Since 1990, Van Sommeran has headed the Santa Cruz-based Pelagic Shark Research Foundation, a small but zealous band of dedicated shark lovers who strive to ensure that the ocean's top predators thrive. The work has landed him a role in many of Northern California's biggest marine stories, but he won't be there for the latest one.
Recently, the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation started looking into a broad shark die-off near an upscale bayside development in Redwood City. In less than two weeks, Van Sommeran estimates as many as 50 - perhaps more - leopard sharks washed up dead, an aquatic mystery that he worries won't be thoroughly investigated.
'The body count's gone from several to a dozen to dozens to an unknown number,' said Van Sommeran, adding that it's likely hundreds have been killed but haven't washed ashore. 'In this case, clearly, something has gone wrong.'"
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