The New South Wales government has announced a $34 million investment in shark-spotting drone technology, deploying artificial intelligence-powered unmanned aerial vehicles to patrol beaches year-round. Premier Chris Minns confirmed the initiative, which he described as the largest expansion of aerial shark surveillance in the world, will cover approximately 70 beaches across Sydney and the state's coastline starting 1 July.
Expanded Coverage and Technology
The program will see year-round monitoring of all Sydney beaches, increasing from 26 to 38 locations. Additionally, two SharkSmart listening stations will be installed in Sydney Harbour to alert swimmers to the presence of tagged sharks. The drones, operated by Surf Life Saving pilots, will use AI to detect sharks and provide real-time alerts.
“While no one can ever promise no shark interactions, this investment is about putting more eyes in the sky so we can spot sharks earlier and give people a clear heads-up when they’re in the water,” Minns said. “More drones in the air means we’re getting a better picture of what’s happening offshore and it means we’ll get better at seeing them.”
Prioritising High-Risk Areas
The expanded monitoring will prioritise beaches with high numbers of users and areas where shark incidents have become more common. The government aims to enhance public safety and confidence in visiting NSW beaches. The $34 million funding covers the drones, AI software, and operational costs.
This initiative builds on existing drone programs and marks a significant step in using technology for coastal safety. The year-round deployment ensures continuous surveillance, particularly during peak swimming seasons and in areas with frequent shark sightings.
