New York, NY – The New York City Police Department is deploying drones over city beaches to monitor for sharks and help protect swimmers as Shark Week coincides with increased shark activity off the New York and New Jersey coastline.
In a social media post Tuesday, the department highlighted its aerial surveillance program with a nod to the classic film Jaws.
“We’re going to need a bigger drone,” the NYPD wrote.
“It’s Shark Week, and we’re reminding New Yorkers that we’re looking out for you in the air, on land, and at sea,” the department added. “NYPD drones are deployed at city beaches for shark sightings and to ensure the safety of beachgoers.”
Great white shark recently tracked offshore
The reminder comes after marine research organization OCEARCH reported a recent satellite detection from a juvenile great white shark named Percy.
According to OCEARCH, Percy measured 9 feet, 9 inches and weighed 432 pounds when he was tagged in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, on July 28, 2025. The shark’s latest satellite ping was recorded early Tuesday off the coast between New York and New Jersey, placing it within the migratory corridor commonly used by great white sharks.
Researchers classify Percy as a juvenile, also known as a “young of the year,” based on his age and development.
What is a Z-ping?
OCEARCH also reported a recent “Z-ping” from Percy. A Z-ping occurs when the shark dives deep enough for its satellite tag to briefly transmit stored location data after resurfacing. Unlike a standard GPS ping, which is sent when the tag breaks the water’s surface, a Z-ping can provide delayed information collected during the shark’s previous movements.
Marine experts note that great white sharks are regularly found in Atlantic waters off New York and New Jersey during the summer months as they follow seasonal food sources. Shark sightings do not necessarily indicate an immediate danger to swimmers, but authorities encourage beachgoers to follow lifeguard instructions and heed any advisories or beach closures if sharks are observed near shore.
