State and Federal Officials Release Marine Wildlife Studies to Guide Offshore Wind Development

State and federal officials today released a pair of marine wildlife studies on the presence of endangered whale, turtle and bird species to inform federal offshore wind development permitting processes. The studies, which are the result of a three-year effort sponsored by MassCEC in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), will provide baseline data to guide and expedite the federal permitting process for offshore wind development, and work to support the deployment of offshore wind in Massachusetts in an environmentally responsible manner. The studies, which were funded by BOEM and the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, found no significant conflicts between wildlife and offshore wind development in federally designated wind energy areas beginning 14 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and identified opportunities to minimize impacts to marine wildlife in those areas. Researchers conducted the surveys using underwater acoustical buoys as well as aircraft flights staffed with wildlife observers. The large whale and sea turtle survey team was based at the New England Aquarium and a second team from the College of Staten Island studied impacts on seabirds. “As the Commonwealth begins to harness the benefits of offshore wind power generation, it is imperative that we balance innovation with our obligation of environmental stewardship for the waters surrounding our state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “These studies will streamline the permitting process for an emerging energy growth sector while protecting the environment so the Commonwealth can solidify its position as a hub of energy innovation while creating high-quality jobs and providing cost-effective power for ratepayers.”