Increased Shark Encounters Prompt Enhanced Drone Surveillance along New York’s Coast

Off the shores of Long Island, drones are deployed to monitor the ocean waters, ensuring the safety of beachgoers who have become more vigilant due to a recent surge in shark encounters.

In the past week, five individuals have reported shark bites at some of New York’s renowned beaches, leading to heightened surveillance measures in the area.

After a 10-foot (3-meter) shark sighting on Thursday, authorities advised people to refrain from entering the water at Robert Moses State Park. This beach, located on Long Island, had already delayed its reopening on July 4th due to the sighting of a group of 50 sand sharks spotted by a drone.

“We are now more alert than ever,” emphasized George Gorman, Long Island’s state park director. “We have drones monitoring the skies and lifeguards on WaveRunners watching over the waters.”

While shark encounters were once infrequent, there has been a recent increase in reports of shark bites. Last year, eight people were bitten by sharks while swimming in the shallow waters off Long Island’s beaches.

“We’ve already had five bites this year,” Gorman stated, expressing concern over the rise in shark sightings and encounters.

Cary Epstein, a lifeguard supervisor who operates drones at Jones Beach, explained how these battery-powered aircraft conduct three daily sweeps: before the beach opens, midday, and towards the end of the day.

Epstein demonstrated how drones provide an additional perspective that lifeguards on the beach cannot attain. From his control-equipped box, he piloted the drone, which hovered over the sand before zooming out over the water, becoming a tiny dot on the horizon.

“While lifeguard stations offer an elevated view, they lack a direct downward line of sight,” Epstein explained. “When sharks are preying on fish, it becomes unmistakably clear. We can see it without a doubt.”

However, Epstein cautioned, “Just because you don’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there.”

Only two months ago, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the addition of ten drones to the state’s squadron, bringing the total to 18. This increase in surveillance aims to monitor shark activity near the beaches along New York’s South Shore and ensure the safety of beachgoers.

Some argue that the rise in shark sightings indicates a healthier ecosystem. Cleaner waters foster the abundance of small fish that sharks feed on. With more small fish swimming closer to shore, sharks are more likely to be present.

Before 2022, New York had only recorded a dozen unprovoked shark bites. Over the past decade, the International Shark Attack File, which tracks global shark attacks, documented only four incidents of people being bitten by sharks in the region.

While Florida usually leads the nation in shark bites, with 16 reported last year, New York witnessed twice as many incidents, making it the runner-up.

Lifeguard Carl Nowicki, stationed at Jones Beach State Park, remained vigilant, scanning the waters for any activity that might attract sharks, such as large schools of bait fish.

“We won’t alert beachgoers until everyone is out of the water if a drone spots a shark,” Nowicki explained. “We don’t want them to panic. Once everyone is safely on the sand, we will provide transparent updates. We aim to prevent beachgoer panic.”

Beach visitor Mike Berchoff, aware of the increased drone presence, swims more cautiously. He prefers to stay in waist-deep water to minimize the risk of a shark encounter.

“I’ve noticed more drones lately, which gives me some reassurance that we will be alerted if there is any danger,” Berchoff stated.

The first reported encounter this summer occurred when a 15-year-old girl felt a bite on her leg while swimming. At another beach shortly afterward, a teenager had to return to shore after feeling something nibbling on his toes.

On the Fourth of July, two men reported possible shark bites in separate incidents 60 miles (97 kilometers) apart.

It is important to note that these incidents differ from the fictional horror depicted in the movie “Jaws,” which terrorized the fictional town of Amity Island. The recent encounters are unlikely to involve the fearsome great white sharks that typically inhabit deeper waters and rarely venture close to shore.

Around a dozen shark species, none considered particularly aggressive, can be found off the coast of Long Island. Sand sharks, the most common in the area, can grow up to nearly 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length. While their sharp, jagged teeth may cause alarm, these large fish are generally docile and tend to avoid human contact. A nursery for juvenile sharks is known to exist off Fire Island.

Shark biologists assert that sand sharks are unlikely to attack humans unless provoked. Any interaction with swimmers is typically unintentional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about shark encounters

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• Shark Attacks on the Rise: Should You Be Worried?
• Shark Safety Tips for Beachgoers