On Shark Awareness Day, Governor Hochul Distributes New Drones to Take a Bite Out of Dangerous Shark Encounters on Long Island Beaches

 

Following Increased Shark Sightings in the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound, New York State Offers Resources for Local Governments for Better Monitoring, Communication with Office of State Parks, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police and Park Police

State-Issued Shark Safety Guidance: Be 'Shark Smart'

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new shark-monitoring drones are being distributed to coastal areas of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County. These drones will be distributed for an “eye in the sky” response to previous actions taken to address and enhance beachgoers' safety at State beaches. A total of up to 60 will be available to Long Island, New York City and Westchester County beaches. Governor Hochul made this announcement on Shark Awareness Day, celebrated internationally on July 14th.

“As beachgoers are enjoying their summer in New York, spending time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, we have added this eye in the sky,” Governor Hochul said. “State personnel will continue to do all we can to keep beachgoers safe. We have the tools and strategies to monitor marine wildlife and protect the health and safety of New Yorkers. These new drones will allow us to scan the water and help local governments across Long Island and New York City keep local beaches safe for all.”

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul put new shark safety protocols into place ahead of the summer season. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have increased water surveillance since shark sightings over and since the Fourth of July holiday.

State Parks is giving new drones to downstate municipalities, and also covering the cost of training and operation. While most municipalities do not have drone surveillance capability, this investment will assist localities and agencies along the entire Long Island coastline and in New York City to enhance monitoring efforts, looking for dangerous marine wildlife including sharks, schools of fish sharks feed on, plus seals or diving birds.

In late May, Governor Hochul announced enhanced shark monitoring measures for Long Island State Park beaches, which include State Parks' expanded surveillance capabilities:

• New York State added 10 drones to the eight in operation last year. One new drone assigned to Park Police is a large enterprise model with thermal imaging, laser range finding, and high-quality cameras to allow for night-time surveillance and patrols in adverse weather conditions. This drone can also drop personal flotation devices in emergency situations
• Currently 24 staff including Park Police officers, State Park operational staff, lifeguards and certified drone operators are trained;
• State Parks Environmental Educators hold public outreach regarding shark habitats for people at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Sunken Meadow
• Two new Yamaha WaveRunners have been assigned to lifeguards to patrol both Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Parks. These personal watercrafts join one already in operation at Sunken Meadow State Park
• Additional buffer zones were created between swimming areas and surf fishing areas
• When sightings occur, New York State Police Aviation will be available to respond

To minimize the risk of shark interactions, the Department of Environmental Conservation advises the following shark safety guidance:

• Avoid areas with seals
• Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds
• Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, night
• Avoid murky water
• Swim, paddle, and surf in groups
• Stay close to shore where your feet can touch the bottom
• Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks' staff

Humans assume risk whenever they enter any wild environment, whether on land or in the water. Although it is impossible to eliminate risk altogether, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk. When in the ocean, follow DEC's shark safety guidelines to minimize the potential for negative interactions with sharks.