Offshore Lobstermen Concerned
About Lack of Research on
Impacts of Wind Plan

by Fishermen’s Voice Staff

“We have concerns about exclusive rights to the offshore areas where wind energy projects will be built. First, even if the wind energy companies say everything is OK with fishermen maintaining their access, the insurance companies can say no to access. Second, we are concerned about the effects on the resource regarding the equipment that will on the bottom in these areas. Personally, I don’t know of any offshore wind energy facility where access has been allowed”, said Bonnie Spinazzola, president of the Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association.

Local wind energy projects have been completed on Vinalhaven. The large scale offshore industrial wind energy project discussed in a few towns on the Maine coast recently appears to be changing shape as it moves through the public meeting process. Few deny the need for alternatives to petroleum energy sources. But some say even wind is an extractive industry that will have some impact the environment and have costs that are not being addressed.

Spinazzola added, “The lobstermen in our association, and maybe all offshore lobstermen, have no problem with wind energy. What we are saying is, proceed with care and fore thought. Look at the true environmental impacts.”

“It is ironic that the Ocean Energy Task Force says they are eco-based and working with the whole ecosystem in mind, but they appear to be just running ahead as fast as they can,” said Spinazzola.

The question of whether large fields of windmills could change the surface winds and currents that lobster larvae have historically traveled on and thereby deliver them someplace else has come up at meetings. Spinazzola said she has not heard a definitive answer. However she said, “the companies that design, build or buy these generators it seems must know what these effects are. We need to know.”

Offshore fishermen say the wind energy fields will encroach on fishing grounds increasing pressure on space. People see the ocean and think there is plenty of room. However, fishermen know that they can’t fish anywhere, they fish where the fish are. Offshore fishermen forced off large areas may be pushed inshore increasing gear conflicts with fishermen there.

Spinazzola said there are already space issues with whales and mixed gear. “The developing plans for aquaculture is another source of pressure on ocean space. It is one more example of how the ocean will be used differently from the way it is today, “ she said. Offshore lobstermen have already reduced the number of traps they fish proactively, she said.

“The wind energy companies should be required to do the work necessary to determine the effects of the construction and operation of these projects on the animals and habitat where they will build them,” said Spinazzola.