Sharks and humans can peacefully coexist in the ocean, says study

Researchers from the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, decided to use drones to study young white sharks near the Southern California coast and how close they come to humans in the water. Turns out, they get pretty close—almost within biting distance.

But don't worry, it's safe. None of the 26 beaches surveyed between January 2019 and March 2021 reported any shark bites, according to the Shark Lab.

Unlike their adult counterparts, who prefer solitude, these young sharks were often spotted swimming near humans on 97% of the days surveyed. They especially liked to get close to surfers and paddleboarders, sometimes coming within 50 yards of the breaking waves.


Even though people in the water usually didn't realise the sharks were there, the researchers had a bird's-eye view and could see them easily, said Patrick Rex, a graduate student leading the study from Cal State Long Beach.

The young white sharks mostly hung out in two areas—southern Santa Barbara County and central San Diego County—according to the researchers who flew drones over 1,500 times during a two-year period.

Surprisingly, despite so many encounters every day, there were no bite incidents, which surprised Chris Lowe, the director of the Shark Lab and a marine biology professor. He believes this study could change how people perceive the risk sharks pose to those sharing the ocean with them.

Inputs from AP