The Impact of Offshore Wind Turbines on Whale Mortality: A Growing Concern

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ocean City NJ, in recent years, environmentalists, politicians, and concerned citizens have raised alarms about the potential impact of offshore wind turbines on whale populations. Apostolos Gerasoulis, a Rutgers professor emeritus of computer science and co-creator of the search engine that powers Ask.com, has added a significant voice to this debate, asserting that offshore wind activities are indeed harmful to whales.

Unveiling the Link Between Offshore Wind and Whale Deaths

Gerasoulis began researching whale deaths in early 2023 and subsequently developed a software system to analyze the relationship between these deaths and the activities of offshore wind survey vessels. These vessels use loud blasts of sonar to map the seabed for the installation of wind turbines and high-voltage cables.

“Absolutely, 100 percent, offshore wind kills whales,” Gerasoulis states unequivocally.

Contradicting NOAA’s Stance

Despite Gerasoulis’ findings, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains that there is no evidence linking whale mortality to offshore wind activities. Lauren Gaches, NOAA Fisheries public affairs director, stated, “To date, no whale mortality has been attributed to offshore wind activities.” This position is reiterated by NOAA public affairs specialist Katie Wagner, who asserts that there are “no known links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities.”

A Surge in Whale Deaths

Whale deaths have been on the rise for several years, with NOAA declaring “unusual mortality events” for humpback whales in 2016, minke whales in 2017, and North Atlantic right whales also in 2017. The death count for these species now stands at 534.

Gerasoulis’ research reveals a troubling correlation between the increase in whale deaths and the commencement of offshore wind survey activities. His software tracks the routes of survey vessels and the corresponding whale deaths, indicating a significant rise in whale fatalities coinciding with increased survey activities.

The Case of “Saint”

One poignant example is the story of a young humpback whale, known as No. 0260 in the New York-New Jersey humpback whale catalog. First spotted in the summer of 2022, this whale survived a severe injury to its tail fluke, believed to be caused by a boat propeller. Despite this, the whale was seen thriving in July 2023, only to be found dead a few weeks later. Conservation biologist Trisha DeVoe, who had been tracking the whale, believes the death was linked to offshore wind survey activities.

Statistical Evidence

Gerasoulis conducted statistical analyses comparing whale deaths before and after the start of offshore wind surveys. His findings show a statistically significant increase in whale deaths post-2016, the year when offshore wind surveys began. For example, in regions with high survey traffic, the number of humpback whale deaths doubled compared to areas with minimal survey activity.

The Role of Sonar Noise

Offshore wind survey vessels use powerful sonar equipment, producing underwater noise levels that can be harmful to whales. A study by acoustical consultant Robert Rand found that sonar noise from survey vessels off the New Jersey coast reached levels that could cause temporary or permanent hearing loss in whales. This could disorient whales, making them more susceptible to ship strikes and other dangers.

Calls for Further Investigation

Gerasoulis and other environmentalists are urging NOAA to investigate the cumulative impact of multiple offshore wind projects on marine mammals. “It is the cumulative impact of multiple offshore wind boats surveying in a small region where the whales are feeding that is affecting the whales,” Gerasoulis asserts.

The Need for Action

The debate over the impact of offshore wind turbines on whale mortality underscores the need for comprehensive research and informed decision-making. As Gerasoulis’ findings suggest, the rapid expansion of offshore wind projects must be carefully managed to ensure the protection of marine life.

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