The Fear Beneath

i have heard the swirling rumors of close calls and rumors with Great White Sharks in Northern Santa Barbara County... You'd have to ask yourself, is it really worth it up there? Head to the Southern County breaks where it's a lot safer.

I have spoken with one of the parties who spotted the great white in Northern Santa Barbara County. They said it was twenty (20) feet long. Apparently it chased two guys out of the water and even displayed extremely aggressive tendencies towards jet skis and other small watercraft around the Gaviota area. I have also heard that several other great whites ranging in length from 15 to 20 feet have been spotted as well. Local marine biologists are advising all surfers to avoid Northern Santa Barbara County, as they fear an attack is imminent. Why would anyone take such an irresponsible risk?

isn't the message here that we need to clean up our act? surely the sharks are continuously more attracted to dirtier, smellier water? thanks for the horrifying photo.

>>"Local marine biologists are advising all surfers to avoid Northern Santa Barbara County, as they fear an attack is imminent."

I know several local marine biologists, and I doubt they would say something that unscientific and unsubstantiated. I suspect you're simply trying to thin the crowd at your favorite break ...

Let's look at the facts. The Shark Research Committee site recorded 7 attacks last year, 6 in 2006, 6 in 2005, and 7 in 2004. There's no recent upward trend.

There is a noticeable increase in reports of attacks since 2003. However, I suspect this has more to do with the publicity surrounding the fatal shark attack in Avila Beach in 2003 than any upward trend in shark attacks -- more publicity and fear surrounding shark attacks means attacks are more likely to be reported to the Shark Research Committee rather than just become a forgotten police report.

The statement "the 37 documented attacks since 2000 translate to more than five times the annual average during the 20th Century" is really misleading. Wouldn't you think the number of shark attacks might depend in part on how many people are in the water? How many people do you think were surfing, diving, and kayaking in California in 1901 as compared to 2001?

Does anyone remember the hype and fear-mongering during the "Summer of the Shark" in 2001?

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/science/03/...

My favorite quote: "The public's fearful fascination with sharks is matched only by the media's google-eyed gullibility."

Finally, here's something on the actual odds of a shark attack:

http://encarta.msn.com/quiz_125/Shark_At...

So relax, people. The sharks aren't out to get us. Go ahead and enjoy the surf. I recommend tlogue's favorite spot.

* Edit: I went back to look at the Shark Research Committee site again, and there were 9 reported attacks in 2004 and 2007, not 7. Still no upward trend. Sorry for any confusion caused by my miscount.

Dear UCSB Professor Garret Glasgow,

When Ed the Shark attacks again, I will be sure to send the bereaved widow, children, and parents to your classroom to lecture your students on false assumptions, poor judgment, and consequences. Please refrain from offering advice to those of us who face reality everyday and who are outside your protective bubble of academia. I understand you may believe you are improving the world while "Testing Assumptions Underlying Economic Research on Transgenic Food Crops for Third World Farmers: Evidence from Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico" rather than personally stepping into the dangerous waters of Northern Santa Barbara County. I understand your paleness has not ventured into the waters while dressed in jeans and a polo shirt since 1983. Therefore, Professor Glasgow, again, please realize that casually dismissing professional opinions and offering advice in an area in which one is not qualified to opine is completely and arrogantly inappropriate. You should know better, Professor. But I guess arrogance and elitism are a staple of academia, yes?

Wow.

I think I should take a moment here to remind everyone that you should read the label on the bottle carefully before taking prescription medication.

It seems that Garrett fancies himself a marine biologist and journalist; perhaps he ought to apply for an internship at the News Press, writing about his love of sharks for Wendy McCaw.

Using an MSN quiz from many years ago to support his case doesn't seem like a practice that a respectable institution such as UCSB would endorse - let's hope that this shoddy methodology doesn't extend to Transgenic Food Crops and the legions of impressionable young souls under the instruction of Professor Glasgow.

I, for one, actually appreciate the effort by the esteemed Santa Barbara Independent, and journalist Ethan Stewart, to promote the safety of the general public and keep the population appraised of any possible dangers. The cavalier attitude with which the Professor treats public safety is a real point of concern.

I suspect that you would do well to stick to Political Science, eh Mr. Glasgow?

It's OK guys, I talked to Ed the Shark, and he reassures me it's all a misunderstanding.

I, for one, actually appreciate the effort by the esteemed Santa Barbara Independent, and journalist Ethan Stewart, to promote the safety of the general public and keep the population appraised of any possible dangers.

===========

Is this Ethan's mom?

Another analytical gem from Professor Glasgow's intelligently impressive post: "...There is a noticeable increase in reports of attacks since 2003. However, I suspect this has more to do with the publicity surrounding the fatal shark attack in Avila Beach in 2003 than any upward trend in shark attacks -- more publicity and fear surrounding shark attacks means attacks are more likely to be reported to the Shark Research Committee rather than just become a forgotten police report."

So your argument is that before the madame professor was murdered by Ed in '03, there were attacks that were not reported? So is this a conspiracy by the police, medical personnel, and the media to sweep shark attacks under the rug? Since you are arguing attacks were not reported, wouldn't that mean there were more instances of shark attacks which thereby defeats your whole argument that public safety is not in jeopardy and we have nothing to worry about? Professor, I understand the peer review process is absent for you on this message board before you post, but your elementary analysis and radical conclusions would surely earn yourself a poor grade on one of your own midterms or finals. Perhaps you and your colleagues could develop a system of reviewing each other's posts before clicking that button on a public site.

Frankly, Professor, you are clearly a charlatan who certainly owes an apology to the family of the unfortunate colleague of your's who was brutally killed in '03 and all other shark attack victims worldwide. How will you feel if the next victim of Ed only ventured into the waters of Northern Santa Barbara County because he or she was persuaded by your post and erroneously concluded those waters were actually safe? Think about it.

Come now, basic reading comprehension isn't that hard, is it? I said attacks before 2003 were less likely to be reported to the *Shark* *Research* *Committee*, which is the source of data for this article.

However, it turns out you were right all along. I just checked with some marine biologists, and they *do* believe a shark attack is imminent. Apparently they have picked up a lot of shark chatter on illegally tapped phones that suggests that a shark attack is planned to coincide with the debut of the new surf and turf special at the Enterprise Fish Company.

Say hello to everyone at the Glendon Association for me.

Consequences schmonsequences as long as I'm rich... err... barreled.

More than likely the reason the shark attacks are up is they believe that people are hippos. You see sharks eat hippos because they are delicious and lazy

I enjoy my hippo with a side of spotted owl.

Garrett - you're right on the money.

As a younger brother of one of the original J-Boys(80's surf click of Jalama) i have herd of great white stories for along time. Everyone that surf Cracks and Tarantula's knows of the stories and close call. Why is this news? Please tell me.

Life is a risk.................................live it.

The statistic is skewed. You can't divide 38 attacks into the entire population of the US (300 million) coming up with a 1 in 8 million chance of getting hit. You have to divide the 38 into the quantity of beach goers going into the water. Am I missing something?

Hopefully the sharks will do us all a favor and eat Tlogue and drberticus. Ignorance and pride are yummy, sharks!

Fortunately the sharks won't mind the sticks and stones.

jed0, you're absolutely right -- that 1 in 8 million chance of a shark attack quoted in that in that quiz is an underestimate, since some people never go in the water and are thus never exposed to the possibility of a shark attack.

Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, hardcore surfers and the like spend thousands of hours in the water, and thus have far more exposure to the possibility of a shark attack than the average person.

The best way to actually calculate the odds of a shark attack that takes into account differing exposure to attack would be something like "shark attacks per human hour in the water." I did some quick googling, but thus far I haven't run across any calculations of this type.

No Garret, I'm sure there are statistics of beach goers., Even if you divided the 38 attack victims into the # of people living on or near the coast, you would have a more accurate stat. The proverb that you have a likelier chance of getting hit by lightning than attacked by a shark doesn't hold water. You can get hit by lightning anywhere, but can only get bit by a shark when in the ocean. Please don't bring up touch tanks, I am serious.

It is amusing to go around and around about the statistical probability of getting attacked by sharks. The scalar difference between getting attacked by a shark and getting smacked while crossing PCH to get to your surf spot is ridiculous. Drunks, SUVs and yahoos are way, way more liable to be widow makers.

What a great way to go, getting shacked, then eaten. Beats having to deal with the "Great White Sharks" that mold our minds, run our country and our board rooms. I think I'll hang with Ed and his friends, much safer. He's done nothing to my family for 6 generations of sharing his ocean. Maybe he fancies imported meats.

pretty amazing little chat.

you surfers fancy yourselves to be pretty fearless.

brave soldiers: please, win the war against sharks. the future of the world depends on it!

Every time I paddle near Rincon it seems I see a shark. Don't know if any of them were great whites, but there is no way in hell I'll ever let my son surf there. I am trying to persuade him that kyaking is a healthier sport, but so far no luck.

Rincon is one of the safest waves in california you kyaker kook. glad you dont surf. you wouldnt be welcome. as for all of this shark mumbo jumbo, you boys better watch what you say, wouldnt want karma, errr i mean ed, biting you in the arse.

i support garrett. stay afraid and stay out of our lineups.

I've been surfing Santa Barbara County for more than 20 years (and fishing) and have yet to ever see a shark while surfing. I have never seen a great white in 40 years of fishing the Channel Islands. I'm sure it happens however people also win the lotto so I am told. I suspect alot of land lovers and beginners mistake our healthy population of Dolphins for sharks as they cruise and play in our line ups! I've also surfed known shark waters where attacks have occured and still haven't seen Ed. I would liken the chances of being attacked by a great white shark on our section of coastline like being hit by lightening 5 times in a row and live to tell about it!

To get a accurate statistical number of shark attack chances, you would need to find out how many people and how many times they go in the water. if you surf 300 times a year, thats equal to 300 people who go once a year.
Kayaker, don't fool yourself, plenty of kayakers have been attacked/bumped by white sharks.

With all the seals and fish in these waters, these sharks have plenty of food to eat. If you get attacked, it is because you are surfing in the shark's home. They are the true locals...don't even try to claim it, boney humans.

kkayaker think about how many people actually surf Rincon and how many people have ever been attacked. Theres too many dolphins patrolling the coast there to let any sharks attack us. You're probably more likely to get run over buy a cargo ship like all those blue whales.

wow that was most intriguing, I grew up surfing the J and the ranch, and have only seen 1 blue, no matter though, sitting in the line-up at cracks at dusk or surfing Govie's any time, the thought is always in your mind and you always bug out at every seal,dolphin and kelp until it's properly identified. As for all of the "boat iners" watch out for that paddle from the line up to the boat,sketchyyy! All that to say it's never kept me out of the water, and now living in So Cal, I have to take 101 to Kanan to get surf and my sigh of relief comes when I "get" to the beach.

What does Glasgow the Wise have to say about the tragedy in Solana Beach? Let's revisit his wisdom:

"So relax, people. The sharks aren't out to get us. Go ahead and enjoy the surf."

http://www.10news.com/news/15993296/deta...

My deepest condolences to the family of Dave Martin.

I agree with DRBERTICUS!

GARRET GLASGOW, I dare you to again assure the public about the high level of safety of the waters of No. SB County!

If I were GARRET GLASGOW I would feel like an imbecile after news broke of the tragedy down south.
If I were GARRET GLASGOW I would also be lobbying the Independent to delete this thread because it may seriously jeopardize his chance to receive one of the most coveted and corrupt positions in the United States, tenure at a public university. This position bestows a lifetime of benefits at the public's expense without any accountability!

Is anyone else scared of the propaganda this kook would spew and pollute our students' minds with? That's a very scary thought but definitely not as scary as those waters off N. SB County!

Another shark attack fatality. Does Garrett The Sage One have any comment?:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaki...

American surfer dies after shark attack off Mexico

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

An American surfer has died after being bitten by a shark off Mexico's Pacific coast earlier this week.
The 24-year-old man was surfing off the isolated Troncones beach when he was attacked by a tiger shark on Monday.

He suffered a 15-inch wound to his thigh and bled to death before he could receive treatment.

The death comes just four days after another fatal shark attack off California's Pacific coast.

The 66-year-old victim of that attack was bitten by a great white shark.

Just a comment..I am sure you all are more qualified and experienced than I to talk about this subject matter. I ran across this chat while just researching the recent news from the San Diego attack, Mexico attack and the attack in the Bahamas. I personally, don't ever get into the water. Just recently came back from Cancun this past weekend, and got waist deep into the water, the first time in my life I went more than ankle deep!! - big break through for me - really.

And then I read sites like this ...

http://darter.ocps.net/classroom/klenk/s...

I'll admit it, I am a coward and will probably stick to land once more.

Oh my God! Did you see what people were saying in that article drberticus posted? Here's one quote:

""It's just very bad luck for that one man," said Richard Rosenblatt, a professor emeritus of marine biology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego."

Just bad luck? Doesn't he know the sharks are out to get us? Apologize, Dr. Rosenblatt!

Here's another quote from the article:

"Overall, shark attacks are extremely rare. There were 71 reported worldwide last year, up from 63 in 2006. Only one attack, in the South Pacific, was fatal, according to the University of Florida."

How dare they spread this dangerous misinformation! Apologize!

And even more outrage:

"It's not any more dangerous than it was yesterday or the week before," Burgess said. "The reality is when you enter the sea it's a wilderness experience. There are animals out there that can and do occasionally do harm to us.""

Burgess, you turd! This is WAR, you traitor to your species! I want to see you shrieking and pissing your pants! Apologize!

While checking the surf report, I came across a link to this article.

I sipped my cup of morning stimuli and read. Blah, blah, blah shark attack, blah, blah! I guess if you were toying with the idea of learning to surf, this may actually persuade you to..... NOT!

Feeling a tad under stimulated from the article and having another cup of mud in hand, I decided to check out the comments. WOW!! - now that's entertainment.

If the shark attacks do not steer you away from the SB waters, maybe the comments from the readers should!

Mahalo to all my ohana of the sea......

When the shark strikes here in the northern county, we probably will not have footage like this. This video of two great white sharks attacking a surfer demonstrates just how dangerous surfing is today:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=...

Is anybody else tired of people like Garrett justifying these brutal animals' behavior by saying the shark likely believed its victim was a seal or sea lion? Enough with the excuses! Let's call these beasts exactly what they are: cold, calculating, man eating killing machines.

http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/article...

ITS GLOBAL WARMING!!! AL GORE COULD HAVE SAVED THIS BOYS LIFE IF ONLY WE HAD LISTENED!

There seems to be much to Fear Beneath this year - another Great White Shark Attack, this one in the land down under... The next one could be in our own local waters!

http://rickroll.it/cd4224

If you decide to risk the notoriously shark-y waters of northern santa barbara county, ask yourself how much you value your legs... and your life. yikes!

i, for one, appreciate my family and friends too much to gamble with existence in such an irresponsible fashion.

you people are so ignorant to call this a war on sharks. We are aware we are surfing in their home, duh. all you land lovers should not be passing judgment on how we choose to live our lives, risks involved. It is rare to get hit, considering the amount of people in ca surfing everysingle day and in sb counties, and the rate of attacks that occur. if you ignorant people want to just spit out stats from around the world you are obviously going to find them. But once again, this article seems to center around n sb county, lets not get carried away tlougue, dberticus, and especially you kelp805.

I live in the mountains where bears are always a concern. I suppose it could keep you off the trails if you were nervous &/or paranoid. But then again knowing that we can share the natural environment w/these magnificent creatures is part of the experience for many of us.
If you're not comfortable w/this (and the associated low risk statistics), maybe it's best you don't go anywhere. This way you'll just die of obesity or remote control elbow or something less "extreme". But more than likely it will be a traffic accident.

What's that? The third attack on a surfer within the last month? The second attack in the last TWO days?

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5htzcf...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7418...

Sure, we're paranoid. Nobody ever gets killed by sharks. It's statistically unreasonable. Even "rare," right 'asauce?'

Go ahead and tell that to the grieving families of Bruce Greems and Osvaldo Mata Valdovinos. I'm sure they would love to hear all of your statistics.

I, too, find it curious there are so many apologists for the brutalities committed by these sadistic animals.

These attacks only bolster the case for longer fishing lines, more hooks, and wider nets.

May God have mercy on these sharks' sick souls.

The Fear Beneath waters of Northern Santa Barbara County only grows with each additional shark attack. Just ask local divers who now refuse to even enter the waters north of Gaviota. I also understand certain surf publications and websites are considering the removal of their forecast tools for these waters because of liability issues.

I do not wish harm on these wonderful creatures but only wish the naievete would cease about the apparent safety of the waters off Northern Santa Barbara County.

As an abalone and urchin diver for the last 30 years I have encountered great white sharks off Northern Santa Barbara County no less than on seven occasions (3 in the last five years). The last instance caused my retirement (if a 23 foot great white shark investigated your existence you would retire too).

Think about it. Tell your family and friends or else you may experience the ultimate guilt or may even pay the ultimate price.

I urge you to pass this on.

Look, man, I've got certain information, all right?

Certain things have come to light.

And, you know, has it ever occurred to you, that, instead of, uh, you know, running around, uh, blaming me, you know, given the nature of all this new stuff, you know, I ... this could be a lot more, uh, complex, I mean, it's not just, it might not be just such a simple... uh, you know?

Emotions are running high here and the tension is palpable. What we need is an objective forum - for examination of the overwhelmingly convincing evidence that we are currently experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of shark attacks worldwide, and particularly on the Pacific coast of the United States. The Shark Research Committee has documented 11 separate attacks in California, in the last year alone!

Sharks have always represented a hostile, remorseless threat to our lives in the oceans of the world, but this remarkable turn of events warrants serious and actionable discussion.

This very discussion is taking place now at http://www.fearbeneath.com.

Everyone is free to express their concerns and partake of the resources offered by the site, the goal being a well-educated citizenship and the reduction of fatal shark attacks worldwide. Shark advisories and forecasting, while currently in their scientific and administrative infancy, aim to be effective tools for preventing shark attacks in some of the most frequented and inhospitable locales.

Eek! my son and his friends (all 18) are registered to stay at El Capitan SB for three nights mid-July, and then down to McGrath. Are you saying that the waters off El Capitan are pretty sharky?

Garrett Glasgow is one of the few on this post demonstrating common sense and rational thinking. As for the rest of you please take a deep breath and think before you type. See you fools in the lineup.

Mangled Seal Corpses on Beach Near Cojo:

http://www.fearbeneath.com/2008/06/mangl...

Decapitated Harbor Seal on East Beach &
Dead Seal Pup in Newport Beach:

http://www.sharkresearchcommittee.com/pa...