AP Photo/NOAA, Pete Duley
This April 20, 2010 photo released by the National Oceanographic
and Atmospheric Administration shows a North Atlantic right whale
feeding in Block Island Sound off the coast of Rhode Island.
The developer proposing to erect five wind turbines off Block Island announced on Monday that due to concerns about the endangered North Atlantic right whales it has revised its construction plans for the demonstration project slated to begin in 2015.
Deepwater Wind, in consultation with the environmental group Conservation Law Foundation, has voluntarily opted to avoid any pile driving in April due to data suggesting that the migratory whales tend to inhabit Rhode Island waters at that time of year.
"It is probably the most important environment concern that needs to be addressed for offshore wind in this part of the country," said CEO Jeffrey Grybowski. "CLF is one of the leading organizations advocating for the right whale so we have been working closely with them."