NEW YORK — It’s good news that New York waters are healthy enough to support an active and diverse shark population, but officials say there are things we can do to help safely share the sea with our wild neighbors.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) issued guidance to promote public safety at ocean beaches and help minimize the risk of negative interactions between people and sharks.
The annual summer migration of sharks into New York’s coastal waters is underway and sightings of shark activity in the nearshore ocean waters is expected to increase during the summer months, June through September, according to the agency.
“While human-shark interactions are rare, DEC encourages the public to follow shark safety guidance to help minimize the risk of negative interactions with sharks this summer,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “DEC reminds all visitors to the world-class beaches and coastal waters along New York’s shoreline that these are also wild and natural marine ecosystems supporting a wide diversity of marine life, including sharks. Do your part and be shark smart.”
Conservation officials remind that humans assume risk whenever they enter any wild environment, whether on land or in the water. Although it is impossible to eliminate risk altogether, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk.
NYSDEC “Shark Smart” Tips:
- Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds.
- Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn.
- Avoid murky water.
- Swim, paddle, and surf in groups.
- Stay close to shore, where feet can touch the bottom.
- Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and park staff.
“Sharks have existed in New York’s marine waters for millions of years,” the NYSDEC explains. “Today there are more than 13 shark species that migrate through New York’s marine waters each year. Each shark species has unique habitat and food preferences and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem. Sharks can prevent other species from monopolizing limited resources and degrading the marine environment. The presence of sharks in New York’s marine waters is a positive sign of a healthy marine ecosystem.”
Learn more about sharks in New York by visiting DEC’s website.
SEE ALSO:
