Chinese Drone Power Against Shark Attacks in New York

In response to a sudden increase in shark attacks, New York is fighting back with Chinese drone technology. State officials have announced a surge in the deployment of shark-monitoring DJI drones along the coastlines of Long Island and New York City. This decision comes after five people suffered shark bites in a span of two days off Long Island.

George Gorman, the state’s park director in Long Island, emphasized the new vigilance, saying, “We are now more vigilant than ever. We have drones in the sky that watch over the waters. We have lifeguards on WaveRunners that watch over the waters.”

These Chinese DJI drones will reportedly undertake three daily sweeps of the beaches, as Cary Epstein, a lifeguard supervisor, explained, highlighting the before opening, midday and pre-closing checks.

Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that this new Chinese drone fleet will greatly enhance the existing shark surveillance program.

“These new drones will increase the shark monitoring capacity of local governments across Long Island and New York City, ensuring local beaches are safe for all beachgoers,” she declared. Beyond just providing the DJI drones, the state’s investment includes funds to train staff to operate these devices.

New York coastlines will see an influx of advanced shark-monitoring Chinese drones following a recent series of shark attacks. Drone in the photo seems to be a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. Photo credit: AP.

This response comes after a series of frightening encounters. A 10-foot shark sighting at Robert Moses State Park led to temporary swimming bans. At the same beach, a teenager was reportedly attacked. Two other attacks occurred on the 4th of July, along with one more whose victim remains unidentified.

The use of drones for shark monitoring is not new. Hochul revealed that last summer, Long Island State Parks had six drones and 13 certified operators in place. However, with eight people reporting shark bites off Long Island’s beaches just last year, the state is keen to strengthen its defense. The aim is clear – to leverage technology to ensure safer beach experiences for all.