New York Governor Kathy Hochul right this moment introduced new shark-monitoring drones shall be deployed to native seaside communities on Lengthy Island and New York Metropolis, constructing on the State’s earlier actions taken to handle 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 among the most stunning seashores within the nation, and I’ve directed State personnel to do all the things doable to maintain beachgoers secure this summer time,” Governor Hochul mentioned. “Forward of the busy summer time season, we developed new instruments and methods to watch marine wildlife and shield 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 shall be distributed to all downstate municipalities by the New York State Workplace of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks). It additionally offers funding to cowl the price of coaching native personnel to function the drones. As most of these municipalities shouldn’t have drone surveillance functionality, this funding will help localities and businesses alongside the 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 businesses to offer the most recent info 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 Steerage to Scale back the Danger of Destructive 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, businesses, and personal seaside operators stretching from Queens via Lengthy Island, is notified so they could take applicable 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 house 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 observe shark security steering to assist reduce the chance of unfavourable interactions with sharks this summer time.”
New York State Police Performing Superintendent Steven Nigrelli mentioned, “Within the occasion of a sighting or emergency akin to the kind of incidents that occurred over the 4th of July weekend, NYSP Aviation is able to present fast response and assist 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:
- An extra 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 adversarial climate situations. This drone also can drop private flotation gadgets in emergency conditions
- Presently 21 employees together with Park Cops, State Park operational employees, lifeguards and licensed drone operators are skilled. An extra 12 employees members had been skilled to be prepared for this summer time.
- State Parks Environmental Educators holding public outreach concerning shark habitats for individuals at Jones Seashore, Robert Moses and Sunken Meadow this summer time
- 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 shall be obtainable to reply as wanted
To reduce the chance of shark interactions, the Division of Environmental Conservation advises the next shark security steering:
- Keep away from areas with seals
- Keep away from areas with faculties 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 toes can contact the underside
- All the time observe the directions of lifeguards and Parks’ employees
People assume threat at any time when they enter any wild surroundings, whether or not on land or within the water. Though it’s inconceivable to remove threat altogether, ocean customers can modify their habits to reduce potential interactions with sharks and cut back general threat. When within the ocean, observe DEC’s shark security pointers to reduce the potential for unfavourable interactions with sharks.
