For longtime sailor Craig Kendrick, time on the water has recently come with an unmistakable change: more marine life is appearing closer to shore than usual.<\/p>\n
\u201cDolphins and whales, but never ever a shark,\u201d Kendrick said.<\/p>\n
Marine experts say warmer waters associated with El Ni\u00f1o, a weather pattern that occurs every few years, can shift fish populations closer to the coastline. As prey moves, sharks often follow.<\/p>\n
Kendrick said the increase in visible wildlife is both impressive and concerning.<\/p>\n
\u201cPart of me likes it that the marine wildlife is thriving, and part of me is alarmed, but no one has been bit,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Local harbor patrol officers say they are monitoring ocean conditions and responding when necessary, especially when shark sightings occur near popular swimming or surfing areas.<\/p>\n
Jan Martinez, a harbor patrol officer, said crews have previously encountered sharks during patrols and take precautions when needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been on duty and have seen sharks before. We do close beaches when there is an active shark encounter at the beach,\u201d Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Officials emphasized that shark sightings do not automatically mean danger, but public safety decisions depend on proximity and behavior.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re out deep in the ocean, that\u2019s where they live, but if you see an active one on the shoreline, you can always call us,\u201d Martinez said.<\/p>\n
El Ni\u00f1o conditions bring warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures across parts of the Pacific, which can influence fish migration, feeding patterns and overall marine activity along the coast.<\/p>\n