There are whirling blades offshore that are killing the wildlife we love.
No, not windfarm blades but the props of these behemoths that kill whales and dolphins.
Ships are always offshore waiting to dock in NY, as seen in my photo of our old Long Beach boardwalk:
Dear readers, new times are upon us, and they require choices, as “new times” always do.
When Nicola Tesla discovered the rotating magnetic field, AC alternating current, it was hailed as a breakthrough over Edison’s DC current. DC current could only travel a mile whereas AC could travel 200 miles.
Today we are bringing electricity to our homes in ways never foreseen by Tesla. Wind farming among them.
Many people were thrilled with the new inventions electric current could activate. But some were afraid to let this new power source into their homes; they wouldn’t let their children go near it. President Benjamin Harrison had White House staff turn light switches on and off; he feared getting electrocuted. The public feared electric doorbells for the same reason when they first rolled out.
Our concerns:
- Windmills kill birds.
- Power cables harm marine mammals.
- Power cables cause cancer.
- Windmills cause cancer.
- Windmills offshore will be ugly
I love all birds, but especially the shore birds that accompany me— and sometimes seem sympathetic to my useless, featherless arms.
Other times they make me laugh, as did this gull who didn’t get the clam profile memos:
The thought of birds flying into spinning blades offshore is a bloody image. So when I looked to the South Shore Audubon Society, (SSAS) to see their statement—at the bottom of this essay—I expected strong resistance.
Surely they wouldn’t want tall Cuisinarts slicing and dicing birds offshore. Just the thought of the whirling blades would be the prime mover for such resistance—but no.
The Audubon Society has sought to protect birds in uncountable ways since its start in 1905. In the case of wind farms, Audubon took a step back and looked at the larger issue—climate change—and what it has wrought already on sea birds. And what will undoubtedly be catastrophic for them if we do nothing.
A step back for the larger view often leads to better solutions to most of our planet’s problems. Sure, we know that. But so often we don’t it; as in this case, we just bite at the close, shiny lures like horizon windmills or faux sea-mammal threats, then rebel against efforts to fight the more significant threat.
Gannet populations, palegic or ocean birds, for one example, have stopped expanding over the last decade. Scientists pin it on warming oceans: “Global warming is coming at us so fast we don’t have a choice but to adopt offshore wind,” says wildlife biologist Shilo Felton, field manager for Audubon’s Clean Energy Initiative. “This isn’t even as simple as ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’ Gannets are certainly damned if we don’t.” And Audubon sees shifts in the food web, sea-level rise, and marine heat waves that are expected to accelerate over the coming decades as the big concern—not windmill blades.
From Audubon on wind power and birds : “An estimated 140,000 to 500,000 bird deaths occur per year due to turbine collisions, which is substantial, but significantly less than the deaths caused by outdoor cats and building collisions.”
An Audubon article on wind energy reports : Some sea birds are attracted to windmills, perch on and feed from them. Others learn to avoid them and are displaced from the area. Some species of gulls and terns deviate more than a mile from windmills, loon displacement can reach seven miles.
Re: Mammals: According to the Marine Mammal Commission reports, “there is no evidence linking wind-power development activities to the death of whales.”
Late edits:
- Regarding wind farm pile driving and whales, NOAA states the project will only use pile driving between Jan and Apr to prevent harassment of endangered right whales. Monitoring of sound will be in place with penalties for violations.
- Regarding Sonar use, another concern of wind farms and mammals, a survey of the sea bed off Long Beach, NY starting end of June, will extend to Aug 15th and will not involve excavation, dredging, or sonar.
For all sea mammals, the biggest threat is sea vessel strikes by ships, like those carrying our Amazon orders, and fishing gear entanglements—not windmills.
I love to see pods of whales offshore, as do all of you, great photo ops, sure. They wear me out, biking the boards while trying to keep up with them from beach to beach. But I’m also—so glad to see them go—to move farther out, away from the traffic jam of whirling steel.
Did you know whales never learn to fear ship’s props because they tend to kill them with almost every bloody hack.
Ship speed limits, when whales are nearby must be enforced. Lovers of sea mammals, direct your concerns about them there, not at windmills.
A NOAA 2021 graphic from their report on vessel speed: A single one-year-old right whale with an electronic tag, red dot, traverses our shore amidst ships, seen as blue streaks. The ships are only those that had Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) at that time. And the red dot shows only one right whale in the likely pod of them. Note the perpetual queue of ships off our Long Beach shore.
Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Director of the Sierra Club, said in a statement. “One way that climate change may be linked to the current deaths is the fact that warmer waters can bring whales closer to shore to feed, putting them in the path of more ships.”
An excerpt from the Audubon statement about whales and ship deaths: “Common sense dictates the need for precautionary speed restrictions and a reduction in the use of vertical lines in fixed-gear fisheries. Nevertheless, the loudest anti-wind voices who “bemoan” whale deaths are the same voices who are resisting measures for mitigating vessel strikes and entanglement. This inconsistency smacks of insincerity and of ulterior motives. They banter in sedition claptrap even as they demonstrate not even a modicum of willingness to be part of the solution.”
Regarding electric cables, SSAS refers to European studies: “When electricity is transmitted in a cable, an electromagnetic field (EMF) forms around the cable. European monitoring studies of potential wind project-related EMF have shown minimal if any, effects on marine organism behavior or movement. This is in part because magnetic fields produced by electrical cables tend to be restricted to an area of several meters from the cable.”
The SSAS statement goes on, “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite extensive research, to date, there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health. However, the WHO does recommend protective measures such as barriers around strong electromagnetic field sources to help preclude unauthorized access to areas where exposure limits may be exceeded. Does the PSC plan to restrict access directly above buried cables? If not, why not?”
The Bureau of Ocean Management reports: Common household items, including television sets, hair dryers, and electric drills, can emit magnetic fields similar to or higher in intensity than those emitted by undersea project power cables.
Audubon says, “Residents have also expressed concern about how landing a cable near their neighborhoods could impact their safety and long-term health. Unequivocally, neither Equinor nor the PSC has provided sufficient information to the public to address these concerns, and this must be rectified.” [Italics are mine]
Okay, we need safeguards—to be safe. So let’s ensure that.
But, the need for aggressive action to reduce climate change is highly evident, mainly because we are so late to launch. So, as safely as we can—launch those windmills.
On our Long Beach shore, we are among the most at peril for sea-level changes and storms like Sandy. If you have a problem with the sight of windmills peeking over the horizon, consider them as climate mitigation against future Sandy storms—they might almost bring a smile.
To say nothing of low-lying areas on our planet where the poorest of humankind resides. They’re at risk of losing their livelihood’s, their lives.
Re hot air:
Many anti-wind-power groups pretend to protect whales, but they are funded by oil and gas companies fighting renewable energy.
We must stop dragging our flip-flops and consider our kids and their kids. This climate change, nee global warming, has been called a hoax, a scam, a conspiracy, and many other gales of hot air for too long.
We are but one species on this tiny blue planet. We need to realize that we share it with others who can’t control their habitat’s climate. We can and we must. We’ve caused enough deterioration to their environs and ours. It’s time we do more for them and ourselves.
We’ve come a long way since early AC current. But what seems cutting edge today may look like Edison’s carbon loop in the future. On the horizon now is pulling electricity out of humidity. Maybe one long-off summer day we’ll be glad to say, “It’s not the heat it’s the humidity.” because the humidity will provide the power for our ACs.
In the meantime, bring on wind power.
Be well,
Leebythesea
The South Shore Audubon statement:
Categories: Windfarms
leebythesea 
Cathy, thank you for your comment. I appreciate your interest, you apparently seek information on this important issue. I referenced scientific sources. While you keep seeking, be sure to review scientific sources too. I found them helpful. Again, thank you for your comment.
Be well,
Lee
Sent from my iPad
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57 dead whales since they started this wind turbine project along LI and the Jersey coast. Live in LB over 30 years never happened like this before. I’d rather the whales live and I move to adjust to any climate changes. By the way, climate has changed many times on the earth. Nothing new here. Human kind adjusted. We don’t need to trash the ocean too.
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Your responses are a fine example of how to debate a complex subject in a kind manner, yet stating factual information and opinion cogently. Thank you! You set an example for the rest of us! (And that’s from someone who disagrees with your conclusions, but not with the need to address rising CO2.)
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Leon,
We have a difference of opinion, obviously. Thank you so much for sharing yours. I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you for your comment.
Be well,
Lee
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Very well written article with wonderful photographs. Nonetheless, I disagree with your conclusions. First, you may not be bothered by the blinking lights on 950 high wind turbines, but I imagine sitting on a bench on the boardwalk on a summer night enjoying the breeze off the ocean, and then looking out and seeing almost 200 red and white lights blinking away. Yes, for me, that would destroy my pleasure, and may lower the land values in Long Beach. Aesthetics matter! We do not live by bread alone! Further, the catastrophes you list are exaggerated. Have you read any of Bjorn Lomberg’s articles? We have had these storms, wild fires, etc, just as much as before, and there is no increasing trend in high-category hurricanes. But more importantly, there are better alternatives: Put wind turbines in the very low population density areas of NYS, such as the Finger Lakes region. And then wait for the new, safe nuclear units, in about five years or so. Besides, anything we do in the U.S. now is being swamped by dozens upon dozens of coal-fired generating plants being built as we speak in China and Africa. The U.S. goes deeper into national debt, while China pushes forward. (Yes, our national debt really, really matters. If the dollar falls, we will have much more to worry about than the climate, in lots of ways.)
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Sue, first thank you for being a great example of civil exchange. My primary concern is safety, as I’ve said in my “Wing, Whales…” post. I’m not satisfied we’ve been assured of that when the cables come ashore. We need more assurance and explanation.
Blinking lights offshore won’t bother me. The sight is better than destroyed seashore, homes, roads, bridges, livelihoods. That’s just the seashore, not speaking to the sights of drought, fires, biblical rains. You know the rest of the mess by heart, I’m sure.
I suspect like the original incandescent light bulb, these towers will be replaced with a more efficient wind-harnessing system. So much wasted energy roaring across the sea, blasting the waves into foam, sand into dunes.
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind : )
Be well,
Lee
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Thanks Lee for keeping an open mind. If you are interested, many documents and studies have been collected from credible sources like the Navy. We all want the same thing.
My concern is also the big rush to put up 3400-1050 ft tall blinking structures off the Jersey coast for 5% of the power grid at an undetermined amount of money New Jersey doesn’t have. This is now a filed lawsuit. Seems like the proper way to proceed would be to have all the questions answered before moving forward.
Thanks again and have a great day!
Thanks again for listening Lee.
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Michael, market forces prevail in America and the globe. If they have the goods and we need them, kudos to them. America wasn’t born yesterday. We use foreign products at every turn. And they ours, for sure. Yes, we need to move before it’s too late. Let’s hope we haven’t passed that point by listening so long to claims of hoax, scam, conspiracy until we can’t hear them anymore for the surf crashing off our homes.
Be well,
Lee
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Lee, I agree with you wholeheartedly, the issue is it seems that this wind turbine deal is a one-sided partnership as we are using an entity that is from a distant shore. They have nothing in the game after the installation as they aren’t the manufacturer. I wish a manufacturer would come forward with a time-tested wind turbine and also let us know the details of the noise and emf emissions for the locals. At the same time, we need to make the move sooner rather than later from exclusively using fossil fuels and relying on other countries. Before it’s too late.
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Michael, whatever needs to be done, go full speed ahead or wait to see how other projects hold up, I’ll leave to the scientists. But we’ve failed for so long to launch meaningful efforts to address the results of global warming: Fires, drought, farms dying off. Rain, the likes of which our blue planet never endured in modern history. Temperatures soaring to death valley norms where people built homes to live and prosper. Do we in Long Beach have to wait till we’re bottom fishing our lures on what once was Park Ave?
Thank you for your comment.
Be well,
Lee
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Sue, we have a difference of opinion. Thank you for your information. I stand by mine but I’m open to new information. I hope you will be too as you and I, as well as all humankind tries to undo all the harm we have ravaged upon our planet.
Thank you for your comment.
Be well,
Lee
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Adrienne, yes there’s a lot of misinformation out there. I just do what I can to find the best information available. Thank you so much for your comment.
Be well,
Lee
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Paul, thank you for your fine response. I’ll do what I can. Please message me for further information. Thank you.
Be well,
Lee
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It’s unfortunate that the government has taken away the rights of Americans without having enough critical information regarding Off shore wind turbines as admitted by The Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management. Should airports be moved since radar and sonar will no longer work properly? Deafening whales creates whale boat strikes as documented by the Navy. How is pumping 90 degree water into the ocean going to prevent global warming? Better yet, the off shore wind farm off the UK has caused significant on land warming. Europe is moving away from off shore wind because it’s not green and causes even more environmental issues. Many countries have opted out or decided to reduce their involvement.
The Navy and Coast Guard have notified the President they will not be able to protect the East Coast of the USA all for unreliable power.
Your article is well written but doesn’t address all the facts.
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Excellent blog! Thank you for writing it. It’s wonderful to be reassured that their are science based FACTS that matter! The myths that wind surveying uses “sonar blasting” is just irresponsible and sad.
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Lee,
Your postings are very insightful, and we really appreciate it. While reading through the article I noticed you refer to European wind turbine studies. While I agree that we should move to green energy can we also agree that there should be testing done? We could possibly consider using the Dogger Bank Wind farm, between Britain and Europe, as a test bed for 5 years after completion to see how they hold up. At the moment there are going to be 950 ft wind turbines placed into service that have not been tested in real life storms in the Atlantic, such as Hurricane Sandy. Many may say it’s worth the risk, but considering we could cause damage to the marine life and life as we know it the Barrier Island, is testing worth taking a moment? And as the Audobon Society said in their quote:
“Residents have also expressed concern about how landing a cable near their neighborhoods could impact their safety and long-term health. Unequivocally, neither Equinor nor the PSC has provided sufficient information to the public to address these concerns, and this must be rectified.”
Maybe someone can reach out and obtain answers to the calm their concerns and get more locals onboard with the Green energy, as I would push to move away from fossil fuels.
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What a great article! I was wondering if you will be at the next Equinor meeting in Long Beach at the VFW on August 31st? I’ve been working on a statement in support of the project, and this gives me much of what I was looking for. We need as many supporters as possible to be at the meeting to counter the very vocal and well organized opposition. Are you available to collaborate?
Thanks
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John, thank you for your response and I’m so glad to see your concern for our sea mammals. America needs more of those thoughtful conservation concerns. An update to my photo essay:
Regarding wind farm pile driving and whales, NOAA states the project will only use pile driving between Jan and Apr to prevent harassment of endangered right whales. Monitoring of sound will be in place with penalties for violations.
Regarding Sonar use, another concern of wind farms and mammals, a survey of the sea bed off Long Beach, NY starting end of June, will extend to Aug 15th and will not involve excavation, dredging, or sonar.
Thanks again,
Be well,
Lee
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Thank you, Kathleen. Yes, there is much out there to learn from authoritative sources,. on this issue. I especially thank The South Shore Audubon Society for their assistance.
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So very informative! Thank you for providing so much information from many valid sources!!
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Sonar blasting doesn’t hurt whales? Piledriving does not affect marine life. Sounds like your full of alot of that hot air. Otherwise known as bullshit
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Diane,
Thank you for your kind words once again. I hope it helps others in seeing the big picture of climate change.
Be well,
Lee
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Michael,
Thank you for your response. I think the important thing is to think about the broader picture. We tend to get too focused on what’s close and shiny. Thanks again,
Be well,
Lee
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You always get it right !
This article should be required reading for every single Long Beach resident !
Finally, an opinion that takes scientific evidence to heart !
Any change can be hard but we must realize that our options are limited .
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Another wonderful blog Lee! Thank you for educating me on the need to increase wind power as a safer source of energy for us humans, our water mammals and our beloved birds!
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