State Distributing Drones To Monitor For Sharks On Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — With more shark sightings and bitings on Long Island, Gov. Hochul is distributing new drones to the coastal areas.

Hochul said the monitoring will provide an "eye in the sky" to enhance safety for beachgoers.

The announcement was made on Friday, which is Shark Awareness Day.

"State personnel will continue to do all we can to keep beachgoers safe. We have the tools and strategies to monitor marine wildlife and protect the health and safety of New Yorkers," Hochul said. "These new drones will allow us to scan the water and help local governments across Long Island and New York City keep local beaches safe for all."

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have increased water surveillance since shark sightings earlier this month.

State Parks is giving the drones and is covering the cost of training and operation.