 120 acoustic receivers along the coastline to track their movements.
According to Chris Lowe, the director of the Shark Lab, great white sharks were chosen for tagging as they are responsible for 97% of bites in California in the last century. Research conducted through the program has shown that sharks are frequently present near people but largely ignore them. Without the program, lifeguards would struggle to effectively manage the beaches in Southern California. The data collected helps lifeguards make informed decisions about when to close a beach or issue public warnings about the presence of sharks.
The economic impact of beach closures due to shark sightings is significant, and the program has helped reduce unnecessary beach closures by providing lifeguards with real-time information about shark locations and behavior. The increased number of sharks in California’s oceans in recent years has raised concerns about the possibility of shark attacks. The program has played a key role in monitoring shark activity and reducing the risk to beachgoers.
Funding for the program is set to run out in June, and without additional support, the Shark Lab may be forced to shut down. This comes as a result of the state’s budget struggles. Despite stretching the initial funding received in 2018, the program may not be refunded due to budget constraints. The team is now looking to secure private funding from individuals and foundations to continue their important research and safeguarding efforts along the coastline.
Lowe emphasized the importance of the program in providing critical information to lifeguards and ensuring the safety of beachgoers. By monitoring shark activity and reducing unnecessary beach closures, the program has had a positive impact on coastal communities and the local economy. Continued conservation efforts have led to an increase in great white sharks in California’s oceans, highlighting the need for ongoing research and safeguards against potential shark attacks in the region.
In an effort to secure funding and keep the program running, the Shark Lab is reaching out to local supporters, individuals, and foundations for financial assistance. With the help of technology companies based in California, the team hopes to continue their research and monitoring efforts to ensure the safety of Southern California’s beaches. The future of the program remains uncertain, but the importance of their work in safeguarding against shark attacks and reducing economic impacts from beach closures cannot be overstated.
