Morro Bay, California, is part of a dynamic marine ecosystem where various shark species reside. The presence of sharks is a natural component of ocean life, reflecting the area’s rich biodiversity. Understanding their behaviors and habitat provides clarity for those engaging in water activities.
Common Shark Species in Morro Bay Waters
Morro Bay and its coastal waters are home to several shark species. Smaller, resident sharks commonly found in the estuary include horn sharks, leopard sharks, and swell sharks. Horn sharks, typically slow-moving and around three feet long, often inhabit shallow waters and hide under kelp or ledges during the day, feeding on crustaceans and sea urchins at night. Leopard sharks are also regular inhabitants, favoring the shallower areas of the bay. Swell sharks, known for their ability to inflate themselves with water as a defense mechanism, are bottom-dwelling and consume crustaceans and small fish.
Larger, more migratory species, particularly great white sharks, also frequent the Morro Bay area. Juvenile great white sharks are often observed closer to shore, sometimes within 50 feet of the coastline, and the region serves as a significant area for them. These younger sharks primarily feed on bottom-dwelling fish, smaller sharks, rays, and schooling fish. Adult great white sharks, which can exceed 20 feet in length, pass through the area during their migrations along the West Coast, drawn by the abundant marine mammal populations like seals and sea lions, their primary food source. Broadnose sevengill sharks, identifiable by their seven gill slits, are also known to inhabit the deeper channels of the bay and coastal waters, preying on various marine life.
Understanding Shark Encounters and Risk
While sharks are present in Morro Bay, human encounters resulting in bites are uncommon, especially when considering the significant number of people who use the ocean for recreation. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicates that shark incidents are rare, despite increased human presence in coastal waters. Data over the past two decades for the West Coast of North America estimates an average of 1.8 human-shark encounters per year, with fatalities being even less frequent, averaging about one every five years. For example, the odds of a fatal shark attack are estimated to be about one in five million.
Shark encounters are often attributed to factors such as mistaken identity or curiosity. Sharks, particularly great whites, may mistake surfers or swimmers at the surface for their natural prey, such as seals or sea lions, due to similar visual profiles when viewed from below. Research suggests that a shark’s limited visual acuity and lack of color vision could contribute to this misidentification. Other theories propose that shark bites can be exploratory, as sharks investigate novel objects in their environment with their mouths. The presence of prey animals like seals, sea lions, or large schools of fish can attract sharks to an area, indirectly increasing the potential for an encounter.
Morro Bay has experienced a few shark incidents, including a fatal attack in December 2021 involving a great white shark estimated to be 16 feet long. Another fatal incident occurred in 1957, and three other non-injury encounters with great whites have been reported between Morro Bay and Morro Strand Beach. These events, while tragic, remain infrequent occurrences.
Safety Practices for Water Activities
Engaging in water activities in Morro Bay involves an awareness of the marine environment, including the presence of sharks. Adopting common-sense practices can help reduce the potential for an encounter. It is advisable to avoid swimming or surfing alone; participating in groups can offer a measure of safety, as sharks are less likely to approach multiple individuals. Avoiding water entry during dawn and dusk hours is also suggested, as these are often periods of increased shark activity and lower visibility.
Steering clear of areas where seals, sea lions, or large schools of fish are actively present can also be beneficial, as these areas may attract sharks seeking prey. Additionally, refraining from wearing shiny jewelry can prevent any glinting that might resemble fish scales and attract a shark’s attention. If a shark is sighted, remaining calm and maintaining visual contact while slowly and deliberately exiting the water is recommended. Alerting lifeguards or other water users about the sighting is an important step to ensure wider awareness and safety.