A 14-to-16-foot whale shark was sighted swimming in the Pacific Ocean 30 miles off the coast of California between Santa Barbara Island and Malibu on September 9, 2026, according to commercial fisheries pilot Carl Sbarounis.
Sbarounis, who documented the encounter via video and photographs, reported the sighting after receiving a tip from his colleague Ryder DeVoe. The whale shark, the world’s largest fish species, was observed gliding through crystal-clear waters during a routine flight over the region.
Whale sharks are harmless filter feeders that consume plankton, krill, and small fish. While typically found in tropical waters such as off Australia, Baja California, and the Persian Gulf, they occasionally venture into Southern California during periods of warmer ocean temperatures. Sbarounis noted that whale sharks are more frequently spotted in the region during El Niño events, when water temperatures rise.
The sighting occurred amid unusually warm ocean conditions along the California coast, attributed to a regional marine heatwave and the influence of a strong El Niño pattern this year. Brendan Talwar, a postdoctoral scholar at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, suggested that these environmental factors are likely drawing tropical marine species into Southern California waters.
In addition to the whale shark, Sbarounis observed groups of manta rays, including tan-brown rays and gray rays with black stripes, known as spinetail devil rays. Earlier in August, a hammerhead shark was also spotted near the Malibu pier, further indicating an influx of unusual marine life.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has noted elevated sea surface temperatures in the region, which may explain the increased presence of these species. Whale sharks, despite their size, pose no threat to humans and are known for their docile behavior.
Sbarounis, who has spent over 40 years as a commercial fisheries pilot, described the sighting as part of a broader trend of unusual marine activity in Southern California waters during favorable conditions. He added that such sightings are more likely when weather is stable and water temperatures are elevated.
Marine scientists weigh in on unusual sightings
Experts attribute the recent influx of tropical species to a combination of climate patterns and oceanographic conditions. Talwar emphasized that El Niño events and marine heatwaves can disrupt typical migration routes, leading to sightings of species typically found in warmer climates.
The warm-water conditions have also coincided with the appearance of other notable species, including 200-pound bluefin tuna off Northern California. These changes reflect broader shifts in marine ecosystems, which scientists continue to monitor.
While whale sharks are not endangered, their presence in non-typical regions highlights the impact of climate variability on marine life distribution. Researchers stress the importance of long-term ocean monitoring to better understand these patterns.
Historical context of whale shark sightings in California
Whale sharks are rarely documented in California waters, with sightings typically linked to El Niño years or periods of unusually warm ocean temperatures. Sbarounis last encountered a whale shark in the region three years ago, aligning with previous observations that these sightings are intermittent and tied to environmental conditions.
The Southern California Bight, where the recent sighting occurred, is not a primary habitat for whale sharks but has seen an increase in pelagic species due to shifting oceanic patterns. This trend underscores the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the influence of large-scale climate phenomena on local biodiversity.