Sunday, September 23, 2018

MEB Seminar Series | Christopher Lowe, Ph.D.

Christopher Lowe, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of the CSULB Shark Lab

Recovery of white sharks in the Northeast Pacific and what this means for coastal communities

Tuesday, September 25
12 PM
AHF 153 (Torrey Webb Room)

Abstract: Despite the challenges in studying white sharks, there is growing evidence of population recovery resulting from state and federal protection, recovery of marine mammal populations and improved fisheries management.  Southern California coastal beaches are known seasonal nursery habitat for white sharks in the Northeast Pacific.  However, juvenile white sharks appear to be temperature sensitive and their distribution and movements influenced by regional oceanographic conditions.  Because of this population increase and milder winter conditions, there is a highly likelihood that juvenile white sharks will be using coastal beach nursery habitat throughout more of the year.  This increased abundance and behavior can potentially result in a higher degree of shark-human interactions, creating conservation and economic challenges for coastal cities.

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