Report: Seabird numbers decrease by 90% near offshore wind farms

From CFACT

By Adam Houser 

A new study by German scientists has found that diving seabird numbers decreased by an alarming 90 percent near offshore wind turbine installations.

As reported by The Telegraph:

“Data from German scientists looked at the number of red-throated loons in the North Sea before and after the installation of five offshore wind farms.

“Numbers of the birds were found to be up to 94 per cent lower within half a mile of the wind turbines, on average, after they were built.

The findings confirm what many critics of wind turbines have been claiming. Over the years, claims that wind turbines destroy endangered bird and bat populations have been dismissed by climate activists and government advocates of “green” power. This study brings the issue back to the forefront of discussion.

The Telegraph also stated in its reporting:

“The study focused on five wind farms in the North Sea which are close to the coast of Denmark and Germany.

“One farm, called Butendiek, experienced a 99 per cent decline in numbers of red-throated loons.”

The Telegraph story can be read in full here.

The red-throated diver is the smallest and lightest of the UK’s diving birds CREDIT: Rainer Mueller/Imagebroker

Author

• Adam Houser
• Adam Houser coordinates student leaders as National Director of CFACT’s collegians program and writes on issues of climate and energy.