Unsubstantiated claims linking offshore wind farm construction to whale deaths have become a contentious issue in the debate over renewable energy. Former President Donald Trump and some conservative groups have alleged that these projects are causing whale fatalities, but scientists and experts refute these claims.
Current Offshore Wind Projects in the U.S.: The U.S. currently has two commercial offshore wind farms under construction: South Fork Wind near New York and Vineyard Wind off Massachusetts. Additionally, there are two pilot projects off Rhode Island and Virginia. The Biden administration targets powering 10 million homes with offshore wind by 2030 as part of its climate goals.
Lack of Evidence Linking Wind Farms to Whale Deaths: Experts assert there is no credible evidence linking the construction of offshore wind farms on the Atlantic Coast to whale deaths. An increase in whale strandings began in 2016, predating significant offshore wind farm construction. Investigations by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that about 40% of recovered whale carcasses had died due to fishing gear entanglement or vessel strikes, with the other cases remaining unexplained. Similarly, no causal links have been found in Europe, where offshore wind development has been ongoing for over 30 years.
Real Threats to Whales: The primary threats to whales are shipping collisions and entanglement in fishing gear. Noise pollution is also a concern. Since 2016, both humpback and North Atlantic right whales have experienced unusual mortality events.
Protection Measures Near Wind Farms: Federal law regulates human-generated underwater sound. Measures include pausing construction during migration seasons, using bubble curtains to contain sound from pile driving, and having observers on ships. Developers like Ørsted and Equinor are adopting additional voluntary measures for the protection of marine life.
Motivation Behind Misinformation: The Heritage Foundation and Heartland Institute, conservative think tanks, have opposed offshore wind projects, citing environmental concerns. However, these claims are seen as politically driven rather than scientifically grounded. Local anti-wind groups have also voiced opposition, largely due to concerns over coastal aesthetics and industries.
Impact of Misinformation and Political Response: Misinformation has fueled opposition to wind projects, especially in New Jersey, causing concern in coastal communities. This has led to Republican politicians seeking investigations into the industry’s impact on marine life and commercial fishing.
Climate Change and Whales: Advocates for renewable energy, including whale protection groups, argue that climate change, exacerbated by fossil fuel reliance, poses significant risks to whales. Climate-induced shifts in food sources have made whales more vulnerable to threats like ship strikes and entanglements.
In summary, the allegations linking offshore wind farms to whale deaths are unsubstantiated, with experts emphasizing other human-related factors as the primary threats.
Primary Sources: VOANews Rating, Climate Feedback Rating
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