For years, the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, has been at the forefront of research, tracking shark movements and behaviour, which has been crucial for beach safety and conservation efforts. The loss of funding could severely hinder these vital studies, potentially impacting both ecological understanding and public welfare.

Community and Ecology Under Threat

The potential cutbacks at the Shark Lab pose a dual threat—not only to the cutting-edge research and educational programs it supports but also to the communities that rely on its findings for safe ocean access. This shortfall comes at a time when accurate information and public education on sharks are more critical than ever.

The Shark Lab has engineered an advanced system incorporating buoys fitted with solar-powered wireless technology, seabed sensors, and tracking devices similar to fitness trackers attached to the fins of white sharks, enabling monitoring along California’s coastline.

To continue this program for the coming years, the lab requires funding of $7 million. Their aspiration is that private technology companies or foundations will come forward to provide the necessary financial support.

Our state funding ends in August and the state’s budget doesn’t look very good.

— Chris Lowe, director of Cal State Long Beach’s Sharklab.