Exploring approaches to fisheries’ coexistence with floating offshore wind

Presentation Description: ERM, in collaboration with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, is supporting the State of Maine Governor's Energy Office in advancing priorities for the coexistence of fishing and floating offshore wind (FOW). Utilizing organized stakeholder engagement and case studies, the project aims to:
- Foster collaborative research with fisheries and enhance immediate results.
- Establish baseline conditions using existing data and identify knowledge gaps.
- Fill key data gaps regarding fishing and FOW coexistence.
- Define coexistence and establish initial guidelines.
The methodology involves stakeholder engagement and regulatory review, cataloging knowledge from case studies, engagements, and literature. Key stakeholders, including fishermen, fishing industry representatives, and NGOs are engaged to provide feedback on interoperability of fishing with FOW structures.
This study highlights the need for geography-specific guidelines and reveals critical insights into the coexistence of FOW projects and fisheries, including:
- Communication between the fishing industry and FOW developers.
- Financial considerations, such as navigation costs, insurance, and compensation.
- Environmental impacts, including sound emissions and turbine structures as artificial reefs.
- Concerns over restricted access to fishing grounds and altered navigation routes.
Leveraging local and global expertise, this research provides data for developing coexistence strategies tailored to the Gulf of Maine environment and fishing industry. The project’s approach ensures stakeholder input is central, promoting sustainable outcomes for both sectors and advancing Maine’s leadership in FOW development while safeguarding its fishing industry.