The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental advocacy group, has released a new resource that outlines how to tap offshore wind power potential in the U.S. while still protecting marine life.
Even with its immense long-term benefits, offshore wind power, poses risks to marine life. Learn how to mitigate those risks in NRDC’s new resource, Harnessing the Wind.
Harnessing the Wind: How to Advance Wind Power Offshore was developed in consultation with other environmental organizations. It identifies key challenges for wind developers and proposes actions to avoid, minimize, and mitigate wildlife impacts.
The recommendations are build on the recently announced best management practices for North Atlantic right whales during offshore wind construction and operations and are applicable to a range of offshore wind technologies.
NRDC stresses the importance of placing projects outside of sensitive marine habitats and taking steps to avoid, minimize, and mitigate underwater noise, ship strikes, and turbine collisions during wind0farm construction and operations to ensure that wind projects proceed responsibly. Developers must also commit to scientific research and long-term monitoring.
According to the advocacy group, a better understanding of our ocean life and potential wind industry impacts — both at the project level and the combined impact of multiple projects — alongside sensible protections can ensure offshore wind advances in harmony with our most vulnerable wildlife.
Learn more here.
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind
