Fact Check: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports no whale deaths from wind turbines.

Fact Check: "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports no whale deaths from wind turbines."

What We Know

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stated that there is currently no scientific evidence linking offshore wind development to whale deaths. According to NOAA Fisheries, "there are no known links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities" (NOAA Fisheries). This assertion is supported by various studies and reports indicating that the noise generated from offshore wind site characterization surveys is not expected to cause whale mortality (source-2). Additionally, NOAA does not authorize actions that would lead to the death or serious injury of whales in relation to wind energy projects (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that NOAA reports no whale deaths from wind turbines is substantiated by their official communications. NOAA Fisheries has explicitly stated that they have not authorized any actions that would result in whale deaths due to offshore wind activities (source-4). Furthermore, they have indicated that the ongoing Unusual Mortality Events (UME) affecting whale populations are not linked to wind energy development, but rather to other factors such as vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear (source-3).

Critically, while some studies have suggested a correlation between wind industry activity and whale deaths, NOAA has emphasized that there is no direct evidence supporting these claims (source-6). The reliability of NOAA as a source is high, given its role as a federal agency responsible for marine mammal science and management. Its findings are based on extensive research and data collection, making it a credible authority on this matter.

Conclusion

The verdict is True. NOAA has consistently reported that there is no evidence linking offshore wind development to whale deaths. Their findings are based on scientific research and regulatory assessments, which indicate that while whale populations are facing challenges, these are not attributable to offshore wind activities.

Sources

1. Frequent Questions—Offshore Wind and Whales - NOAA Fisheries
2. FAQs about offshore wind and whales
3. Addressing Misinformation on Offshore Wind Farms and Recent Whale Mortalities
4. Offshore Wind Energy: Assessing Impacts to Marine Life
5. Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales During Offshore Wind Energy Development
6. NOAA: NJ wind farm may 'adversely affect,' not kill whales