The Marine Mammal Commission supports efforts to develop offshore renewable energy. Nevertheless, as with any new industrial activity proposed in U.S. coastal and offshore waters, the Commission believes that the development of renewable energy sources should proceed in a thoughtful and deliberate manner. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impacts offshore of renewable energy development on marine mammals from the siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of renewable energy facilities in coastal and offshore waters. It is important that we understand and prevent, to the extent possible, harmful impacts to marine mammals and other marine resources from renewable energy development.
