In October, a protest on the Jersey Shore featured tea lights arranged in the shape of a whale’s tail, highlighting a growing movement against offshore wind projects along the U.S. East Coast. Activists have rallied under the slogan “Wind Kills Whales,” a claim popularized by former President Donald Trump, local Republican politicians, and nonprofits linked to the fossil fuel industry. They argue that offshore wind farms are causing whale deaths, using images of dead whales found on beaches as evidence.

However, current scientific research shows no connection between offshore wind projects and whale deaths. Marine scientist Douglas Nowacek from Duke University states that there is no evidence linking wind turbines to the mortality of whales. The real dangers to whales come from human activities like ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear, not wind turbines. These issues are made worse by busy shipping lanes and rising ocean temperatures that force whales into more dangerous areas.

Like any new large-scale project offshore wind farms will of course have some impact, but the key is to understand potential harms and then mitigate them.  For example, construction and maintenance can increase ship traffic and noise. To address these risks, wind projects are implementing measures like speed limits for boats and noise-reducing technologies. Experts believe these precautions are effective in protecting whales and other marine life.

Misinformation about the impact of offshore wind on whales is frustrating conservationists and researchers. Despite the lack of scientific support for these claims, they continue to shape public opinion and political debates. As the U.S. works to expand offshore wind energy to fight climate change, it’s crucial to rely on accurate information and effective measures to protect both marine life and our path to a sustainable energy future.

Read More: The Science Is Clear: Offshore Wind Isn’t What’s Killing Whales