Abstract
The Environmental Technical Working Group (E-TWG) is an independent advisory body to the State of New York, formed in 2017, with a regional focus on offshore wind and wildlife issues from Maine to North Carolina. It is comprised of offshore wind developers, science-based environmental non-government organizations, and state and federal wildlife agencies. The E-TWG undertakes activities such as the development of best management practices and identification of research needs regarding wildlife and offshore wind development. With direction from the E-TWG and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), topically focused Specialist Committees (SCs) bring together science-based subject matter expertise to develop specific products and recommendations that inform or advance environmentally responsible development of offshore wind energy. Specialist Committees include both E-TWG and non-E-TWG members from a range of backgrounds, as appropriate for each committee’s charge.
The Bird Communications Specialist Committee was formed in December 2024 to develop communications materials to aid in the dissemination of current, accurate, and readily understandable science-based information around the potential effects and impacts to birds from offshore wind development. The Specialist Committee includes representatives from academic institutions, environmental nonprofit organizations, state agencies, offshore wind energy developers and environmental consultants, and receives technical support from the Biodiversity Research Institute. External reviewers of Committee products are scientific experts who may include federal and state agency representatives, academics, and other environmental professionals or other stakeholders with topical expertise.
The Specialist Committee developed this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document, which groups topics into overarching themes and aims to provide two levels of information in response to each FAQ: (1) Brief bulleted summary and (2) Detailed Answer, an extended answer with associated scientific citations to provide readers with a better understanding of the scientific evidence base and information sources. Links to additional resources are provided when relevant. While focused on offshore wind development, FAQ responses may also include discussion of land-based wind energy development, other maritime industries, climate change, and/or other human activities, to provide detail and context. FAQ responses have been through multiple rounds of review by Specialist Committee members, E-TWG members, and external reviewers. More details about the general FAQ review process can be found at https://www.nyetwg.com/specialist-committees/wildlife-faqs. If readers with appropriate expertise would like to help review drafts of future FAQ topics, please reach out to Katrina Zarrella-Smith at katrina.zarrella-smith@briwildlife.org.
The FAQ document is intended primarily as a resource for stakeholders who are in direct communication with the public, and who regularly receive questions from the public on these topics. The intent of this document is to provide scientifically accurate answers in varying levels of detail to address common questions. End users should feel free to use or adapt the information in the FAQ as they see fit, along with attention to scientific integrity.
This document is intended to be a living document that is updated over time to address key emerging questions related to birds and offshore wind energy development. For the full FAQ version history visit https://www.nyetwg.com/specialist-committees/wildlife-faqs/bird-communi…;