Offshore Wind and Local Marine Life: Conservation and Innovation presented by Captain Paul Eidman

Fish and wildlife go hand in hand with offshore wind. Capt. Paul Eidman, a local fishing charter boat owner and marine conservationist, gave a presentation on the interaction between offshore wind and the marine creatures that inhabit our local ecosystem. He dove into the benefits offshore wind can bring to our ocean and explained how it can enhance the marine ecosystem by increasing local biodiversity. Additionally, he addressed common misconceptions and answered questions from attendees. He also provided a preview of some of the heavy equipment, submarine cables, and related offshore wind components. This interactive webinar highlighted how responsibly installed offshore wind in New Jersey can guide us toward a clean energy future.

[@Jpatmeadowbrook]

Great, informative but I have one question: how far out can we see ? There is a billboard on Rt 72 going onto LBI with sunbathers on the beach and the turbines close in front of them in the surf.

[@ruairigallagher5242]

really interesting talk and great to hear a perspective from across the Atlantic. However, I do take issue with the bait and switch (whether intentiional or not) regarding the EMFs. Saying that the species most prone to EMF (skate, shark and lobsters) where all seen in the vicinity of cables means nothing - very much like saying "humans were seen on either side of the berlin wall" as evidence of lack of impact. And then to address this barrier effect in the next slide taking cases from a totally distinct set of species (bass and humpbac whale), with the conclusion that clearly no impact exists on marine species. Intersting bait and switch, especially when the sesnitivity of certain species has already been acknowledged.

[@paulyfish1]

Hi R- Thank you for your comment. I get what you are saying but please understand that while trying to fit 2+ hrs. of content into 40 minutes you can't go into that kind of detail. There is no bait and switch. The Elasmobranch species I spoke of have been viewed under water (on your side of the pond) to sense and react slightly to EMF over the cable routes but continue to move along in the same direction. The other species were mentioned because they are not only migrating over several submarine cables to get to spawning grounds without effect, but also actively living directly on top of the cables. As a fisherman we use the structure found along the cable route to fish upon, as well as whale and dolphin watch as they feed. As I mentioned, the specific cable I mentioned has been in place since 2007 without incident. It wasn't until renewable energy became politicized that regular folks even cared about this subject. I have written about this if you would like further details here: www.anglersforoffshorewind.org/blog/debunking-the-offshore-wind-barrier-myth