Super El Niño could increase the number of shark attacks.

Super El Niño could lead to increased shark attacks along crowded beaches, raising concerns among locals and visitors alike. Scientists have confirmed that the phenomenon is already underway, with satellite data showing changes in sea surface levels across the Pacific Ocean. This has led experts to warn that warmer ocean temperatures might push large white sharks toward cooler waters, increasing their presence near populated coastal areas. The phenomenon was officially recognized last month after satellite observations revealed shifts in sea level heights throughout the Pacific. According to reports from Daily Mail, measurements taken by the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite indicated higher sea levels in parts of the equatorial Pacific by late June. NASA explained that rising sea levels are a reliable indicator of ocean temperatures, linking them to the emergence of El Niño conditions. These elevated temperatures and corresponding sea level increases are associated with the current occurrence of Super El Niño. Chris Lowe, a marine biologist specializing in great white sharks at California State University in Long Beach, noted that these sharks are being forced to move due to rising water temperatures. He stated that during summer and autumn months, great whites typically gather along the Mexican Pacific coast. However, due to Super El Niño and warming waters in that region, they are migrating northward. Lowe estimates that the California coastline between July and September could see a greater number of great white sharks than usual. “We’ve been tracking great whites off southern California since 2009. Since then, we've tagged and captured 350 individuals. We know that temperature affects their migration patterns,” he told The California Post. Lowe’s team began noticing an increase in young shark sightings along California's coasts as early as February, which is unusually early. Normally, such a rise in juvenile populations is expected around mid-April. What makes this situation particularly concerning is that young sharks prefer colder waters. As a result, the beaches of southern California, where the water is cooler compared to the Mexican coast, could become attractive habitats for these sharks. “Those are the very same beaches we use. Given that this summer will be hotter than average, we expect more people on the beaches,” warned Lowe. He also predicted a higher number of young great white sharks along the southern California coast, extending up to Monterey. Great white sharks are not the only species of concern. Lowe anticipates an increase in tiger shark arrivals as well. According to data from the International Shark Attack File, which records shark attacks worldwide, the United States has the highest number of unprovoked shark attacks. In 2025, 25 such incidents were confirmed, five of which occurred in California. One of these resulted in death. Despite this, specialists advise beachgoers planning trips to California this summer not to panic, as the risk of shark bites remains extremely low. Last year, nine people died in shark attacks globally, while lightning strikes cause approximately 24,000 deaths and ten times more injuries each year.