Juvenile Great White sharks, despite their intimidating appearance, are surprisingly selective when it comes to their preferred habitat temperature. A groundbreaking study conducted by Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab has shed light on these sharks’ thermal preferences, revealing that they share similarities with humans in this regard.
The study, led by Emily Spurgeon, tracked nearly two dozen tagged white sharks using advanced temperature and depth sensors. The findings indicate that temperature is the primary factor influencing the sharks’ choice of location, accounting for 70% of their decision-making. Their ideal temperature range falls between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, aligning with the optimal conditions found in the Pacific Ocean from spring to fall.
Spurgeon’s research also uncovered that the sharks spend a significant amount of time within the first six feet of water, placing them in close proximity to other ocean-goers. This underscores the critical need for state funding to support research and ensure public safety as shark populations continue to rise and climate change warms coastal waters.
According to Spurgeon, the sharks’ behavior differs based on the time of day. During dawn and dusk, they tend to stay in deeper waters, likely foraging for food. However, in the afternoons, they move to shallower depths to warm themselves in the sun, just like humans and other creatures enjoying the beach.
Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab, emphasizes the significance of understanding these patterns to safeguard beachgoers. He stresses the importance of continued research to stay informed about shark behavior and implement appropriate safety measures.
