专业无人机操作者乔安娜·斯坦德尔上周五在纽约长岛南安普顿海岸拍摄到数百只鼻中鳐成群游动的无人机影像[1]。这些大型洄游鱼类翼展可达3英尺（约1米），偏好水温在70至79华氏度（约21至26摄氏度）的环境[1]。
科学家对这一事件提出了多种解释。佛罗里达州立大学沿海海洋实验室副研究主任迪恩·格拉布斯表示，"这一事件可能代表由于温度导致的向北迁移。历史上，只有少数鼻中鳐会在温暖年份到达科德角，但现在随着海洋温度变暖，许多物种的北向迁移越来越往北"[1]。然而，对于该物种在该地区的历史记录，研究人员存在不同看法。罗格斯大学研究员托马斯·格罗瑟斯称鼻中鳐已在长岛海滩至少出现25年[1]，而佛罗里达大西洋大学研究员马修·阿杰米安则称该物种自1800年代就有长岛水域的记录[1]。
研究人员指出，无人机技术的普及使得人们更容易观察到原本存在数十年的野生动物[1]。同时，无人机已成为研究鼻中鳐种群丰度和运动的有价值工具[1]。
Professional drone pilot Joanna Steidle recorded aerial footage of hundreds of bluntnose stingrays swimming in formation off the coast of Southampton on Long Island last Friday [1]. The stingrays, which can have wingspans of up to 3 feet, were captured in what scientists describe as a rare bird's-eye view of the large migratory fish species [1].
The appearance of such large numbers has prompted discussion among marine researchers about the drivers behind the sighting. Dean Grubbs, associate research director at Florida State University's Coastal Marine Laboratory, suggested the event "may represent a northward migration driven by temperature," noting that while historically only a few bluntnose stingrays reached Cape Cod during warm years, "now that ocean temperatures are warming, many species are migrating northward to increasingly northern areas" [1]. The species prefers water temperatures between 70 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit [1].
However, there is disagreement among experts about whether this represents a recent expansion of their range or a long-established presence. Rutgers University researcher Thomas Grothues indicated the species has appeared at Long Island beaches for at least 25 years [1], while Matthew Ajemian from Florida Atlantic University cited records of bluntnose stingrays in Long Island waters dating back to the 1800s [1].
Scientists have also highlighted that the proliferation of drone technology has made it easier to observe wildlife that may have existed in these waters for decades, with researchers identifying unmanned aircraft as a valuable tool for studying stingray population abundance and movement patterns [1].