A wind turbine placed off Rhode Island. Photo: Laurie O’Reilly
The Gulf of Maine is a beloved and unique “sea within a sea” off the coast of Maine. The waters provide a home to more than 3,000 species of wildlife, including marine mammals, fish, birds, turtles, and invertebrates, making it one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Unfortunately, it’s also warming faster than 97% of the world’s waters, threatening coastal fisheries and iconic species like right whales.
The clean, renewable energy supplied by offshore wind could be a vital step to slowing climate change and its damaging effects on the region’s marine life. The Gulf of Maine’s accessible ports, open waters, and strong breezes make it ideal for offshore wind development. But it will succeed only if we implement it thoughtfully, with care for the wildlife, habitats, and people who rely on the…