Whales and Turbines, An Unlikely Relationship?

BY ROBERT WRIGHT

There is plenty of evidence that humpback whales are dying in unusual numbers, with beach strandings showing marked increases over the last decade—give or take a year or two. For this discussion, we’re speaking about whale deaths along the shores of New York and New Jersey since a wind-turbine development, known as the Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm off of Atlantic City, opened in 2005.

With a quick search, we found the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has investigated the surge in the demise of the magnificent and protected mammals but reported they had only been able to examine 50 percent of the 178 killed or that have died from unverified trauma. Of those washed up and underwent an unsavory examination, known as necropsy, teams of scientists and fleets of heavy equipment produced evidence that just under half of the population of beached whales were harmed from collisions with ships or entanglement with fishing gear. As for the others, there aren’t any conclusive answers.

Not often was it commonplace to find mammoth putridsmelling carcasses lying on sandy beaches during a morning stroll. But according to Rob DiGiovanni with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society of New York, such discoveries became more noticeable when their numbers increased in 2007; around the same time, the wind farm off of New Jersey flipped the switch.

These unexplained occurrences bring out conjectures, with some coming up with rationalizations that include; the increase in whale deaths is primarily due to conservation and protection—there are more of them. Or, the mammal’s food supply is moving closer to shore and coaxing them into the shallows. Then there is the blame the fishermen argument, followed by, “We just don’t know.”

On the surface and behind the scenes, the public is being offered a multiple-choice quiz, expecting you to find an answer you like from the list.

Interestingly, when concerned groups voice speculation as to the possibility building and operating turbines are the culprits involved in these tragedies, NOAA and other organizations are quick to point out there’s no evidence to support the notion that the noise or vibrations given off from construction and/ or the operation of the massive towers is responsible for the ongoing problem; they articulately and with bureaucratic swagger, claim to be following the science and data. Oddly enough, when you look at their findings, you notice they lack both! This type of response is eerily reminiscent of a recent health concern we all faced—and we know how that ended. the sound of crickets overpowers the wheels of justice.

As a result, the short answer appears to be, “We’ll keep track of the dead whales and report what we find.” In contrast to what should be asked, why and how are sound-sensitive mammals handling or unable to adjust to the invasion of ships, construction, and noise entering and being maintained in their supposedly protected environments?

It’s highly doubtful science will conclude that sonar interference correlates with strandings of rotting flesh. And, if it were ever discovered, would it be accurately portrayed? The more significant problem under the surface, which could explain the stalling, is what do you do with thousands of wind turbines in place, being manufactured, or loaded on ships for installation?

New Jersey announced on June 30, 2021, that Atlantic Shores was granted hundreds more turbines to be constructed and begin generating power in 2028; absent is concern that more whales might face catastrophic culling resulting from the expansion of wind power. Another question is who decides if profits are more important than species conservation and protection?

According to one newscaster, he feels the reason for the death of these beautiful creatures will never be conclusive because the offshore wind industry and political sweethearts will create a desired outcome.

For now, while walking the scenic beaches of Long Island and other coastal retreats, be careful where you step; it’s only a matter of time before another natural asset shows up from a retreating tide.

We have the answer to this rhetorical question; a moratorium has been requested on any further expansion until a cause and effect can be determined. However, as expected, ACCORDING TO ONE NEWSCASTER, HE FEELS THE REASON FOR THE DEATH OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES WILL NEVER BE CONCLUSIVE BECAUSE THE OFFSHORE

History has shown us that respect for the earth’s creatures is in a delicate balance; it’s troubling when the sea beasts need saviors, and none can be found. H