Shark Drones: More Reports but Not Necessarily More Sharks?

More Shark Sightings, More Drones

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the use of drones to monitor sharks at US beaches. States like New York have invested significant funds to deploy these technologies, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing a $1 million commitment for shark surveillance.

While more sharks may be spotted due to increased monitoring efforts, experts argue that this does not necessarily indicate an actual increase in the shark population. The number of unprovoked shark bites worldwide has even decreased slightly from its recent average, according to data from the Florida Museum of Natural History. For instance, in 2025, there were 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide, fewer than the most recent 10-year average of 72.

Experts say that despite recent increased investment in drones to monitor for sharks in states like New York, the machines have limited usefulness as a public safety tool. According to Chris Lowe from California State University, Long Beach, while drones are effective at spotting sharks on the surface and are cheap, easy to use, and can cover lots of space, they struggle with poor visibility conditions.

Dr. Greg Skomal, a senior fisheries scientist with the Massachusetts division of marine fisheries, warns that while there might be more reports of sharks, this could stem from heightened awareness rather than an actual rise in shark numbers. 'The number of sharks may not have increased, but certainly the fear factor can go up,' he said.

In Australia, the New South Wales government also recently announced a $34 million initiative to expand its shark monitoring programs. Drones are effective at spotting sharks on the surface and are cheap, easy to use, and cover lots of space, according to Lowe. However, if visibility is bad, a shark can literally be 5 feet below the surface, and you can’t see them.

Alongside drones, Lowe’s lab staff has tagged sharks and installed acoustic receivers along the beaches. 'When a tagged shark gets within about 300 or 400 yards of one of those underwater receivers, the receiver will log the time, the date, and the ID of the shark,' Lowe explained. The lab shares that information with local authorities.

The ultimate result could be a spiral: governments receive more reports of shark sightings, so they purchase more drones, which then spot more sharks. ‘The truth of the matter is, the number of sharks may not have increased, but certainly the fear factor can go up,’ said Skomal from Massachusetts.

In New York state, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state would increase lifeguard staffing by 25% through overtime and purchase additional drones to watch the ocean. In 2023, on Shark Awareness Day, she also announced a $1 million commitment to purchase drones and train staff to use them. The state then deployed drones.

In Australia, the New South Wales government also recently announced a $34m initiative to expand its shark monitoring programs. Drones are effective at spotting sharks on the surface and are cheap, easy to use, and cover lots of space, according to Chris Lowe from California State University, Long Beach. 'The problem is, if visibility is bad, a shark can literally be 5ft below the surface, and you can’t see them,' Lowe said, noting that alongside the drones, his lab staff has tagged sharks and installed acoustic receivers along the beaches.

Notably, since drones can't spot all sharks, they can also provide the public a false sense of security, Skomal said, adding: 'I think that is why many municipalities don’t invest in drones.'