New regulations aim to protect white sharks and reduce the risk of dangerous interactions with ocean users
Anticipating a larger presence of juvenile white sharks in Southern California as a result of warmer El Niño ocean conditions, the California Fish and Game Commission has adopted emergency regulations designed to protect white sharks while reducing the potential for dangerous interactions between hooked sharks and people recreating in the ocean.
Approved during the Commission’s June 17–18 meeting, the emergency regulations prohibit the use of certain fishing gear commonly used to target large sharks from beaches and nearshore areas where hooked sharks could create hazards for nearby beachgoers.
According to the California Fish and Game Commission, warmer ocean temperatures shift the preferred range of juvenile white sharks northward from Mexico, causing more sharks to remain in California’s nearshore waters later in the year. 
Under the emergency regulations, recreational anglers fishing from shore or within 1,000 yards of shore from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County south to the U.S.-Mexico border may not use hooks larger than 1.5 inches (maximum inside measurement) or wire or metallic lines and leaders commonly used to target large sharks.
The regulations apply to fishing from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man-made structures connected to the shore.
Unless extended, the emergency regulations will remain in effect for 180 days after filing with the California Secretary of State. The Commission may approve up to two 90-day extensions and ultimately may consider continuing the restrictions through the regular rulemaking process if the regulations prove effective.
This story is based on information provided by the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read the original announcement here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-takes-emergency-action-to-prevent-white-shark-take-and-reduce-potential-interactions-between-hooked-sharks-and-swimmers
