San Diego’s diverse marine environment supports various shark species. While sharks might evoke concern, the vast majority of interactions with humans in San Diego are benign. Understanding their natural behaviors helps foster coexistence.
Common Shark Species in San Diego
San Diego waters are home to several shark species. Leopard sharks are common and harmless to humans. These sharks typically reach lengths of 4 to 5 feet and are recognizable by their distinctive dark spots over a silvery or gray body. They primarily feed on small invertebrates and fish eggs.
Sevengill sharks are frequently observed. They are named for their seven gill slits, unlike most sharks which have five. These sharks can grow up to 10 feet long, preferring to swim slowly along the seafloor in depths less than 165 feet. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of marine life including other sharks, rays, and bony fish.
Blue sharks and Mako sharks are present in San Diego’s offshore waters. Blue sharks are migratory, found in deeper offshore waters, and can reach lengths of about 12 feet. Shortfin mako sharks, known for their speed, are pelagic species that can grow up to 13 feet. Juvenile mako sharks are common in Southern California during summer, with San Diego waters serving as a nursery area for them.
Where Sharks are Found in San Diego
The distribution of sharks in San Diego’s waters is influenced by water temperature, prey availability, and habitat features.
La Jolla Shores is a known location for leopard sharks, especially during summer and early fall (June-October). Thousands of pregnant females aggregate in the warm, shallow waters for breeding and to incubate their embryos. They can be found in water as shallow as 4 to 8 feet.
Sevengill sharks are often encountered in deeper kelp forests and rocky reefs, particularly around La Jolla Cove and Point Loma. These sharks inhabit the sea bottom and are attracted to kelp forests, which provide habitat and prey. Present year-round, their numbers in these coastal areas increase during spring (March-June) for mating and giving birth.
Larger pelagic species, such as blue and mako sharks, reside in the open ocean, several miles offshore. San Diego’s offshore waters are an important mako shark nursery. These sharks are constantly on the move, making sightings near the shore less common compared to species like leopard sharks. Juvenile great white sharks also utilize the warm, shallow waters as a nursery, particularly during summer and fall, to find food and avoid larger predators.
Safety and Coexistence in San Diego Waters
Understanding and respecting marine life is key to interacting with San Diego’s waters. Unprovoked shark incidents in San Diego are infrequent, with 20 unprovoked shark attacks recorded in San Diego County since 1926. Despite high ocean use, this averages to less than one incident per year. The odds of a great white shark attack in San Diego are approximately 1 in 17 million.
To enhance safety, several guidelines can be followed. Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, when some shark species are more active. Refrain from wearing shiny jewelry, as it can resemble fish scales. Stay out of areas where marine mammal activity is high or where people are fishing, as these areas may indicate the presence of potential prey or bait. Swimming in groups offers added safety.
Sharks do not actively hunt humans; most interactions are attributed to mistaken identity or curiosity, given their poor eyesight. Understanding their natural behaviors promotes a harmonious coexistence. While large sharks like great whites are present, particularly as juveniles in nursery areas like Del Mar and Torrey Pines, they generally leave people alone. These safety measures minimize risk and allow for continued enjoyment of San Diego’s coastal waters.