AI will be used to protect whales from offshore wind farms in the US with the aim of preserving marine life in these locations
The United States is taking an innovative approach to dealing with the environmental challenges associated with the development of offshore wind farms. With the aim of mitigating the impact of these facilities on marine life, the Biden administration is implementing measures that include the use of artificial intelligence (IA) to monitor and protect North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species.
Offshore wind farms in the United States and AI monitoring
As part of President Joe Biden's proposal, the United States is seeking to deploy 60 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. The rise of these wind farm installations raises concerns about their impact on marine life, especially North Atlantic right whales, a species that has only 360 individuals in the world.
As a result, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are implementing a joint strategy. This strategy uses artificial intelligence and acoustic monitoring to track the location of whales and assess the impact of offshore wind farms on their presence and behavior.
Measures to protect and mitigate damage caused by wind farms in the United States
The US strategy also includes measures to avoid building wind farms in areas sensitive to whales, establish noise limits during construction and develop quieter technologies. The aim is to ensure that the development of offshore wind energy is done responsibly, protecting marine life, especially North Atlantic right whales.
This project comes against a backdrop of expanding offshore wind energy in the US, with 30 areas designated for wind farms along the East Coast where endangered whales live. The US government's strategy was announced close to the request for concessions for offshore wind projects in Massachusetts and New York, highlighting the growth and economic potential of this sector.
The United States' initiative to use artificial intelligence to monitor and protect North Atlantic right whales is a significant step in the quest for sustainable development of offshore wind energy. This innovative approach demonstrates the Biden administration's commitment to protecting the environment and preserving marine biodiversity, while while driving the transition for renewable energy sources.