New York’s Response to a Flurry of Shark Attacks? Send In the Drones

Following five reported encounters during the July Fourth weekend, New York’s governor rolled out more eyes in the sky.

Monday, July 17, 2023 at 04:13 PM ET

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (center) observes park police as they operate a drone over Jones Beach in Nassau County. [Courtesy: Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul]

Key Takeaways:

New York is significantly expanding its shark monitoring efforts by deploying up to 60 drones across coastal areas including Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County.
Governor Hochul's initiative aims to enhance beach safety following a recent increase in shark encounters, with the state providing funding for drone procurement and staff training for local governments.
The drones are designed to monitor sharks, schools of fish, and environmental conditions, with some advanced models capable of thermal imaging, laser range-finding, and deploying flotation devices.
The program, which identifies drones as an effective mechanism for detecting shark activity, has received positive feedback from local officials for improving water surveillance and beachgoer safety.

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As New York contends with a flurry of shark attacks—including five in two days over Fourth of July weekend, three fewer than the state recorded in all of 2022—Gov. Kathy Hochul has decided the best way to monitor the sea is from the sky.

It’s possible the rise in shark encounters is simply a fluke: There were actually fewer attacks in 2022 than in the previous year, and the rate of them has remained steady over the past few decades. But on Friday, recognized internationally as Shark Awareness Day, Hochul announced a major expansion of New York’s efforts to combat shark attacks with drones.