New York and New Jersey are witnessing an alarming increase in whale deaths, with 23 known fatalities in less than a year, sparking concerns and anger among environmental activists and political figures. Critics of offshore wind farm developments, including David Shanker, the New Jersey Spokesperson for Save Right Whales Coalition, are attributing the tragic deaths to sonar blasting activities related to wind turbine construction.
Shanker, a passionate advocate for marine life with an extensive background in ocean recreation, exploration, and the market research industry, recently voiced his disgust over the situation, stating, “I am sickened to learn of yet another dead whale washing ashore in Long Branch this past weekend. I believe, as many others do, that the irresponsible rush to build offshore wind turbines is why whales are dying at an alarming rate.”
According to Shanker, the sonar blasting of the ocean floor, approved by both BOEM and NOAA, harms whales’ ability to hear and navigate away from large ships. The situation has escalated to a total of 60 known whale deaths on the East Coast since December 1, 2022, prompting urgent calls for action.
A coalition of political figures including Representative Jeff Van Drew (NJ), Representative Jeff Smith (NJ), the Commissioners of Cape May County, and 50 Coastal Mayors have asked President Biden and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a moratorium on the sonar blasting to investigate the cause of the whale deaths. However, their pleas have so far been met with silence, even as the Save Right Whale Coalition prepares to release a documentary with evidence linking sonar testing vessels to whale deaths.
Shanker’s frustration is palpable as he urges, “I again ask that we pause to understand what is happening in our oceans to these whales. It is irresponsible to continue what we are doing and watching whales die.”
Governor Murphy’s lack of response, and the perceived apathy from members of New Jersey’s Democrat Party, has further inflamed tensions. The urgent requests for a temporary halt to work on wind farms off the New Jersey Coast have been ignored, causing consternation among activists and local authorities.
Shanker’s commitment to protecting the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale species extends beyond mere advocacy. His consulting practice, David Shanker Consulting, and volunteer initiatives for various sailing and boating foundations reflect a lifelong dedication to marine life and biodiversity. His expertise in detecting irregular data patterns played a crucial role in his involvement with Save Right Whales and his ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the potentially disastrous impacts of wind turbine construction on marine wildlife, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and local tourism.