New Jersey DEP authorizing millions of dollars to keep whales safe

TRENTON, N.J. -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is investing millions of dollars to protect whales.

Since December, at least nine whales have washed ashore.

READ MORE: Search for answers as another whale washes up dead on the Jersey Shore

Officials say there's no evidence that off-shore wind-related work is to blame for whale deaths, but they say climate change could be a contributor, including warmer ocean temperatures.

To ensure the safety of whales, the DEP authorized $8.5 million to make sure offshore development is safe, and two wind energy companies have committed another $26 million for research and ecological monitoring. 

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• Whales