New York State aims to protect coastal wildlife and promote wind power
A new report aims to help America's New York State improve its coastal waters, protect wildlife and create more renewable energy sites. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) biographic assessment is designed to help state officials create more offshore wind farms, while at the same time protecting fish and bird sites.
It is also hoped that the creation of more renewable energy developments will bring extra employment to the area.
Cesar A. Perales, New York Secretary of State, says. "Our work showcases the benefits of state and federal cooperation and serves as a model for the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
"We believe this work will serve as an important asset for New York's offshore planning discussions and ultimately, help us meet our state's renewable energy goal.
The study came out of a partnership between the NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and the New York division of the State's Ocean and Great Lakes Program.
For 24-months they agreed to draw-up and examine ecological data required to plan offshore renewable energy sites in the 6,740 square mile region. The NOAA report will assist coastal planners balance the need for renewable energy and the requirements of nature, providing more certainty to investors.
Among the key conclusions was the need to understand the habitat, resources, biodiversity and ecology of marine birds, corals, sponges and ocean sediment. Maps were created to help the industry and state officials select suitable sites.
NOAA assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service, David Kennedy, says that cooperation between the two groups helped save time and money, as well as making improved outcomes based on science.
The research, along other NCCOS studies being conducted, will reinforce plans from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean, which aims to create a healthier coast and ocean. NOAA assistant secretary for conservation and management. Eric Schwaab says the partnership is producing the kind of benefits laid out in President Obama's National Ocean Policy.
The study, A Biogeographic Assessment of Seabirds, Deep Sea Corals and Ocean Habitats of the New York Bight, was supported by various academic bodies and state agencies.
The NOAA aims understand and predict alterations in the environment and to protect and manage coastal and marine resources. To download the full report, follow this link
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