New York Governor Kathy Hochul at the moment introduced new shark-monitoring drones will likely be deployed to native seaside communities on Lengthy Island and New York Metropolis, constructing on the State’s earlier actions taken to deal with and improve beachgoers’ security at State seashores. Governor Hochul additionally introduced that the New York State Workplace of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Division of Environmental Conservation have elevated surveillance over the waters in response to shark sightings over the Fourth of July vacation, following new shark security protocols established this yr.
“New York has a number of the most stunning seashores within the nation, and I’ve directed State personnel to do the whole lot doable to maintain beachgoers secure this summer season,” Governor Hochul mentioned. “Forward of the busy summer season season, we developed new instruments and techniques to observe marine wildlife and defend the well being and security of New Yorkers. These new drones will improve the shark monitoring capability of native governments throughout Lengthy Island and New York Metropolis, guaranteeing native seashores are secure for all beachgoers.”
The brand new drones will likely be distributed to all downstate municipalities by the New York State Workplace of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks). It additionally gives funding to cowl the price of coaching native personnel to function the drones. As most of these municipalities should not have drone surveillance functionality, this funding will help localities and companies alongside your complete Lengthy Island shoreline and in New York Metropolis improve their shark monitoring efforts.
State Parks held a pre-season assembly this spring with beachfront municipalities and native companies to supply the newest data on shark exercise in New York State and talk about coordinated beachfront notifications. As well as, the Division of Environmental Conservation (DEC) final week launched its Steering to Cut back the Threat of Adverse Interactions with Sharks.
When conditions come up of shark sightings and/or interactions with swimmers happen in State Parks seashores, swimming is suspended and all bathers are cleared from the water. Swimming is allowed to renew a minimum of one hour after the final sighting. State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park employees repeatedly scan and patrol the waters for shark exercise.
As well as, the Lengthy Island Coastal Consciousness Group, which is comprised of greater than 200 people from municipalities, companies, and personal seaside operators stretching from Queens by means of Lengthy Island, is notified so they could take acceptable motion of their respective jurisdictions.
New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid mentioned, “State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park employees are on excessive alert at our Lengthy Island seashores to maintain guests secure. We’ll proceed utilizing the entire instruments at our disposal to be looking out for sharks and different harmful marine life.”
New York State Division of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos mentioned, “New York’s shores are residence to a wild and pure marine ecosystem that helps the annual migration of sharks to our coastal waters. Whereas human-shark interactions are uncommon, DEC encourages the general public to comply with shark security steerage to assist reduce the danger of unfavorable interactions with sharks this summer season.”
New York State Police Performing Superintendent Steven Nigrelli mentioned, “Within the occasion of a sighting or emergency similar to the kind of incidents that occurred over the 4th of July weekend, NYSP Aviation is able to present fast response and help as wanted. Like our State Parks and regulation enforcement companions, the security of all New Yorkers is our first precedence, and we stand prepared to help them to make sure that beachgoers stay secure.”
In late Might, Governor Hochul introduced enhanced shark monitoring measures for Lengthy Island State Park seashores, which embrace State Parks’ expanded surveillance capabilities:
- A further ten drones has greater than doubled the eight in operation from final yr. One new drone assigned to Park Police is a big enterprise mannequin with thermal imaging, laser vary discovering, and high-quality cameras to permit for night-time surveillance and patrols in opposed climate situations. This drone also can drop private flotation gadgets in emergency conditions
- At present 21 employees together with Park Cops, State Park operational employees, lifeguards and authorized drone operators are educated. A further 12 employees members had been educated to be prepared for this summer season.
- State Parks Environmental Educators holding public outreach relating to shark habitats for individuals at Jones Seashore, Robert Moses and Sunken Meadow this summer season
- Two new Yamaha WaveRunners have been assigned to lifeguards to patrol each Jones Seashore and Robert Moses State Parks. These two private watercrafts will be part of one already in operation at Sunken Meadow State Park
- Further buffer zones had been created between swimming areas and surf fishing areas
- When sightings happen, New York State Police Aviation will likely be accessible to reply as wanted
To attenuate the danger of shark interactions, the Division of Environmental Conservation advises the next shark security steerage:
- Keep away from areas with seals
- Keep away from areas with colleges of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds
- Keep away from swimming at nightfall, night time and daybreak
- Keep away from murky water
- Swim, paddle, and surf in teams
- Keep near shore, the place your ft can contact the underside
- All the time comply with the directions of lifeguards and Parks’ employees
People assume danger each time they enter any wild setting, whether or not on land or within the water. Though it’s inconceivable to remove danger altogether, ocean customers can modify their habits to attenuate potential interactions with sharks and scale back total danger. When within the ocean, comply with DEC’s shark security tips to attenuate the potential for unfavorable interactions with sharks.
