When drone operator Nick Bertocchini launched his camera into the air above Seascape Beach on the morning of June 10, he had no idea he’d capture footage that would become a stark reminder of who really owns California’s coastline. Around 8:45 a.m., his lens caught something that made him pause—a shark circling a surfer named Rex with what Bertocchini described as unusually investigative behavior.
The encounter itself ended without incident. Rex, who grew up surfing in the area, made the smart call to exit the water. But what makes this footage worth paying attention to isn’t the drama of a near-miss—it’s what it tells us about shifting marine conditions along the Central Coast. According to Bertocchini, who regularly films shark activity from above, this particular interaction stood out. Most shark sightings involve curious creatures that move on without lingering. This one was different. It was methodical. It was interested.
What’s particularly noteworthy is Rex’s own observation: he’s been surfing Seascape Beach for years and has noticed more sharks in the area over time. That’s not casual observation—that’s a pattern worth acknowledging. Shark sightings are hardly uncommon along this stretch of California coast, but the frequency and boldness of encounters seem to be evolving. Whether that’s due to changing food sources, water temperatures, or simply more people in the water documenting what was always happening remains an open question.
Bertocchini’s drone work gives us a rare bird’s-eye view into a world most of us only experience from inside it. And his relief that this particular encounter ended peacefully speaks volumes. Sharks aren’t villains; they’re apex predators navigating their own space. But as more of us venture into the water and more technology lets us document what’s actually out there, the line between curiosity and caution gets harder to ignore.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
