MAFMC and NEFMC launch Northeast Offshore Wind webpage

Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Renewable Energy Projects in New England and Mid-Atlantic waters. – BOEM graphic © NOAA Fisheries

On July 11, 2018, the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils launched a new webpage that's designed to serve as a repository for information relevant to offshore wind development activities in the Northeast Region.

The Councils worked closely with NOAA Fisheries on this collaborative effort. The easy-to-navigate webpage provides one-stop-shopping for fishermen and other stakeholders who are searching for essential resources associated with offshore wind energy production. The page provides direct links to government agencies, offshore wind developers, fishery liaisons, Council-developed comments, and more.

Fishermen in the region are highly interested in better understanding the impacts of offshore wind development on both commercial and recreational fisheries. The New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils want to ensure that any potential impacts on Council-managed species and the marine environment are fully considered. In light of these factors, the Councils developed the offshore wind webpage as a tool to: (1) help facilitate the exchange of information; and (2) provide quick access to available resources.

Here's the Webpage Address: www.mafmc.org/northeast-offshore-wind

Webpage Information includes links to:

• The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), along with BOEM's Fishing Industry Communication and Engagement page, BOEM's State Activities page, and BOEM's email updates registry;
  
• Northeast offshore wind developers;
  
• Mid-Atlantic and New England Council policies and comment letters on offshore wind issues;
  
• Project-specific information on fisheries and the marine environment relative to wind activities and other ocean uses;
  
• Mappers for Essential Fish Habitat and Endangered and Protected Resources, Regional Ocean Data Portals; and more.

• Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council: Jessica Coakley, , (302) 526-5252
  
• New England Fishery Management Council: Michelle Bachman, , (978) 465-0492 ext. 120
  
• NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office: Sue Tuxbury, , (978) 281-9176
  
• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center: Andy Lipsky, , (401) 829-8286