Abstract
The New England Aquarium has conducted aerial line-transect surveys of the Southern New England Wind Energy Areas (WEA) and surrounding waters using a mix of observer sightings and automated aerial photography to estimate distributions and abundances of large whales, including the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), and sea turtles.
Aerial surveys began in March 2023 and will continue through December 2023 (“Survey Campaign 8”) with a draft final report to be completed in April 2024. This survey campaign will provide data required by the federal resource agencies to assess the environmental effects associated with offshore wind energy development in the Southern New England WEAs, and will increase understanding of the seasonality, numbers, and distribution of right whales, other large whales, and sea turtles.
We used the study area, design, and methodology that was previously reviewed and approved by MassCEC and BOEM. Surveys followed appropriate safety and communications protocols. NEAq provided a survey report to all survey partners within 24 hours of each survey.
Data are available upon request via email to offshorewind@masscec.com.