Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) published a study examining whether underwater noise from offshore wind farm construction affects the physiology and behavior of the American lobster (Homarus americanus). The research used SoundTraps deployed by commercial lobster fishers through a collaboration with the Rhode Island-based Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF). Lobster fishers placed acoustic recorders inside lobster traps at survey sites at varying distances from the operational South Fork Wind farm and the under-construction Revolution Wind project, collecting over 500 cumulative days of recordings. In parallel, the researchers conducted laboratory experiments using custom-built sensor packages – dubbed “lobster Fitbits” – to measure heart rate and movement responses to vessel noise and simulated pile-driving sounds. The study represents one of the first dedicated efforts to understand how noise pollution from offshore wind construction and operation may impact commercially valuable crustacean species in New England waters. Fishers including Rhode Island lobster boat captain Brian Thibeault and Mark Sweitzer participated directly in data collection, providing local knowledge about gear placement, underwater landscapes, and fishing practices. More information can be found here.
