Countries worldwide that are popular among sharks are increasingly utilizing drones to identify when the creatures come too close to public beaches. However, Nova Scotia officials have stated that they currently have no plans to implement this technology.
Paul D’Eon, who has served as the director of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service for many years, acknowledged that lifeguards in Australia and the United States are using drones, but his service is not actively considering adopting them. The lifeguard service, responsible for monitoring 24 public beaches in the province during the summer months, is not exploring the use of drones.
The Department of Natural Resources, overseeing Nova Scotia’s public beaches, did not indicate any intentions of investing in aerial shark surveillance. According to Department spokesperson Lynette Macleod, the province is not using drones at present. Great white sharks migrate into Nova Scotia’s warm waters annually during the summer months.
D’Eon mentioned that in his 52 years of safeguarding Nova Scotian beaches, there have been no shark attacks. However, he noted a slight increase in shark sightings. While beach closures due to shark fin sightings were infrequent a couple of decades ago, they now occur around twice a year.
Although the lifeguard service constantly evaluates factors affecting public safety, D’Eon does not currently recommend the province investing in drones. He emphasized that if circumstances change significantly, they would reconsider their stance.
In contrast, other regions like New South Wales and New York utilize drones for beach monitoring. New South Wales has been employing drones since 2015, with authorities recently increasing funding for drone patrols after a series of shark attacks. Similarly, New York State and the New York City Police Department have invested in a shark detection drone fleet.
At Nova Scotia’s Martinique Beach, a shark sighting earlier this year led to a two-hour beach closure as per the current protocol. Beach visitors expressed mixed opinions on lifeguard-operated drones patrolling above the water, with some feeling it would enhance safety. Lifesaving professionals like Philip Skinder support such initiatives, emphasizing the importance of investing in technologies that improve ocean safety.
While some individuals, like Amber Beaver, feel nervous about shark sightings, others suggest exploring alternative investments for the province. D’Eon advises beachgoers to stay safe by avoiding swimming at dawn and dusk or near seals and active fishing areas.
Overall, the debate continues on the use of drones for shark detection, with Nova Scotia currently opting not to pursue this technology. The effectiveness and necessity of drone surveillance on the province’s beaches remain under discussion.
