Orsted’s US offshore wind subsidiary has entered into an initiative to improve communications between the commercial fishing industry and offshore wind energy developers.
This first-of-its-kind partnership with the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) will create an opportunity for commercial fishermen to provide direct input to the wind energy industry on matters of significant interest to their businesses.
Under the partnership, both industries will remain autonomous but provide a platform to move towards workable solutions.
RODA and Orsted’s hope that discussions will prove beneficial to all parties involved, even though the partnership is non-binding.
Orsted US Offshore Wind chief executive Thomas Brostrom said: “The fishing community must be considered as offshore wind development continues in the US.
“Through this partnership, we will be able to share our concerns in a productive way and develop practical solutions as we all seek to coexist and thrive for a better tomorrow.”
RODA executive director Annie Hawkins said: “RODA believes that we need to develop solutions for offshore wind energy and commercial fishing to coexist, and today’s announcement will support future sustainability for both industries.”
RODA is the only national commercial fishing organization that is purpose-built for interacting with the offshore wind industry to maintain sustainable fisheries.
Covering mid-coast Maine to the outer banks of North Carolina, it also has the broadest geographic and gear-type range of any East Coast fishing industry membership organisation active in offshore wind engagement.