The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has completed the first two phases of an aerial survey of wildlife in a 16,000-square mile area off the Long Island coast.
NYSERDA said the survey is another step in advancing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2016 strategic plan to advance the development of offshore wind along the US state’s coastline.
“Regional-scale baseline information on seasonal wildlife distribution, abundance and movement will inform the biodiversity of development sites and contribute to responsible offshore wind site selection and development,” NYSERDA said.
The survey will also provide a better understanding of the potential effects of individual offshore wind projects, as well as any possible cumulative effects of multiple wind farms, it added.
The second seasonal survey was completed in November and, combined with an earlier summer survey, captured more than 800,000 images, including birds, whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and fish.
The surveys, which also map fish shoals and boat traffic, will be carried out four times a year for three years using the latest digital and sensor technology.
They are being conducted in coordination with visual surveys planned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Navy, BOEM and others.
The resulting survey data will be made public, NYSERDA said.
The surveys are being completed by consultancy Normandeau Associates and digital aerial surveyor APEM on behalf of NYSERDA.
Image: NYSERDA
US maps offshore wildlife
Two aerial studies conducted of 16,000-square mile area off Long Island
By EBS