The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark, drawing millions of visitors to San Francisco Bay. Many wonder about the marine life beneath its span, particularly sharks. This article explores the aquatic inhabitants of these waters.
Shark Presence Near the Golden Gate Bridge
Sharks inhabit the waters in and around San Francisco Bay, including near the Golden Gate Bridge. The most common species found year-round is the Leopard Shark, identifiable by its spotted pattern and typically growing up to six feet long. These sharks primarily feed on benthic creatures like worms, clams, shrimp, and fish eggs found on the Bay floor, posing no threat to humans.
Another frequent resident is the Broadnose Sevengill Shark, which can reach up to ten feet in length and weighs over 250 pounds. San Francisco Bay serves as a significant nursery ground for juvenile Sevengill Sharks, where they are known to pup and remain for their early years. Soupfin Sharks, also known as school sharks, are another species present, growing to about six and a half feet and preying on fish, squid, and octopus.
While many species call the Bay home, Great White Sharks are primarily visitors rather than permanent residents. They typically remain in the open ocean, preferring clearer waters with abundant seal populations, such as those around the Farallon Islands, located approximately 27 miles offshore. Great Whites occasionally venture into the Bay, often in pursuit of prey, and have been documented passing through the Golden Gate. Despite occasional sightings, confirmed attacks on humans inside San Francisco Bay are historically rare.
Factors Influencing Shark Activity
Shark presence in San Francisco Bay is influenced by a combination of environmental factors. The Bay offers a rich and diverse food supply, attracting various shark species. Leopard Sharks, for instance, forage in the muddy bottom for invertebrates, while Sevengill Sharks hunt harbor seals and other sharks.
The strong tidal currents flowing through the Golden Gate, which can reach speeds up to five knots, also play a role in shark movement. The unique ecosystem where the Pacific Ocean meets the Bay provides specific conditions that draw certain species.
The Bay’s relatively shallow and murky waters, with an average depth of around 43 feet, are suitable for smaller shark species like Leopard Sharks. In contrast, larger predators like Great White Sharks generally favor the deeper, clearer, and colder offshore waters. Seasonal patterns also influence shark activity, with Great Whites more commonly found along the California coast from September through December, a period often referred to as “Sharktober,” coinciding with the presence of marine mammals.