First Wednesdays: Lecture, Cocktail Hour, and Music

It’s Going to Be a Sharky Summer

Presented by Dr. Chris Lowe

Southern California’s coastal waters serve as a major nursery habitat for juvenile white sharks. The summer months mark a peak season for shark activity due to seasonally warmer waters. A marine heat wave has brought even warmer than usual ocean temperatures in 2026. Such conditions increase white shark presence but also other tropical shark species such as hammerheads.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Chris Lowe to learn about the current situation of sharks in our waters. Discover how marine biologists study sharks behaviors and migration patterns. Learn how advanced technologies, such as satellite tracking and smart tags, are allowing for real time warning systems. Examine the impacts of human activities on sharks in the ocean and steps that we can take to safeguard beachgoers and surfers sharing the water.

Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy live music, crafts and conversations in our art gallery. ONX Winery will also be hosting a complimentary wine tasting at this event. The program will also be live-streamed, recorded and photographed.

TICKETS

Tickets available: August 14, 2026 9:00 am PT

August 5 sold out

DATE

Wednesday
August 5, 2026
7:00–9:00 pm PT

COST

$8.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door (pending availability. Please check first).

Parking is $6.00 for the first 2.5 hours in the structure located directly across from the Aquarium. Drinks available for purchase before and after the lecture.

Speaker Bio

Credit: Courtesy of CSULB

Dr. Chris Lowe is a world-renowned marine biologist and served as the director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach for 27 years. Recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on shark behavior, his pioneering research focuses on the movement, behavior and physiology of sharks, rays and gamefish. He utilizes a wide array of technology including acoustic telemetry, satellite tracking, and smart tags to log data. Dr. Lowe is a prominent voice in science communication, bridging the gap between marine predators and public safety. He’s appeared in many articles, TV and radio broadcasts, including Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, PBS/BBC special Big Blue Live, NBC’s TODAY show, and National Geographic. He collaborates directly with lifeguards and beach communities to share data regarding shark-human interactions. Dr. Lowe grew up in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts and comes from a long line of New England commercial fisherman and whalers. He earned a BA in marine biology at Barrington College in Rhode Island, MS in Biology at California State University Long Beach, studying under the Shark Lab founder Donald Nelson, and his Doctorate in Zoology, studying hammerhead sharks at University of Hawaii.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays series focuses on animals, nature and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages.

As a reminder, photography, video, and audio recording may occur during the event for promotional and marketing purposes.

By attending, you and members of your party acknowledge and consent to the possible use of your image, likeness, or voice in promotional and marketing materials produced by the Aquarium of the Pacific and its assignees without compensation.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding photography/video and recordings at the event, please speak with a staff member upon arrival.