The governor has signed into law a bill by a South Coast legislator intended to provide new protections for great white sharks.
AB 2109 bans the use of shark bait, shark lures or shark chum in areas where great whites are visible, or known to be in the area. They are already a protected species.
The goal is to reduce the chance of the sharks being accidentally caught by those who are fishing. The legislation is also meant to help protect people. It might help reduce the chance of a shark being accidentally caught in an area where someone might be swimming, surfing and diving in the ocean.
Democratic Assemblyman Steve Bennett of Ventura sponsored the legislation. He says the bill provides new protection for the sharks, as well as for the public.
