Strong Mitigation Measures Are Essential to Protect the North Atlantic Right Whale During All Phases of Offshore Wind Energy Development

We need clean energy without having to risk our health and climate. Responsible offshore wind offers a viable solution, but it has to be done right. This means working to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the negative impacts that the offshore wind industry may have on vulnerable marine life – like the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. With fewer than 340 whales remaining on the planet, this species needs every protection we can offer it to survive.

CLF and our partners worked to develop best practices for developers to utilize and get offshore wind right for North Atlantic right whales. Our recommendations identify new and available technologies to avoid or minimize the potential noise and vessel impacts from offshore wind energy development based on the best available science. These measures will protect not only right whales but also other marine mammals and sea turtles.