Two US environmental agencies, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor the impact of offshore wind farms, especially on endangered North American right whales, of which only about 360 remain worldwide.
The agencies have announced a joint strategy to protect the whales as offshore wind farm development increases along the East Coast. The strategy employs AI and passive acoustic monitoring to track the whales’ movements and evaluate the effects of wind development on the whales. Additionally, it includes precautions to avoid constructing in whale-impacted areas, setting noise limits during construction, and supporting research for quieter technologies that minimize marine life impact. The plan also entails conducting “robust sound field verification” to measure accurate noise levels. The plan aligns with President Biden’s goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030.
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein emphasized the administration’s commitment to responsible offshore wind energy development to protect the North Atlantic right whale and meet offshore wind goals while curbing climate change and protecting the environment.
The joint strategy announcement coincides with Equinor and energy behemoth BG’s lease transfers for offshore wind projects in Massachusetts and New York, indicating the rapid development in the region.
While some attribute offshore wind projects to dead whales washing ashore on the East Coast, the agencies assert there is currently no evidence linking offshore wind development to harm or death of whales. The bigger threat lies in climate change, significantly impacting the survival of endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. This highlights the urgency to transition to cleaner, renewable energy.