Article
Another Dead Whale. Jersey Shore Mayors Demand Wind Turbine Investigation
Downbeach BUZZ|Jan 31, 2023
Yet another dead whale. Are wind turbines and whale deaths linked? Clean Ocean Action is asking that question.
Yet another dead whale. Are wind turbines and whale deaths linked? Clean Ocean Action is asking that question.
A massive humpback whale was first seen floating lifeless off the coast of Brigantine Beach on JAN 28, 2023.
It washed up on a Long Island beach, Monday morning, JAN 30.
Yet another dead whale.
Are wind turbines and whale deaths linked? Clean Ocean Action is asking that question.
Cindy Zipf, executive director of the environmental organization Clean Ocean Action, said offshore wind companies are being allowed by federal regulators to disturb and harm a certain number of whales and other marine animals during pre-construction and construction activity. ‘Why should offshore wind get a pass on scrutiny to ensure marine ecosystem protection, especially for …
... more
[truncated due to possible copyright]
A massive humpback whale was first seen floating lifeless off the coast of Brigantine Beach on JAN 28, 2023.
It washed up on a Long Island beach, Monday morning, JAN 30.
Yet another dead whale.
Are wind turbines and whale deaths linked? Clean Ocean Action is asking that question.
Cindy Zipf, executive director of the environmental organization Clean Ocean Action, said offshore wind companies are being allowed by federal regulators to disturb and harm a certain number of whales and other marine animals during pre-construction and construction activity. ‘Why should offshore wind get a pass on scrutiny to ensure marine ecosystem protection, especially for endangered and protected species?”
The alarming number of recent whale deaths has prompted 12+ mayors of New Jersey coastal towns to call for immediate moratorium on all offshore wind activity pending a thorough investigation by federal and state authorities.
In a letter to federal and state officials, the mayors express their concern about “the unprecedented number of whales that have washed ashore recently.”
Concerns that acoustic surveys related to offshore wind development may be a contributing factor in recent whale deaths that occurred over a 38-day period – more than has ever been recorded in the State of New Jersey in such a small amount of time – has brought strong opposition from local environmental groups and residents.
The officials represent the communities of Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Linwood, Brigantine, Long Beach Township, Mantoloking, Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, Spring Lake, and Deal.
The mayors’ letter emphasizes that “While we are not opposed to clean energy, we are concerned about the impacts these projects may already be having on our environment.”
Offshore wind developers have obtained permits for the “incidental taking” of whales, which would typically be illegal under federal law. This could include potential injury to whales, such as damaging their hearing, or by causing behavioral disruptions in feeding and migration.
Benjamin Laws of NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources says: ‘there is an expectation that the work will impact marine life, including whales.’
NOAA and other environmental groups still encourage the wind industry and NJ Governor Murphy to press on with his plan to install 11.5 GW of offshore wind projects in New Jersey.
The mayors call for an immediate moratorium on all offshore wind activity pending a thorough investigation by federal and state agencies “that confidently determines” the offshore wind activities are not a contributing factor in the recent whale deaths.