VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – A North Atlantic Right Whale, recently discovered deceased off the coast of Virginia Beach, is stirring concerns among environmentalists and researchers. This tragic event, noted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), marks the fourth such loss in four months, highlighting the perilous state of this critically endangered species. Particularly distressing is the evidence suggesting the whale had recently given birth.
Dr. Elizabeth Quattrocki Knight, President and Co-Founder of Green Oceans, a grassroots organization aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, has called for an urgent investigation into the whale’s death. She points to the potential impact of offshore wind development activities in the vicinity as a factor that must be examined.
The onset of unusual mortality events among these whales aligns with the commencement of seismic surveys for offshore wind projects since 2017. Recent activities by Dominion Wind Energy, which include the use of sonar for detecting underwater explosives in the area, are of particular concern. Dr. Knight emphasizes the necessity of identifying the cause of these deaths to prevent further losses, urging NOAA to prioritize this issue.
