The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finalised guidance aimed at mitigating the impacts of offshore wind energy projects on commercial and for-hire recreational fisheries.
BOEM’s final guidance provides a national framework for addressing social and economic impacts on the fishing industry affected by offshore wind development.
The guidance, informed by extensive public input, establishes processes for the offshore wind industry to address potential disruptions to fisheries.
The aim is to ensure consistency and promote fair treatment of fishermen, regardless of their home or landing port. The guidance emphasises early engagement and transparency with fishing communities.
Recommendations in the guidance address design considerations, safety protocols, and financial compensation processes.
Compensation measures extend through construction, early operations, and decommissioning, ensuring comprehensive coverage for affected fisheries.
Meanwhile, public meetings will be held on a draft environmental review of potential mitigation of future development of offshore wind lease areas.
BOEM is assessing the potential mitigation of future development associated with the five offshore wind lease areas off California’s central and north coasts.
The NOA initiated a 90-day public comment period that ends at 11:59pm Eastern Time on February 12.
During the public comment period, BOEM is hosting two virtual public meetings.
These will be held on Tuesday 28 January 28 at 5pm, and Thursday 30 January at midday. All times are Pacific Time.
For more information, visit BOEM’s Virtual Meeting Room.