UPDATE: The Los Angeles Times has posted some comments from Ralph Collier at The Shark Research Committee:
“In regards to the prior migratory movements of adult white sharks off the Southern California coastline, in the past it was necessary for the sharks, once they had pupped, to travel to Central and Northern California because the majority of the pinniped rookeries and haul-out sites were in those locations.
Today is a different story. At last count, pinnipeds number more than 300,000 in the state and large numbers have taken up residency in Southern California. This precludes the sharks from migrating North with such a plentiful supply of energy (pinnipeds) along our coastal shoreline. However, this could have a negative effect on the survival of the newborn sharks. In time we will be able to determine the real cause and effects of the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act.”
Ralph Collier at The Shark Research Committee has posted an incredible eye-witness account of a Great White Shark annihilating a sea lion. It appears to have been the last hoorah for this particular sea lion – once again, the unmatched ferocity and devastation of the Great White Shark prevails…
Great White Shark Sighting in Malibu
MALIBU
On September 21, 2008 Gina S. and her husband were walking along the beach below the RV Park located between Pepperdine University and Paradise Cove near Malibu. It was about 5 PM with a sunny sky and a slight breeze.
Gina reported; “While walking along the beach my husband and I observed 3 sea lions 30 – 40 yards from shore with a small pod of dolphins about 20 yards to the East of the sea lions. The dolphins seemed to be remaining in the same location possibly feeding. There was one lone sea lion at the surface about 30 yards South of the others.
While looking at the lone sea lion suddenly the huge head of a Great White Shark surfaced next to the seal and took a large bite out of the animal. The shark was dark grey and at least 10 – 12 feet in length with a dorsal fin 12 – 16 inches high.
The attack occurred just beyond the forming waves and lasted only a minute or less. Following the initial bite, there was a lot of splashing and then all went quite. Sea gulls began diving on the attack site as if they were feeding. The shark submerged and neither the shark nor the bitten sea lion were observed again.”
Caution should be exercised when utilizing this location for your ocean water activities.
Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to either The Shark Research Committee or The Fear Beneath.