Socal Summer Shark Forecast

Interesting little article I found on Surfline.com

SUMMER SHARK FORECAST
What is this summer looking like for shark activity in SoCal?

What is this summer looking like for shark activity in SoCal? Does the previous activity make it seem like it's going to be more dangerous? -- asked by Numerous SoCal surfers
The Shark Research Committee's Ralph S. Collier has been watching this kind of stuff for years. Here's his take:

Those of us that have, or do, venture into the marine realm, know that there is danger involved with any activity therein. Are the numbers of encounters and their locations something to be concerned with? If we compare two like periods; January 1 to June 3, 2007 and January 1 to June 3, 2008, the answer to that question is somewhat compelling.    
During the 2007 period, four shark encounters were reported with no attacks. For the same period this year, 2008, there have been 22 encounters, including two attacks, one fatal. However, you need remember that ocean user groups populations have also increased, providing more potential observers. Could the increased number of incidents be the result of more people in and on the water? Yes. Should you be alarmed at these statistics? No. Should you be more observant of the environment when surfing? Yes. Can you reduce the likelihood of an encounter? Yes.
Should you be alarmed at these statistics? No. Should you be more observant of the environment when surfing? Yes.
-- Ralph S. Collier, The Shark Research Committee

Here are a few things you can do that will reduce the likelihood of an encounter. Don't surf those areas that are utilized by grunion during their spawns - larger predatory fish will frequent these areas. Don't surf after sunset and before dawn - sharks are known to migrate towards land at night. Don't surf a beach where a recent shark encounter or attack has occurred - this one is obvious, the shark could still be in the area. Don't surf near pinniped haul-out sites - they are a primary prey species for adult white sharks.