Drones are increasingly being used to detect sharks at US beaches, raising questions about public safety. In New York, state officials are investing heavily in drone technology to monitor shark activity. However, experts suggest that the rise in shark sightings may not indicate a greater risk to swimmers, as the actual number of sharks may not have increased.
Investment in Shark Monitoring Technology
New York's Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant investment in shark monitoring technology, including an increase in lifeguard staffing by 25% and the purchase of additional drones. In 2022, the state allocated $1 million for drones and training, deploying 60 units. This year, another $322,000 was spent on 16 more drones, aiming to enhance beach safety.
“We’re going to be harnessing the power of technology and the human capital of our lifeguards,” Hochul stated in 2023, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring swimmer safety.
Effectiveness of Drones in Shark Detection
Experts like Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, highlight that while drones are effective at spotting sharks, they have limitations. Drones can miss sharks that are just below the water's surface, making them less reliable as an early warning system.
“If the goal is to just put up surveillance and then pull people out of the water, you can do that, but it may be unnecessary,” Lowe explained. He noted that in his extensive experience, his team has not observed any aggressive shark behavior towards humans.
Shark Sightings and Public Perception
Despite the increase in drone surveillance, the actual risk of shark bites remains low. According to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the odds of being bitten by a shark are about 1 in 4.3 million. In 2025, there were only 65 unprovoked shark bites globally, below the recent average of 72.
Greg Skomal, a senior fisheries scientist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, cautioned that heightened fear among beachgoers could lead to irrational reactions. “The truth of the matter is, the number of sharks may not have increased, but certainly the fear factor can go up,” he stated.
- New York State drone investment: $1 million in 2022
- Additional drones purchased in 2023: 16 units for $322,000
- Shark bite odds: 1 in 4.3 million
- Global unprovoked shark bites in 2025: 65
In conclusion, while drones are a valuable tool for monitoring shark activity, their effectiveness in improving public safety remains debatable. The perception of danger may be heightened without a corresponding increase in actual shark threats.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Environment. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
