Story perspectives

El Niño Fuels Shark Surge, Stingray Injuries Off California

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. scientists say the intensifying 2026 El Niño will bring a “sharky summer” of juvenile white sharks off California.
Douglas McCauley of UC Santa Barbara reports a two-fold rise in white-shark sightings as water off San Diego hit 80 °F.
Chris Lowe of CSULB warns brown stingrays will set records, pushing injuries above 10,000 per year.
The SharkEye drone program shares sightings, prompting Lowe to advise swimmers to avoid marine life and dawn/dusk swims.

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Story summary

U.S. scientists say the intensifying 2026 El Niño will bring a “sharky summer” of juvenile white sharks off California.
Douglas McCauley of UC Santa Barbara reports a two-fold rise in white-shark sightings as water off San Diego hit 80 °F.
Chris Lowe of CSULB warns brown stingrays will set records, pushing injuries above 10,000 per year.
The SharkEye drone program shares sightings, prompting Lowe to advise swimmers to avoid marine life and dawn/dusk swims.