Vineyard Wind Backs Massachusetts Fisheries Event

The U.S. Vineyard Wind is sponsoring a fisheries event in Massachusetts as part of its efforts to connect with the fishing industry in New England.

The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association Annual Weekend and Trade Show began today, 17 January, and will be taking place until 20 January at the Resort and Conference Center of Hyannis.

Representatives from Vineyard Wind are available during event to answer questions about the 800MW offshore wind project and solicit input from fishermen to further inform the project development process.

The U.S. company has implemented a number of efforts in regard to the project to support local fisheries. Most recently, Vineyard Wind formally endorsed a transit corridor plan for fishing vessels in federal waters offshore Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which includes a direct passage through the middle of its lease area.

In summer 2018, a Fisheries Liaison was appointed at the company to lead the project’s regional engagement with fishing representatives on Cape and Islands, the South Coast, Rhode Island, and along the East Coast.

Prior to the appointment, Vineyard Wind entered into a collaborative agreement with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) to assess fisheries to further public understanding of offshore wind development impacts.

The Vineyard Wind project will feature MHI Vestas 9.5MW turbines some 14 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. The wind farm is scheduled to enter the construction phase this year and is expected to be operational in 2021.