NOAA: New Jersey Offshore Wind Project to 'Adversely Affect' Marine Life but Not Endanger Species

Despite concerns, the Atlantic Shores project, the last remaining offshore wind initiative in the state, is expected to proceed with protective measures in place.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stated that the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project in New Jersey is likely to 'adversely affect' marine life, including whales, but not seriously harm or kill them.
The project, which has preliminary approval, is the only remaining offshore wind project in New Jersey after Danish wind giant Orsted cancelled two similar projects in October.
Despite the predicted impact on marine life, the NOAA does not anticipate that the project will jeopardize the continued existence of any species of endangered whales, sea turtles, or fish, or adversely modify any designated critical habitat.
Opponents of the project, including the group Save LBI, argue that the costs, damages, and risks of the project outweigh the benefits, and have called on New Jersey environmental regulators to determine that Atlantic Shores does not meet the state's coastal zone management rules.
New Jersey energy regulators approved the 1,510 megawatt Atlantic Shores project in 2021, which is a joint partnership between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development, LLC and is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 700,000 homes.