A hammerhead shark was spotted cruising about a mile off the coast of Laguna Beach, a rare sight that has drawn attention from ocean enthusiasts. The shark, estimated at 8 to 9 feet long, was first spotted by Capt. Dave McCabe aboard a Newport Coastal Adventure boat, who alerted other boat operators, according to the Santa Ana Orange County Register. The shark was captured on video by wildlife photographer Mark Girardeau, also on a Newport Coastal Adventure charter.

Girardeau said the last time he saw a hammerhead shark in Southern California was during the El Niño event in 2015. He told the Register, "I don't know a lot about them, we never see them here. I know they are mythical; a lot of people don't even think they are real. It makes them that much cooler." He also told ABC7 Los Angeles that "We are expecting to see more stuff because this is kind of just the start of it," as the water is expected to keep warming over the next couple of months.

The shark sighting is one of several recent occurrences. McCabe said it was the second he'd seen in the same area in recent weeks, and reports noted one hammerhead off the Malibu Pier a week ago and another recently in Santa Barbara. The last time Girardeau documented a hammerhead off local waters was in 2015 around the same area, during similar warm water conditions then dubbed "The Blob," which brought a wave of exotic sea life including whale sharks.

Warm water and marine shifts

The unusual visitor is being tied to a marine heat wave and El Niño conditions keeping ocean water off the Southern California coast in the mid-70s. McCabe said there have been other tropical bird species reported, as well as fish such as dorado and yellowfin tuna typically found further south. "It kind of feels like the Mexico ecosystem pushes up and we get a little taste of it," he said. Girardeau also recently spotted a pufferfish, another tropical species rare to the area.

Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe said the hammerhead sightings are closer to shore than have been documented in the past. He noted that hammerheads get very excited around fish blood, so spearfishermen and people fishing from a kayak should use caution. In 2015, two people were bitten by hammerheads: one spearfisher about 90 miles offshore who was bitten in the hand, and another off Malibu in a kayak who was bitten in the leg. Lowe also said there are two kinds of hammerhead species – scalloped, an endangered species, and smooth hammerheads, the ones showing up in Southern California.

Lowe is also watching for broader changes. He said "Now what I'm waiting for next fish a whale shark to show up. They are coming." He also expressed concern that squid and anchovies may move out of the region because waters are too warm, and that sea lions may suffer because they can't find food and can starve, with marine mammal care centers already busy.

Heat, crowds, and busy summer on the coast

While the shark sighting has drawn attention, the warm conditions are also affecting beachgoers. Orange County remained under some kind of heat advisory Tuesday afternoon, ABC7 reported. High temperatures drew large crowds to the beaches. In Laguna Beach, beachgoers packed the shoreline despite temperatures in the 80s on the sand. Inland areas of Orange County were under an extreme heat warning.

Among those braving the heat were players from Laguna Beach High School and Santa Margarita competing in a beach volleyball match. A coach said the sand was so hot that players needed as much water as possible to help cool their feet during competition.

The Marine Safety Division in Laguna Beach said activity this summer has been busier than normal across several areas, including rescues, injuries and marine life encounters. Officials said the heat has helped draw large crowds to the coast. The shark sighting followed other recent reports of increased stingray activity and sightings in Orange County. A beach hazard statement was also scheduled to take effect, bringing waves of 4 to 6 feet with sets reaching up to 7 feet, along with strong rip currents.

Experts and officials are keeping a close eye on the unusual conditions. As Girardeau noted, "We are expecting to see more stuff because this is kind of just the start."