Gov. Kathy Hochul is not standing pat following the metropolitan area’s first shark sighting of the summer. On Friday, Hochul updated New Yorkers on measures to monitor the predatory fish and other marine life at state parks on Long Island this summer.
In essence, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will keep an eye out with more drones and drone operators at the beach. Following a shark sighting at Rockaway Beach on Thursday, Hochul is reminding all New Yorkers to follow follow safety protocol s and listen to local authorities when planning a trip to the beach. “This summer, we expanded shark surveillance at our beautiful Long Island beaches to help ensure New Yorkers can safely cool down in the ocean and enjoy the sunshine,” Hochul said.
“After the first shark sighting of the season, I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local authorities and take precautions to help ensure safe and responsible beach trips this summer.” Hochul, of course, announced in May that the state has expanded shark surveillance capabilities during summer months, including the following: State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “New York State Park Police, lifeguards, and park staff are continually monitoring State Park beaches with regular drone patrols, as well as scanning the ocean waters. Through Governor Hochul’s initiatives, these drones and training of our staff has been critical to keep our swimmers as safe as we possibly can.
We are now more vigilant than ever, and look forward to further assisting communities to watch over their waters with the drone grant program.” Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar added , “Sharks are important species in our marine environment, and while human-shark interactions remain rare in New York, Governor Hochul’s investments in beach monitoring and public education continue to help reduce risks this summer. DEC reminds all visitors to follow shark safety guidance while enjoying our world-class marine ecosystems.
” According to a press release by Gov. Kathy Hochul, there are more than 13 shark species that migrate through New York’s marine waters each year. (Dreamstime/TNS) Dreamstime/TNS Shark sightings are expected to increase through the summer and September.
According to the governor’s announcement, there are more than 13 shark species that migrate through New York’s marine waters each year. Each shark species has unique habitat and food preferences and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem. Sharks can prevent other species from monopolizing limited resources and degrading the marine environment.
The presence of sharks in New York’s marine waters is a positive sign of a healthy marine ecosystem. Learn more about sharks in New York State here . When there are shark sightings and/or interactions at State Parks beaches, swimming is suspended, and all bathers are cleared from the water.
Swimming is allowed to resume at least one hour after the last sighting. State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park staff stay on high alert and patrol the waters for dangerous marine life. In addition, the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, comprised of more than 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators stretching from Queens through Long Island, is notified so they may take appropriate action in their respective jurisdictions.
On May 8, 2024, State Parks and DEC’s Division of Marine Resources held a meeting with more than 65 representatives of agencies and municipalities from the coastal awareness group to provide a briefing regarding dangerous marine life. In addition to representatives of New York State Parks and DEC, presentations were made by Stony Brook University and the Wildlife Conservation Society. New York State Park Police representatives also gave a drone presentation.
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