By Alexander Lee

In Southern California, swimmers, surfers, and local businesses have adjusted to the presence of juvenile great white sharks. Researchers are now diving deep to explore the impacts of these marine creatures on the region's economic landscape.
Chris Lowe, the head of Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach, shared with CBS News correspondent Carter Evans that young great white sharks, those aged below seven, typically display indifference to human presence, exhibiting curiosity only occasionally.
"It's akin to a neighborhood dog. It might approach you during a stroll and give you a sniff," explained Lowe.
Evans had the opportunity to join Lowe and his team as they delved into shark-dominated waters, employing a sizeable fishing net to gather and tag potential prey for the sharks. Lowe was quick to clarify that humans are not part of their dietary preferences. Nonetheless, the occasional shark-human interaction, sometimes resulting in a bite, is bound to make headlines nationwide. Hence, the Shark Lab is on a mission to discern the economic ramifications, both positive and negative, that shark bites might have on local communities.
Lowe pointed out that a shark attack in Camp Pendleton had once caused the Huntington Beach City Council to report a staggering $7 million loss in hotel bookings, even though the two locations are more than 60 miles apart.
Contrastingly, a study by West Virginia University discovered a surge in hotel bookings in the three days following a shark attack, although the numbers plummeted thereafter.
Dede Long, an economist, is collaborating with Shark Lab to delve into the economic consequences stemming from public reactions to shark bites.
"Some might consider it a serious threat and avoid the beach, while others might find it thrilling and be drawn to it," Long remarked. Sam Holcombe, who owns a surf shop in Santa Barbara, stated that the sharks aren't detrimental to his business. "Upon educating our stand-up paddleboard renters about the sharks, the majority opt to proceed with their plans," Holcombe said.

Katie Dudley, a tourism professor and Shark Lab collaborator, noted that sharks aren't a major concern for most beachgoers. During another water expedition with the researchers near the fishing net's location, Evans encountered a nearly 9-foot-long great white shark. When questioned about people actively seeking shark-watching experiences, Dudley replied affirmatively.
"Absolutely. Our team's holistic approach, addressing the issue from multiple angles, aims to develop a sustainable model that ensures the coexistence of a flourishing tourist destination and a thriving shark population in our oceans," Dudley concluded.
 
Reporter Alexander Lee alexanderlee_24@newsyn.co.kr