THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 17 FROM PAGE 17 Organization created to protect North Atlantic right whale from offshore wind projects A group of concerned citizens, scientists and John Romboli, Greg Bluestein, John Capra, Mac Powell, Head Coach Robert DiLoreto, Christopher Miller and Claude St. Juste make up the Crimson Tide coaching staff. conservationists have created the Save Right Whales Coalition, which seeks a moratorium on the construction of offshore wind projects until their impact on the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and other wildlife is fully understood. The group has sent an open letter to the people of Massachusetts, describing in depth why more thorough studies on the impacts on right whales and other marine life are necessary before any offshore wind projects proceed. In January 2019, the National Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Conservation Law Foundation entered into an unprecedented agreement with Vineyard Wind that they say will protect right whales by limiting vessel speeds, requiring whale detection measures and limiting pile-driving activity to the summer and fall, periods when right whales have historically not been present in the project area. Pile-driving creates far-reaching noise pollution that can hinder whale calls used to maintain contact, gathering to feed and finding mates. The construction technique and other anthropogenic sounds also result in habitat displacement, hearing loss and, in right whales specifically, increased stress levels. The Save Right Whales Coalition believes that the mitigation measures are insufficient, and recent research shows that right whales are increasingly present in the planned construction area year-round due to changes in migration patterns. Additionally, existing detection measures are ineffective for right whales, which are hard to spot because of their dark color and often missed by acoustic listening when they do not vocalize loudly. Reportedly, existing evidence does not support the claim that offshore wind will have only minimal pressures on wildlife, including the North Atlantic right whale, of which there are less than 350 still living. NOAA Fisheries (part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the New England Aquarium and the Center for Coastal Studies report that more studies are needed to understand the impacts of offshore wind on federally listed endangered species – serious questions remain unanswered about the impact of industrial wind projects on right whales. Crimson Tide running back Richie Malloy (22) headed for the end zone to add another touchdown in the rout of Malden High on October 28. Dinosaurs take over Faneuil Hall with immersive, walk-thru adventure P rehistoric creatures that once occupied the planet are now taking over Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure officially opened to the public on November 19. The showcase of the fascinating prehistoric creatures is being offered for the first time ever in the heart of historic Boston. Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages have the chance to learn about how dinosaurs evolved over time, where they lived and the discoveries paleontologists have made about their behavior. The EHS Crimson Tide Football Captains The experience is scientifically advised by world-renowned paleontologist Dr. Gregory Erickson – featuring fossils, many varieties of advanced animatronic dinosaurs, and interactive games for all ages. The duration of the visit is approximately 60 minutes, and tickets are $20 per person; children under age two do not need a ticket. The exhibit at Faneuil Hall Marketplace can be visited through mid-January. For additional information, please visit DinoSafariBoston. com.
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