Deal Struck to Protect Whales from Wind Turbines

Groups developing offshore wind farms from New Jersey to Virginia have agreed to try to protect North Atlantic right whales.

The deal was announced Wednesday by several environmental groups and the developers. They say the voluntary measures are the first of their kind.

The developers are pledging to reduce or avoid loud noises that could affect the whales by avoiding building towers and doing other activities at the peak of whales' migratory season.

The companies also agree to watch for whales and to use tools and technologies to keep the work as quiet as possible.

While environmentalists like the idea of wind energy, many are concerned about the turbines' effects on migrating birds and sea life.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.