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Once New Yorkers decided it was safe to swim in the water, shark sightings increased. But now dozens of shark-spotting drones are stationed over New York beaches. What are these drones and how do they work?
“These new drones will enhance the ability of local authorities to monitor sharks in Long Island and New York, keeping local beaches safe for all vacationers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hokul.
Shark sightings off Long Island, which geographically includes most of New York’s beaches, increased over the July 4 holiday weekend, officials said.
This week, five people were bitten by sharks off the coast of Long Island over the course of two days. On July 4, the beaches of Robert Moses Park were closed after about 50 sharks were seen in the water.
On the subject: Several great white sharks spotted off the coast of New York: how predators are tracked
The attacks and sightings have prompted New York State Parks and environmental officials to step up monitoring of sharks, including with drones.
The drones will be sent to state facilities along Long Island, including New York, to boost their shark detection efforts, officials said.
New Yorkers who are still afraid to go into the water can heed these shark safety tips, courtesy of the state Department of Environmental Conservation:
avoid places with seals;
avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish or diving seabirds;
avoid swimming at dusk, at night and at dawn;
avoid muddy water;
swimming, rowing and surfing only in groups;
stay close to the shore where your feet can touch the bottom;
always follow the instructions of lifeguards and park staff.
How drones work
Aerial drones could be an important tool to reduce the risk of shark attacks on beaches in the coming years. Drones will fly autonomously over beaches, continuously scanning for sharks using image recognition software.
If a shark is detected, the live video will immediately go to the beach authorities, such as lifeguards. If it is a dangerous shark, appropriate public safety measures can be taken, such as sounding an alarm and getting people out of the water.
The reaction of the authorities will vary depending on the type of shark found and its location. In addition to tracking sharks, the drones are also equipped with sirens and warning lights to facilitate any emergency response.
When needed, each drone automatically takes off, patrols, lands and recharges again, ready for the next mission.
Like other measures, this cannot completely eliminate the possibility of shark attacks. However, it can help reduce the risk to an acceptable level for most beach goers.
It is important to note that the drone-based approach to shark attack mitigation does not harm sharks or other marine animals such as whales, dolphins, rays and sea turtles, unlike more controversial shark control measures such as nets or baited lines.
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Drones to detect sharks appeared on the beaches of New York: how they work
Once New Yorkers decided it was safe to swim in the water, shark sightings increased. But now dozens of shark-spotting drones are stationed over New York beaches. What are these drones and how do they work?
“These new drones will enhance the ability of local authorities to monitor sharks in Long Island and New York, keeping local beaches safe for all vacationers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hokul.
Shark sightings off Long Island, which geographically includes most of New York’s beaches, increased over the July 4 holiday weekend, officials said.
This week, five people were bitten by sharks off the coast of Long Island over the course of two days. On July 4, the beaches of Robert Moses Park were closed after about 50 sharks were seen in the water.
On the subject: Several great white sharks spotted off the coast of New York: how predators are tracked
The attacks and sightings have prompted New York State Parks and environmental officials to step up monitoring of sharks, including with drones.
The drones will be sent to state facilities along Long Island, including New York, to boost their shark detection efforts, officials said.
New Yorkers who are still afraid to go into the water can heed these shark safety tips, courtesy of the state Department of Environmental Conservation:
- avoid places with seals;
- avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish or diving seabirds;
- avoid swimming at dusk, at night and at dawn;
- avoid muddy water;
- swimming, rowing and surfing only in groups;
- stay close to the shore where your feet can touch the bottom;
- always follow the instructions of lifeguards and park staff.
How drones work
Aerial drones could be an important tool to reduce the risk of shark attacks on beaches in the coming years. Drones will fly autonomously over beaches, continuously scanning for sharks using image recognition software.
If a shark is detected, the live video will immediately go to the beach authorities, such as lifeguards. If it is a dangerous shark, appropriate public safety measures can be taken, such as sounding an alarm and getting people out of the water.
The reaction of the authorities will vary depending on the type of shark found and its location. In addition to tracking sharks, the drones are also equipped with sirens and warning lights to facilitate any emergency response.
When needed, each drone automatically takes off, patrols, lands and recharges again, ready for the next mission.
Like other measures, this cannot completely eliminate the possibility of shark attacks. However, it can help reduce the risk to an acceptable level for most beach goers.
It is important to note that the drone-based approach to shark attack mitigation does not harm sharks or other marine animals such as whales, dolphins, rays and sea turtles, unlike more controversial shark control measures such as nets or baited lines.
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