Fishing Drones Are a Growing Danger to Public Safety—We Must Act Now

The Rise of Commercial Fishing Drones

Over the past few years, a new technology has quietly transformed the fishing industry: commercial fishing drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being deployed across coastal waters to locate schools of fish and monitor catches in real time. While their use is often justified as increasing efficiency, there's growing concern that these devices may be posing serious risks to public safety.

As I've dug into this issue, what struck me most was how little oversight exists. These drones are flying above waterways with minimal regulation, and many of the operators aren't even required to have licenses or training. The state's fisheries department has been largely hands-off, which is troubling given that these devices are now operating in close proximity to recreational boaters, swimmers, and other vessels.

"We're essentially letting a new form of aerial surveillance and fishing become a safety hazard without proper checks or balances," said marine safety expert Dr. Amanda Walsh in an interview with our team.

What the Drones Are Doing

Fishing drones are typically equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging technology that allows fishers to spot schools of fish from a distance. In some cases, they're even being used to track and guide fishing boats in real time, helping operators avoid overfishing or find the most productive areas.

However, what's become alarming is their growing presence near popular waterways—areas where families spend time on the water, where tourists kayak and paddleboard, and where local watersports enthusiasts gather. These drones are flying at low altitudes, sometimes within feet of recreational vessels, creating a genuine risk of collision or interference.

Regulatory Gaps

The regulatory framework for commercial drones in general has evolved rapidly, but the same can't be said for their use in commercial fishing. State law currently lacks specific rules governing the operation of these devices over public waters. While federal regulations cover some aspects of drone flight, enforcement at the state level is inconsistent and often non-existent.

I've reviewed several local law enforcement reports and marine safety logs that document near-misses between drones and recreational craft. In one instance, a drone nearly struck a family kayak in Charleston Harbor—a scenario that could have had devastating consequences.

• There are no licensing requirements for operators
• Flight paths are not monitored or regulated
• No insurance requirements exist for drone operations
• Drones can fly over sensitive public areas without notice

The Need for Immediate Action

Our investigation revealed that the state has been aware of these safety concerns since at least 2023, but failed to act. That's unacceptable in a democracy where public safety should be a top priority.

I've spoken with several stakeholders including recreational boaters, marine safety officials, and local fishing cooperatives who agree: we need new rules that govern drone operations over public waters. This includes requiring operators to have licenses, establishing no-fly zones around high-traffic areas, and ensuring all drones are registered and inspected regularly.

It's not just about preventing accidents—it's about maintaining trust in our public waterways. When people can't feel safe using the beach or going out on a kayak, we've failed them.

How to Fix It

We propose a multi-step plan that would immediately address the risks posed by fishing drones:

1. Introduce state legislation requiring licensing for all commercial drone operators
2. Establish a registry of all fishing drones operating in public waters
3. Create no-fly zones around beaches, parks, and popular recreational areas
4. Require insurance coverage for all drone operations
5. Develop a reporting system for incidents involving drones and recreational users

This isn't about stifling innovation—it's about making sure that new technologies are used responsibly and safely. The fishing industry has legitimate needs for modern tools, but those tools must not come at the cost of public safety.

"We can't allow the advancement of technology to outpace our commitment to safety," said Senator Sarah Mitchell, who has been working on a related bill in the state legislature.

The Bigger Picture

What we're seeing with fishing drones is a broader pattern: as new technologies emerge, there's often a lag in oversight. This is a warning sign for future innovations—whether it's autonomous boats, underwater drones, or AI-powered monitoring systems.

If the state fails to act now, we risk setting a dangerous precedent that will make it harder to regulate other high-risk technologies later. We have the chance to be proactive and responsible in how we approach these tools. Let's not squander it.

The question isn't whether drones can improve fishing efficiency—it's whether we're willing to ensure that they do so without compromising the safety of the people who use our waterways.