After unusual whale mortality on the Atlantic Coast, the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) reported that claims linking the offshore wind industry to these deaths are “misleading and not supported by the facts and evidence”.
More specifically, National Ocean Industries Association’s President Erik Milito, stated that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), had reported that the Atlantic Coast has been experiencing an unusual whale mortality event since at least 2016.
According to NOAA, the unfortunate reality of the current situation, is that the leading causes of the whale deaths are entanglements and vessel strikes:
The preliminary cause of mortality, serious injury, and morbidity (sublethal injury and illness) in most of these whales is from rope entanglements or vessel strikes
Under this light, NOIA added that claims linking the offshore wind industry to these deaths are “misleading and not supported by the facts and evidence”.
Offshore wind is on the pathway to becoming a major source of clean energy for all Americans, drawing billions of dollars in investment to the U.S. and creating thousands of new jobs. NOIA members have been working closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure that projects are developed in a way that protects and preserves marine wildlife
