It’s uncharted territory out there.
In an unusual collaboration, businesses and environmentalists are coming together in court to protest a significant offshore project in New York, claiming it threatens both commercial fishing and local marine ecosystems.
“A decade ago, we warned about the effects on fishermen and fisheries, but the state ignored us,” stated Bonnie Brady, the executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fisheries Association.
“We provide food for people; yet it feels like we’re being sidelined in this process,” she added.
The ambitious energy initiative, which began construction off New York and New Jersey last April, is facing a wave of lawsuits from various stakeholders in the Tri-State area.
The Fulton Fish Market Co-op in the Bronx employs around 1,200 individuals. Joining the legal efforts are the Point Lookout Fishing Club and the Commercial Fisheries Association of Long Island.
The CEO of Fulton asserted that the project could “devastate long-established port communities and economies.”
Similar sentiments are echoed in Ocean City, Maryland, where locals are also pushing back against another wind project offshore.
Brady explained that for fishermen in areas like Point Lookout and Long Beach, which is just 14 miles from the major offshore project, navigating around the towering wind turbines would require significant detours.
“Imagine driving on the Long Island Expressway and suddenly encountering a lot of electric poles,” she remarked.
“Fishermen can’t access these zones. If something goes wrong, they could find themselves in trouble out at sea.”
Beyond economic implications, there are growing concerns that the noise and vibrations from the construction could disrupt marine life, particularly whales.
Environmental groups in New Jersey, including Clean Ocean Action, are also advocating against threats posed to local whale populations, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whales.
“This project could leave some whales permanently deaf,” Brady expressed.
“Without their hearing, they’ll have to swim closer to the surface to sense their surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents with boats.”
A beached whale on Long Island’s South Shore earlier this year raised alarms about potential dangers to local marine life from wind farms.
Concerns for Business
Billionaire John Catsimatidis has also voiced his opposition to this offshore initiative.
“This will harm fisheries on Long Island, jeopardize whale populations, and likely increase electricity costs for families,” he stated.
“I mentioned this to the president a few weeks back. He’s not a fan of windmills, but past actions limit his options now.”
Catsimatidis recently spoke with EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, who expressed skepticism about the tall wind turbines.
“If you’re unsure about the direction to take, check the maps and the economic implications. That should guide your decisions regarding wind energy,” Zeldin noted.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised alarms about the increasing reports of dead whales near offshore wind farms.
“In the last 22 months, we’ve recorded 109 whale strandings, all in close proximity to these new projects,” Kennedy relayed to Catsimatidis last month.
“Two decades ago, the average was only 2.6 strandings per year.”
Kevin Halpin from the Point Lookout Fishing Club fears the potential damage to marine ecosystems could have long-lasting consequences.
“These projects are dangerous, ineffective, and detrimental to our safety,” he remarked.
Equinor, the company managing Empire Wind, has not responded to requests for comments on the situation.
