ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Concerns over the increase in whale and dolphin deaths along the Jersey Shore have ignited protests against Governor Phil Murphy’s support for offshore wind energy. On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters converged in Atlantic City to voice their concerns, backed by a theory linking these deaths to offshore sonar testing.
The Jersey Shore has witnessed an unprecedented spike in marine mammal deaths in the past year alone. Activists from the ‘Save Right Whales Coalition’ and other environmental groups are attributing this alarming trend to sonar mapping activities that precede the construction of offshore wind turbines.
However, Governor Murphy argues that the rise in marine fatalities is consistent with a long-term trend observed across the East Coast and not exclusively linked to the offshore wind projects in New Jersey.
In response to the escalating concerns, the federal government has initiated a comprehensive study to scrutinize the impact of sonar mapping and offshore wind farms on marine wildlife.
David Shanker, spokesperson for Save Right Whales New Jersey, expressed the coalition’s appreciation for the robust turnout at the “Hands Across the Sky” initiative in Atlantic City.
He pointed out, “In the last 37 weeks, since the commencement of sonar blasting activities in preparation for offshore wind installations, a staggering 61 dead whales have washed ashore in states with ongoing offshore wind developments. This includes two tragic incidents just this week.”
Shanker strongly criticized Governor Murphy’s approach, stating, “The Governor and his administration are hastily advancing projects without adequate scrutiny of their long-term environmental repercussions. The potential devastation these projects could bring to marine life and our beloved Jersey Shore is immeasurable.”
The Save Right Whales Coalition is urging Governor Murphy to reevaluate the impending Atlantic Shores, Ocean 1, and Ocean 2 wind energy developments. They stress the importance of examining existing data from other regions and understanding the ecological ramifications before proceeding further.
The unfolding situation underscores the complexities surrounding the quest for sustainable energy solutions, necessitating a balanced approach that prioritizes both environmental conservation and progress.