In a major step towards protecting and promoting the recovery of North Atlantic right whales while responsibly developing offshore wind energy, NOAA Fisheries and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) have released the final North Atlantic Right Whale and Offshore Wind Strategy. The final strategy identifies the agencies’ goals and key actions to continue to evaluate and mitigate the potential effects of offshore wind energy development on North Atlantic right whales and their habitat. It also builds on existing mitigation measures to protect North Atlantic right whales from the potential impacts of offshore wind development.
Tapping offshore wind is critical to a healthier, fossil fuel-free future that avoids the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Along America’s shorelines, offshore wind is generally stronger and more consistent than onshore wind and a…