Feb 18 2011
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H) is glad that the Ontario Government has decided not to go ahead with the planned offshore wind projects till extensive research has been carried out.
The O.F.A.H has been asking for research to be performed for a long time. According to Terry Quinney, the Provincial Manager, Fish and Wildlife Services, O.F.A.H remarked that the Government’s announcement regarding offshore wind projects was an environmentally sound decision. He mentioned that they had reservations about wind power solutions and had been urging the government to undertake research on this subject and determine if wind turbines were the best substitute for coal.
O.F.A.H’s main concern was the possible impact on the wildlife such as the migratory waterfowl geese or ducks and the fish such as perch, pickerel and salmon and the impact of outdoor activities in some parts of the Great Lakes. According to O.F.A.H, additional research is required for assessment of both the individual and the cumulative impact that the offshore turbines would have on a diverse range of species, some of which may have been recognized as species at risk. There are also questions on the placement and proximity of the offshore wind turbines to the water bird staging, wintering and migratory habitats. They were especially worried about the water bird mortality that might ensue due to their collision with the blades; disruptions in their migratory movements and also their displacement from their normal foraging places.
Quinney further mentioned that by placing a moratorium on the wind projects till it could be proved that they were economically, ecologically and socially good for Ontario, the Government has taken the right step. Questions have been posed regarding the impact on the wildlife and the fish population and perhaps some answers would now be given. The O.F.A.H with 670 member clubs and 10,000 supporters, subscribers and members is the biggest nonprofit organization based on fish and wildlife conservation and is also the VOICE of hunters and anglers.
Source: http://www.ofah.org