We are committed to protecting the marine environment in which we operate.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the equipment used to conduct offshore wind survey activities, such as those measures used by Atlas Wind, are a cause of whale deaths. This is according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). and other leading marine scientists.
“Safety is always our top priority, which includes environmental protection,” says Martin Goff, Atlas Wind Project Director. ’The offshore wind industry adheres to some of the most stringent marine mammal mitigation measures in the nation. Surveying activities are critical to having baseline data available to responsibly develop our Atlas Wind project and help California unlock a proven source of reliable, renewable energy.
Importantly, and as part of our surveying campaign, the following measures are implemented to avoid and minimize potential impacts, and to protect marine wildlife during surveying activities:
- Each vessel includes independent and professionally trained Protected Species Observers (PSO) to monitor the surrounding area for the presence of protected species and ensure proactive measures are taken to maintain safe distances between protected species and survey efforts whether the vessel is actively collecting data or just transiting.
- PSOs will ensure that certain survey equipment is not deployed when protected species are within a minimum distance.
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) carry survey equipment close to the seafloor, further minimizing the potential for interactions with surrounding sea life.
- Cameras assist Protected Species Observers by monitoring the area near the surveying vessels and equipment. The cameras are installed facing forward to provide a field of view ahead of the vessel. PSOs monitor the real-time output of the camera, monitoring for protected species.
Further information can be found in the following factsheets:
Offshore Wind is Protecting Whales
Safeguarding Marine Mammals During Development through Operations
