New York Governor Kathy Hochul immediately introduced new shark-monitoring drones can 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 few of the most stunning seashores within the nation, and I’ve directed State personnel to do every thing potential to maintain beachgoers protected this summer season,” Governor Hochul stated. “Forward of the busy summer season season, we developed new instruments and techniques to watch marine wildlife and shield the well being and security of New Yorkers. These new drones will enhance the shark monitoring capability of native governments throughout Lengthy Island and New York Metropolis, making certain native seashores are protected for all beachgoers.”
The brand new drones can be distributed to all downstate municipalities by the New York State Workplace of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks). It additionally supplies funding to cowl the price of coaching native personnel to function the drones. As most of these municipalities do not need 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 supply 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 Cut back the Danger of Unfavourable 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 at the very least one hour after the final sighting. State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park workers 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 by means of Lengthy Island, is notified so they might take applicable motion of their respective jurisdictions.
New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid stated, “State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park workers are on excessive alert at our Lengthy Island seashores to maintain guests protected. 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 stated, “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 steering to assist reduce the danger of detrimental interactions with sharks this summer season.”
New York State Police Performing Superintendent Steven Nigrelli stated, “Within the occasion of a sighting or emergency reminiscent of 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 protection of all New Yorkers is our first precedence, and we stand prepared to help them to make sure that beachgoers stay protected.”
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 antagonistic climate circumstances. This drone may drop private flotation units in emergency conditions
- Presently 21 workers together with Park Law enforcement officials, State Park operational workers, lifeguards and authorized drone operators are skilled. An extra 12 workers members have been skilled to be prepared for this summer season.
- State Parks Environmental Educators holding public outreach concerning shark habitats for individuals at Jones Seaside, Robert Moses and Sunken Meadow this summer season
- Two new Yamaha WaveRunners have been assigned to lifeguards to patrol each Jones Seaside and Robert Moses State Parks. These two private watercrafts will be part of one already in operation at Sunken Meadow State Park
- Extra buffer zones have been created between swimming areas and surf fishing areas
- When sightings happen, New York State Police Aviation can be out there to reply as wanted
To reduce the danger 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 colleges of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds
- Keep away from swimming at nightfall, evening and daybreak
- Keep away from murky water
- Swim, paddle, and surf in teams
- Keep near shore, the place your ft can contact the underside
- At all times comply with the directions of lifeguards and Parks’ workers
People assume danger each time they enter any wild surroundings, whether or not on land or within the water. Though it’s not possible to eradicate danger altogether, ocean customers can modify their conduct to reduce potential interactions with sharks and scale back total danger. When within the ocean, comply with DEC’s shark security tips to reduce the potential for detrimental interactions with sharks.