Sharks are present in Monterey Bay, a body of water along California’s Central Coast. The bay is recognized for its abundant marine biodiversity and unique oceanographic features, which create a suitable habitat for various shark species.
Diverse Shark Species in Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay hosts a variety of shark species, each adapted to different parts of its diverse marine environment.
Great White Sharks are notable inhabitants. Juveniles, typically 4 to 9 feet long, are increasingly present, especially during warmer water periods, sometimes congregating in areas like Soquel Cove, known as “Shark Park.” Adult Great Whites, which can reach over 20 feet, visit the bay seasonally, often in late summer and early fall, to feed on seals and sea lions.
Leopard Sharks are common in the shallower waters, found near the bottom in bays, estuaries, and kelp forests. These sharks are considered docile toward humans and feed on invertebrates and small fish. Blue Sharks are frequently sighted in the summer and fall, particularly during whale-watching excursions in open waters.
The Broadnose Seven-gill Shark, distinguished by its seven gill slits, is another resident. These sharks inhabit shallow coastal waters year-round and utilize bays and estuaries as important nursery grounds for their pups. There are no recorded instances of unprovoked attacks on humans by this species.
Monterey Bay’s Appeal to Sharks
Monterey Bay’s distinct oceanographic characteristics make it an appealing habitat for numerous shark species. A prominent feature is the Monterey Canyon, a deep submarine canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon. This deep-water topography contributes to the bay’s cold, nutrient-rich waters through upwelling.
Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-dense water from the ocean depths to the surface, fueling a productive food web. This abundance of nutrients supports a diverse prey base, including seals, sea lions, various fish, squid, crabs, and octopuses. These plentiful food sources attract sharks seeking sustenance. Additionally, warming ocean temperatures have led to an increased presence of juvenile Great White Sharks, as these younger sharks prefer more temperate conditions.
Understanding Shark Behavior and Human Interaction
Shark encounters in Monterey Bay are rare, and incidents involving humans are infrequent. Shark incidents are often a case of mistaken identity, as sharks do not target humans as prey. Historically, only two fatal shark incidents have been recorded in Monterey Bay since 1950, with a total of 15 across California during the same period.
To minimize the likelihood of an encounter, several safety guidelines are recommended. Avoid swimming during dawn or dusk, as these are periods of reduced visibility when some shark species are more active. Swimmers should also avoid areas with significant marine mammal activity, as these locations may attract sharks. Additionally, refraining from wearing shiny jewelry can prevent light reflections that might be mistaken for fish.
Researchers employ various methods to monitor shark populations and behavior in Monterey Bay. These include:
- Electronic tagging
- Acoustic tracking
- Photo identification of individual sharks
- Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples
These efforts contribute to a better understanding of shark movements and population dynamics, informing scientific knowledge and public safety.