The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) to bring fishing interests together with federal regulators on offshore renewables development.
Under the 10-year MoU, RODA, NOAA Fisheries and BOEM will collaborate on the science and the “process of offshore wind energy development” on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf.
RODA, which is a broad membership-based coalition of fishing industry associations and fishing companies, will work with NOAA Fisheries and BOEM to compile, develop, and deliver the best available scientific products and information necessary to address offshore development, fisheries management, and ecosystem health.
Development on the Outer Continental Shelf must consider how these activities can affect current ocean users and the marine environment, according to BOEM acting director Walter Cruickshank.
“That is why working with federal, state, and local agencies, fishing communities, and the public is such an essential part of our renewable energy programme,” he said.
Cruickshank added that the agency looks forward to working with NOAA and RODA through early and constant communication to ensure that the most recent information is available to decision makers.
RODA executive director Annie Hawkins said: “The fishing industry has expressed its concern about the potential impacts of rapid large-scale wind energy development to coastal communities and sustainable fishing practices.
“This agreement paves a way forward for fishing communities to give meaningful input to federal regulators in determining the future of our ocean resources.”