Offshore Wind Energy Spins Up in 2020
What Is Happening?
Although timelines are uncertain and subject to change, we expect 2020 to be a busy year for offshore wind energy development. Off Block Island, five wind turbines are currently generating electricity, but more offshore turbines may be built in the coming years all along the Atlantic coast. From Maine through North Carolina, there are 15 offshore wind energy leases with projects in various stages of development. It is likely that many offshore wind energy projects will begin the regulatory process and move closer toward construction and operations.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) decides whether to approve all offshore wind energy projects after first reviewing each project’s construction and operations plan (COP). BOEM is currently reviewing five COPs, which lay out details of the project, including the proposed number/locations of turbines and expected construction schedules. BOEM is expecting another five or six COPs by the end of 2020 for other projects. We expect BOEM will also identify additional specific wind energy areas in the New York Bight to lease to developers in the near future. BOEM also recently established a regional task force in coordination with the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to start discussing offshore wind development with stakeholders.
Why Is This Important?
Some of these projects may overlap with your fishing locations and affect the fish you catch or the habitat they use. While we do not expect wind energy areas to be closed to fishing, if these projects are approved and turbines are constructed, you may not be able to fish close to the turbines during construction activities. Once built, turbines may also affect where and how you fish or transit through certain areas. You have an opportunity to learn about and comment on wind projects at all stages of development.
How Can I Stay Informed or Get Involved?
It can be difficult to keep track of the latest developments in offshore wind energy projects. Here are some helpful resources to keep you informed regarding the latest developments in offshore wind energy projects:
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils routinely talk about wind energy developments during their meetings. See their websites for calendars that list upcoming meetings and links to what will be discussed at each meeting. You can also sign up for their email lists to get meeting announcements.
The Mid-Atlantic Council has a specific offshore wind energy page, including a listing of notices to fishermen, upcoming meetings, and opportunities for comment. You can also sign up to receive future notices via email on that page.
BOEM’s renewable energy website contains information about the development process, status of projects, and published research, and a webpage dedicated to communication and engagement with the Atlantic fishing industry, including contact information for fisheries liaisons required for each project.
What is NOAA’s Role?
We are a cooperating agency and have an important role in the offshore wind process. We work with BOEM to help evaluate each wind project and provide BOEM and developers with data and analysis on the status of and potential impacts to fish, marine mammals, protected species, habitat, and fishing activities. BOEM is required to consult with us on the potential impacts of the project on fish habitats and endangered and threatened species. In addition, we also review analyses supporting each project to ensure that the analysis used to make decisions includes the most up-to-date scientific data available and fully considers impacts to the fishing industry and marine resources. Our goal is to facilitate offshore wind energy development and minimize any potential impacts to marine resources and fishing communities.
For more information, contact Doug Christel, Sustainable Fisheries Division, at 978-281-9141 or email him at Douglas.Christel@noaa.gov
Reprinted from The NOAA Fisheries Navigator newsletter, February 2020.
