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The Relationship Between Offshore Wind Farms and Marine Wildlife in Rhode Island

Abstract

Despite political and environmental controversy, research has shown that not only do offshore wind farms have minimal impact on birds, whales, and benthic organisms, but they can actually be beneficial to marine ecosystems. However, many Rhode Island and Massachusetts citizens are concerned that the construction of the Revolution wind farm will decrease the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. Current research refutes these claims on the negative impacts of offshore wind farms, stating that their construction benefits benthic communities, has little to no impact on the health of whales, and only temporarily impacts migrating bird species. New and innovative technology has found ways to decrease the negative impact of wind farms on whales, birds, and benthic organisms, as scientists are finding ways to make the turbines safer and less disruptive to these animals and their environment.

This document is related to the Block Island Wind Farm Project Site.