The developers of the 800MW Vineyard Wind offshore project off Massachusetts have entered into an agreement with three green groups to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
The agreement with the Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation and Conservation Law Foundation today will see Vineyard Wind instigate several protective measures to keep right whales safe while installing and operating turbines at the proposed project.
Turbine construction will be curtailed in the winter and early spring when the North Atlantic right whales may be in the area.
There will also be monitoring to ensure that construction does not take place when the whales are near the site.
Vineyard Wind plans dampen construction noise that disturbs the whales’ ability to communicate, find food and stay on their migratory path.
The agreement also includes strict vessel speed limits.
The developers will further invest $3m to develop and deploy innovative technologies and undertake scientific research to help safeguard marine mammals.
Vineyard Wind chief development officer Erich Stephens said: “Throughout development of the project, Vineyard Wind has strived to work with all stakeholders to proactively resolve potential issues and design the best project possible.
“It has been especially gratifying to work with these leading environmental groups in developing enhanced protections for right whales during all phases of what will be the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind project.”
National Wildlife Federation president and chief executive Collin O’Mara said: “Scaling up offshore wind in wildlife-friendly ways is essential to confronting the climate crisis.
“By ensuring that offshore wind power is responsibly built and operated, this model agreement is a win-win for conserving wildlife and creating well-paying jobs.
“We are proud to work with Vineyard Wind and our conservation partners to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales as this critically needed new clean energy industry takes off in the US.”
Natural Resources Defense Council senior renewable energy advocate Nathanael Greene said: “This innovative agreement is proof that we can grow the clean energy we need to power our homes and businesses and at the same time protect vulnerable wildlife like the iconic North Atlantic right whale.”
Conservation Law Foundation director of ocean conservation Priscilla Brooks said: “As we ask more of our oceans, we must ensure that we balance the critical need for clean energy with the protection of our majestic right whales and other marine species.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in responsible development of offshore wind energy.”
There are only about 400 right whales remaining on the planet.
Vineyard Wind is a 50:50 joint venture between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Renewables.