Shark Sightings Cause Multiple Closures at Rockaway Beach

Drone technology, increasingly used to monitor shark activity, has led to a series of beach closures at Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. At least eight shark sightings in less than a week resulted in temporary closures, disrupting the busy Fourth of July weekend.

<figure> <img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/07/06/arts/06vid-metro-sharks-embed-COVER/06vid-metro-sharks-embed-COVER-videoLarge.jpg" alt="Drone footage of sharks near Rockaway Beach"> <figcaption>Drone footage captures sharks swimming near beachgoers.</figcaption> </figure>

The Role of Drones:

New York state now utilizes 28 drones equipped with cameras and 48 trained operators to detect sharks. The city also employs its own fleet of drones for surveillance. While enhancing safety, this technology has also seemingly increased the number of reported sightings.

City Response and Protocol:

City and state protocols mandate beach closures for at least an hour after a confirmed shark sighting. Despite the repeated closures, many beachgoers remained relatively calm, prioritizing safety. Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry praised the emergency response teams on X (formerly Twitter) for their efforts.

Long Island Shark Bite:

These events follow a shark bite incident at Jones Beach on Long Island, highlighting increased shark activity in the region. While experts stress that shark attacks remain rare, the recent occurrences have sparked renewed concerns.

Expert Opinion:

A longtime Rockaway Beach lifeguard suggested that the increased shark presence may be due to factors like a newly constructed jetty that has created a suitable habitat for sharks.

The situation underscores the challenges of balancing beach safety with the natural environment, demonstrating the increasing role technology plays in monitoring and managing marine wildlife.