Nova Scotia officials have stated that they currently do not have plans to utilize drones, unlike other shark-prone countries, for detecting sharks near public beaches. Paul D’Eon, the director of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, acknowledged the use of drones by lifeguards in countries like Australia and the United States but mentioned that they are not actively considering adopting this technology at the moment.
The Department of Natural Resources, responsible for overseeing the province’s public beaches, did not confirm any intentions to invest in aerial shark surveillance using drones. The lifeguard service, which monitors 24 public beaches in Nova Scotia throughout the summer, has not integrated drone technology into their safety protocols despite the annual migration of great white sharks into the region’s warm waters during those months.
D’Eon, with over five decades of experience in beach safety, highlighted that there have been no shark attacks under his watch but mentioned a slight increase in shark sightings. While beach closures due to shark fin sightings used to occur infrequently a couple of decades ago, they now happen around twice a year.
The lifeguard service continuously evaluates safety measures but does not currently recommend drone implementation. D’Eon emphasized that if circumstances change, they would reconsider adopting drone technology. In contrast, regions like New South Wales and New York have successfully deployed drones for shark monitoring, with New South Wales even integrating artificial intelligence into their shark detection efforts.
Shark sightings at Nova Scotia beaches, like Martinique Beach, have prompted safety protocols such as temporary beach closures. Some beachgoers expressed support for lifeguard-operated drones for enhanced safety measures, emphasizing the importance of proactive investments in beach surveillance technology.
D’Eon advised beach visitors to avoid swimming during dawn and dusk, near seals, or active fishing areas to ensure their safety. As discussions on drone implementation continue in various regions worldwide, Nova Scotia remains vigilant in monitoring shark activity to protect beachgoers.