Over 30 dead whales and 24 dolphins washed up on the East Coast shore in the last five months; offshore projects are under investigation for being at fault. 

   The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners has investigated offshore projects as  the cause for numerous marine animal deaths along the Jersey Coast. Since December, 31 dead whales have washed up on the east coast. Beaches in New York, New Jersey and Virginia have had whales wash up at substantial rates. Several dolphins were also found dead in Sandy Hook Bay. 

   According to World Animal News, “We need to hit pause to ensure any offshore activity is safe, not only for the whales and dolphins, but also to ensure that offshore activity will not impact our State’s economy,” Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn said. 

   Several of the whale fatalities have been ship strikes; which was found after an examination of their bodies. The whale population has increased since 2020, this is another factor that is considered with the recent fatalities. However, the offshore wind energy projects are also suspected of these deaths.

   The offshore wind energy projects are set to power 3.5 million homes by 2035, these energy companies conducted seafloor surveys for open areas underwater for more turbines. The turbines could be the cause of an abrupt increase in beached whales, however there is no solid evidence of a correlation between the two.

   Some sources expressed that the offshore wind energy projects have no direct correlation to the deaths, and the sound of boats underwater surveys might confuse the whales. The underwater frequencies can sometimes confuse the whales, and they arrive in an area where they should not be. 

   According to National Public Radio (NPR), “‘there is no evidence to link these strandings to offshore wind energy development.’ Many of the deaths are attributed to being hit by ships or getting caught in fishing nets,” The Marine Animal Commission said. 

   So what actions will be taken about the whale fatalities? Currently the issue is stalled because of the indefinite evidence. The investigation will continue in hope for fewer fatalities. 

    Sadly, this is not the first instance of marine life destruction. In 2016, the carcasses of juvenile humpback whales were found along the coast of Virginia and North Carolina. While there is no solution yet, the unusual mortality rate has many factors to be considered, and authorities along with marine animal commissions have made good efforts to amend the situation.