Shark Patrol Operation Mobilized in Long Island Following Shark Sightings

Shark sightings over the Memorial Day weekend forced local authorities to launch the fin finder program known as Hempstead Town Shark Patrol on Long Island, New York.

The operation was announced after a fisherman in the town saw a 10-foot-long shortfin mako shark near the Point Lookout site on Long Beach Barrier Island on Monday, May 30.

Launched on Friday, June 3, the shark patrol program came several days and weeks after related shark sightings were reported in different areas along the East Coast of the United States.

The sightings raises concern for the general public, especially for beachgoers.

Over recent years, shark attacks along US coastal areas have resulted in injuries and even death.

Various anti-shark attack measures have also been implemented, including the placing of warning signs on beaches where shark activity is present or has increased.

Shortfin Mako Shark

(Photo : Photo by Maddie Meyer Getty Images)

The marine animal in focus in Long Island is the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), also called blue pointer or bonito shark.

The said species is a large predatory shark and can reach up to 12 feet in length and weigh at least 1,200 pounds (545 kilograms), according to Oceana, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. which aims to promote ocean conservation.

The organization claims the shortfin mako shark is the fastest living shark and one of the fastest fish on Earth.

Given the physical features and capabilities of the dangerous, sharp-toothed predator, the launching of the shark patrol in the New York state town has been deemed as necessary.

Also Read: Basking Shark Sightings Decrease Off the Coast of California: New Study Confirms

Shark Patrol

The shark patrol allowed Long Island lifeguards to stand from their usual post along beach shores and ride jet skis through the town's south shore beaches to help bay authorities monitor the dangerous fish, according to WABC-TV, as provided by the New York Post.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin stated on June 3 that the team of lifeguards will also be in the stands gazing at the swimmers and their surrounding water for any signs of a shark presence, particularly any sort of fins, as cited by New York Post.

In addition, authorities are said to be investing in sending crews into the waters and other coastal areas in the region.

New York Shark Sightings

Marine life experts reportedly state shark sightings in New York waters are common in July and August as the sharks are known for migrating northward and feed near the shore.

The New York Post highlights shark sightings are increasing on Long Island recently, with a significant uptick over the last two years compared in the previous decade.

Other shark sightings have been reported recently.

In May, the 1,000-pound great white shark with the name of "Ironbound" was detected off the East Coast.

Ironbound was recorded to be swimming in the coastal waters for several months as it was expected to head north, according to NBC Boston.

In Massachusetts, renewed sightings of great white sharks were reported on the waters off Nantucket.

The sharks were seen devouring a humpback whale carcass.

The city also witnessed a separate incident where a great white shark was feasting on a live seal.