Berkeley Joins Calls For Moratorium On Offshore Wind Development

BERKELEY, NJ — Amid growing concerns regarding the amount of dead whales washing up on the Jersey Shore, Mayor Carmen Amato has joined dozens of other mayors calling for an immediate moratorium on offshore wind development.

In a letter signed by 30 New Jersey mayors, including Amato, officials express concerns about "the unprecedented number of whales that have washed ashore recently." This letter was sent to Gov. Phil Murphy and President Joe Biden.

The call follows the ninth dead whale to wash ashore in the New Jersey/New York area on Feb. 13 in Manasquan. Read more: Cause Of Death For Whale That Washed Up On The Jersey Shore Revealed

"While we are not opposed to clean energy, we are concerned about the impacts these projects may already be having on our environment," the letter reads.

Berkeley is also introducing a resolution calling for a moratorium at the next Township Council meeting.

"It appears the noise disruption to whales has been significantly underestimated and should be further evaluated to ensure that the whale species is adequately protected from such disturbance," the resolution reads.

"The Mayor and Township Council are deeply concerned by the number of recent whale deaths and the ultimate impact to the whale population if these numbers continue," the resolution adds.

Environmental groups have voiced concerns that sonar mapping for the projects is harming the whales and leading to their deaths. Read more: Is Offshore Wind To Blame For NJ Whale Deaths? Officials Investigating

The equipment used in these activities is much smaller and quieter than those used in the oil and gas industry, Erica Staaterman, a bioacoustician with the Bureau of Ocean Management, said in a January call with reporters. The offshore wind equipment is less intrusive, she said.

Since 2016, 25 deceased whales have washed up in New Jersey, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data, which pre-dates offshore wind activity in the area.

"At this point, there is no evidence to support speculation that noise resulting from wind development-related site characterization surveys could potentially cause mortality of whales," NOAA officials said.

The mayors ask that a moratorium be placed on offshore wind activity until an investigation by federal and state agencies determines that the activity is not a contributing factor into the whale deaths.

They join other New Jersey officials asking for a halt to offshore wind activity. Read more: Van Drew To Hold Offshore Wind Hearing In South Jersey

The officials represent the communities of Atlantic Highlands, Avon by the Sea, Barnegat Light, Bay Head, Beach Haven, Berkley Township, Brick Township, Brielle, Brigantine, Deal, Harvey Cedars, Linwood, Little Egg Harbor Township, Long Beach Township, Mantoloking, Margate City, North Wildwood, Ocean City, Point Pleasant Borough, Point Pleasant Beach, Sea Girt, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, Spring Lake, Stafford Township, Stone Harbor, Toms River, Ventnor City, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.