Great white shark swims near kayaker in Monterey Bay

A video taken by a drone, high above the waters of Monterey Bay in California, shows a great white shark swimming close by a kayaker. 

The video was taken June 24 by Giancarlo Thomae, of Sanctuary Cruises, off Seacliff State Beach. 

Thomae is a marine biologist who says he has been documenting the increase in great white sharks sightings in Santa Cruz County for the past four years.

According to KTVU FOX 2 in San Francisco, about 40 great whites were in that area of water over the weekend. 

Thomae said he thinks great white sharks have made a resurgence after being threatened by poaching.

Northeastern Pacific great white sharks are protected under the California Endangered Species Act.