18 July 2023
Shark!
From the original Jaws film in 1975 to the half-dozen Sharknado movies to 35 years of the Discovery Channel's Shark Week, hearing someone scream "Shark" is usually not followed by good vibes and oceanic bliss.
However, a relatively silent sentinel can alert authorities to shark dangers early—hopefully before any surfer, boater, or landlubber needs to unleash a concerned (or outright frightened) shark shout.
In fact, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced yesterday that shark-monitoring drones will be deployed along the coastal areas of Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County to ensure the safety of beachgoers and surfers.
The drones-to-the-rescue program has been initiated due to increases in shark encounters and attacks. New York had just one shark interaction in 2012, but in 2022, not only had the number increased to eight, but every one of those instances resulted in a shark bite—the most ever recorded in recent history.
The Governor also announced the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation are increasing shark surveillance in response to sightings over the Fourth of July holiday.
"New York has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and I've directed State personnel to do everything possible to keep beachgoers safe this summer," said Hochul.
The drones will be distributed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Learn More: Watch Governor Kathy Hochul's Press Conference
Enjoy an Instrumental Composition About Sharks by Surf Monster
