Drones are detecting more sharks at US beaches but do they make public safer?
Experts suggest that the increased use of drones to monitor shark activity at US beaches may be creating a false perception of rising danger. While sightings are up, there is no evidence of an actual increase in shark populations or threats to swimmers.
Why it matters
It highlights how technological surveillance can lead to public anxiety and unnecessary government spending based on misinterpreted data.
Drone photographer Carlos Gauna views a great white shark on his monitor as he captures video of great white sharks along the Santa Barbara county coast in California. Photograph: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images Drone photographer Carlos Gauna views a great white shark on his monitor as he captures video of great white sharks along the Santa Barbara county coast in California. Photograph: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images Sharks Drones are detecting more sharks at US beaches but do they make public safer? Increase in sightings may not reflect increase in sharks with little evidence that threat to swimmers has risen
The article presents a balanced view by citing experts and statistical data to challenge the narrative of increased shark threats.
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