California faces high shark numbers as El Niño drives juvenile great whites north

California is experiencing a surge in juvenile great white sharks driven by El Niño, with officials taking precautionary measures to limit interactions.

NOAA confirmed the formation of El Niño in the Pacific in early June.
Dr. Chris Lowe's team observed baby white sharks in February, earlier than the usual April appearance.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife passed emergency regulations last month prohibiting certain fishing gear on beaches and piers to protect white sharks.
John Ugoretz, a state fisheries program manager, said the department anticipates a larger presence of white sharks and is concerned about potential interactions.