Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell introduced new legislation to fund research on the increasing number of sharks along the California coast earlier this week.

AB 2191 establishes the White Shark Population Monitoring and Beach Safety Program to be able to provide grant funding to academic institutions conducting research regarding white sharks and protection efforts for sharks and beachgoers.

Increased Shark Activity Prompts Advisory for Long Beach Peninsula

“This bill is about learning why there are more sharks and how to deal with the increase so we can keep our kids safe at the beach,” O’Donnell said in a statement.

O’Donnell also introduced a partnership with Cal State Long Beach and its Shark Lab on campus.

“Investing in white shark monitoring, education and safety ultimately benefits beachgoers, local tourism, businesses and the overall health of the marine environment,” said Director of CSULB Shark Lab Chris Lowe in a statement.

The bill now awaits referral to its first policy committee.