The perspective of commercial fishermen will be sought at a Nov. 19 public meeting in Chatham sponsored by Vineyard Wind and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology to identify priorities for studies of the impacts of offshore wind development on fisheries and ecological conditions.
The school is designing studies of the planned 106-turbine wind farm project south of Martha’s Vineyard to better understand its effects on the public from start to finish, and to inform future permitting and public policy decisions regarding wind energy facility siting, according to a press release from Vineyard Wind. The Chatham meeting is one of four this year seeking ideas and input from fishermen.
The comprehensive research effort by SMAST, in collaboration with Vineyard Wind, will help establish a body of knowledge to benefit the American offshore wind industry and the fishing community into the future, according to the release. The Chatham meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chatham Community Center at 702 Main St. Meetings will also be held Thursday in Kingston, Rhode Island, and Dec. 3 in West Tisbury. For information, contact Vineyard Wind’s fisheries liaison, Crista Bank, at cbank@vineyardwind.com or at 508-525-0421.