NY bets on drones due to the growing presence of sharks on its beaches

New York is hiring more drones to monitor sharks, whose presence has increased on beaches on Long Island, where several people have been bitten, and in those of the Atlantic Ocean, Governor Kathy Hochul reported this Friday.

He explained that the new drones will improve the shark surveillance capacity of authorities in Long Island and New York City.

It also reported that the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation They have also expanded the surveillance of the sharks after the sighting that was recorded during the July 4th holiday, following the security protocols for established sharks this year.

“New York has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and I have directed state personnel to do everything possible to keep beachgoers safe this summer,” Hochul said in a statement.

His announcement comes a day after authorities on Long Island, with several beaches along its Atlantic coast, announced the use of drones, helicopters and boats to closely monitor the presence of sharks after five cases of non-fatal shark bites were reported. bathers, including two children under 15 years of age.

The new drones will be distributed to all municipalities in the south of the state by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and will be provided with funds to cover the cost of training personnel to operate the drones and thus improve their shark surveillance efforts.

As part of the preparation for this summer season, the Parks Office held a meeting in the spring with coastal municipalities and local agencies to inform them of the latest in shark activity and the Environmental Department published its guide to reduce shark activity last week. the risk of interactions with sharks.

Suggestions include avoiding areas where there are seals and schools of fish, jumping fish or diving seabirds, as well as not bathing at dusk, night and dawn.

The authorities have also asked to stay close to the shore where your feet can touch the bottom and always follow the instructions of the beach lifeguards and Parks staff.

Last May, Hochul announced that measures to monitor the presence of sharks on Long Island beaches had been improved.