Lawmakers call for pause on offshore wind as eight dolphins wash up on New Jersey shore

Lawmakers in New Jersey have called for a pause on offshore wind power construction following the mass stranding event of eight dolphins who died after washing up on Sea Isle City’s shore. The spike in deaths, including those of other marine animals, has alarmed Republican representatives, who have pointed out that the pre-construction phase of the wind turbine grids is already being conducted in feeding and breeding grounds as well as migration routes of these marine creatures. Congressman Jeff Van Drew has introduced a congressional resolution urging a suspension in all development activities until impact reports on the environment and economy have been fully examined.

In addition, Congressman Chris Smith has voiced concern that the offshore wind project could pose a “catastrophic threat” to the coast, with unanswered questions surrounding its potential harmful effects on various ecosystems of marine life. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has confirmed that the dolphins discovered on the shore were found either dead or near death, despite the efforts of many people to help keep them alive. Since December last year, over 23 whales have also washed ashore along the East Coast, including humpback whales and North American right whales, which are currently endangered.

The recent deaths have prompted immediate calls by local officials, lawmakers, and conservation groups for an immediate halt to all offshore wind activity. They fear that noise and sonar emissions during the pre-construction phase of the turbines and development process could harm whales and dolphins, and that the construction process might overlap with the migration routes of these marine animals, leading to a heightened possibility of vessel strikes.

Republican congressman Scott Perry has described the situation as a “continued death and destruction” of the offshore wildlife. Smith has also expressed his concerns, stating that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has not presented enough evidence to show that vessel strikes are the only reason for the increase in whale deaths. He noted that construction activities could have a severe impact on marine mammals’ delicate sonar systems and the seabed ecosystem in general.