05/16/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/16/2023 10:17
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced measures in place to protect beachgoers from sharks at Long Island State Park beaches this summer. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Police will increase surveillance including drone, watercraft and helicopter monitoring along the Long Island State Park Beaches. These measures build upon the Governor's actions taken to address and enhance beachgoers' safetywith an increase in shark sightings last summer.
"With New Yorkers and visitors alike preparing to enjoy our beautiful Long Island beaches all summer long, their safety is our top priority," Governor Hochul said. "This year we are taking further action to protect beachgoers by increasing surveillance to monitor for shark activity near beaches off the South Shore. I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local authorities, follow guidance and take precautions to ensure a safe and responsible beach trip this summer."
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) held a pre-season meeting in April with beachfront municipalities and local agencies to provide the latest information on shark activity in New York State and discuss coordinated beachfront notifications. State Park Police and Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers will coordinate patrols at the request of specific parks in the event of a probable shark sighting.
New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "The action being taken along the South Shore of Long Island will give us eyes in the sky and along the coastline. Over the past two seasons, we've learned that drones are the most effective mechanism to detect environmental conditions that could attribute to shark activity. We are expanding patrols with drones and watercraft to help prevent the rare occurrences of negative shark interactions with swimmers, surfers, surf fishermen, and boaters at our beaches."New York State Department of Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "New York's ocean beaches and coastline are part of a wild and natural marine ecosystem. Sharks are a vital part of this ecosystem, and they play an essential role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ocean. Human-shark interactions are relatively rare events in New York, however, all beachgoers should follow DEC's shark safety guidance to minimize their risk of negative interactions with sharks."New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli said, "New York State Police is ready to assist our partners in keeping beachgoers and our waters safe this season. In the event of a sighting or incident, NYSP Aviation is prepared to provide swift support as needed."
State Parks' expanded surveillance capabilities this summer include:
Shark sighting response
After a confirmed shark sighting in proximity to a State Park beach, the following actions are taken: