Leopard Sharks breeding in La Jolla, CA

Once a year, around August, the leopard sharks and Guitarfish come close to shore at one part of La Jolla Shores, just north of San Diego for a couple of weeks to breed. 50+ of these animals hang out in 3 - 6 feet of water making it easy to see them from the surface or snorkeling (if the visibility is good). And yes, even though they can get up to 5 ft long, they're harmless.

I recently joined the San Diego-based Shark Protectorate; a non-profit group that seeks to educate the public on the threats facing sharks worldwide from man-made problems, including their cruel & senseless slaughter for shark-fin soup; a recent status symbol in some parts of the
Chinese community. 95% of the shark is unused & thrown back helpless but still alive into the water. Much as I love Chinese food, I will not eat at any restaurant that serves it, whether on their regular or "special events" menus & encourage others to consider similar action & raise awareness.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Leopard
• sharks
• guitarfish
• la
• jolla
• san
• diego
• underwater
• snorkeling
• scuba

[fotograh]

When is the best time to go swim with these sharks in La Jolla?

[LimeyInSD]

The breeding season where most of them are out is late July/ August, but I saw a bunch of them kayaking over the weekend, too.

[LayzeeNpRoUd]

can you go fishing there?

[LimeyInSD]

It's part of the La Jolla Marine preserve, so I don't think fishing is allowed. Certainly not for the sharks.

[xill2005]

omg are they poionus

[LimeyInSD]

Nah, they're totally harmless - they're bottom feeders.

[ScubaDubaDive]

The intire preserve is protected, fishing/hunting is not allowed. You can fish and hunt just to left of the cove; to the right of the peir, and 1 mile off shore... allowing for 1 sq. mile of protected waters.

[NBRUProductions]

Swan right next to one of these things surfing was freaked out

[BigRoblilG]

If i was to step on one would it bite me?

[1beebees]

@ATE23 LOL

[TheNewYorkTaxi]

@LayzeeNpRoUd For serious dude? I'm all for surf fishing but...breaking up shark sexy time? Not cool...

[KingKongSlong6969]

ever go spear fishing?

[ReliableSunPower]

That's my only fear in life. How bad does that hurt? I assume it stung you.

[nickbelton2020]

Yeah i went once, but like after 5 mins i stepped on a sting ray :( this was 2005

[dubhitz]

Awesome! Nice video. I was there once in june again two weekends ago and going again this weekend. It's very exhilarating.