FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 2023
Study Links Marine Mammal Deaths to Offshore Wind Energy Survey Vessels

And Prompts Renewed Calls for a Thorough Investigation

[Long Beach Island, NJ] On November 2, 2023, a groundbreaking report titled “The Evidence
That the Offshore Wind Energy Vessel Surveys are the Cause of the Recent New Jersey Whale
and Dolphin Deaths” was unveiled. This comprehensive study presents a compelling correlation
between the recent surge in marine mammal fatalities along the New Jersey and New York
coastlines and the offshore wind energy vessel surveys. These findings present a significant
challenge to the existing stance of federal and state government agencies, which have previously
denied any connection between these events.
The evidence consists of the following elements, presented in detail in the Report.
There have been recent unprecedented spikes in the number of whale deaths.
The deaths began when the number of vessel surveys increased.
The time and place of the whale deaths coincides with survey vessel presence.
The use of an unsupported low noise source level and a high transmission loss factor
underestimates the elevated noise range from the vessel and the number of animals
affected.
The primary impact on the animals here, i.e., the “disturbance” of their behavior, which
can lead to serious harm and fatality was not meaningfully addressed in survey approvals,
nor is the cumulative impact of multiple vessels operating concurrently in the same area.
There have been many whale stranding events worldwide associated with noise devices
with similar horizontally directed and more impacting noise patterns, and
No other plausible cause of the deaths has been put forward.
The report’s analysis strongly suggests that vessel surveys are not only a plausible cause, but
potentially the primary factor behind the recent spike in whale and dolphin mortalities.
Emphasizing the critical need for an accurate, transparent evaluation and a robust strategy to
mitigate these life-threatening risks to marine ecosystems, Save LBI has taken proactive steps. In
a letter dated November 9 th addressed to the NOAA Administrator, the organization has urged
the Agency to reevaluate its stance. Additionally, Save LBI advocates for the formation of a
specialized committee comprising experts in acoustics and marine mammal behavior to conduct
a thorough investigation into all potential causes of these tragic incidents.
Save LBI has initiated legal action, aiming to compel the agency to conduct a comprehensive
investigation into these concerning events. While we are optimistic about a favorable outcome in
court, we maintain that litigation should not be required for the responsible agency to fully

explore such a glaringly evident issue. Our commitment is to ensure accountability and proactive
measures to safeguard our marine ecosystems, and we believe that addressing these concerns
should be an inherent responsibility of the agency.
A copy of the report is attached, and can also be found at this link,
https://www.savelbi.org/marinelife-whales, on our website, SaveLBI.org.
SaveLBI.org contact:
Bob Stern, Ph.D., President
Save Long Beach Island, Inc.