In April of 2021, fishermen from all along the coast gathered in Augusta, Maine to protest offshore wind development. This gathering, as well as the boat protest off Monhegan Island, were more than just displays of opposition. They served as occasions for fishing families to come together and bond over their shared values, which included supporting the next generation, celebrating hard work, and cherishing their mutual love for boats and time spent on the water. These values are profoundly ingrained in the fishing community, and we are vigorously striving to safeguard them so that future generations can also appreciate and uphold them.
In March of 2021, nearly 100 boats gathered near Mohegan Island to protest offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine. Commercial fishermen worldwide are deeply concerned about future offshore development on the oceans.
Offshore wind farms can harm fishing grounds by disturbing valuable areas for fishermen and marine life. The installation of wind turbines and related infrastructure can destroy habitats and impact breeding and feeding grounds for fish species, leading to fewer fish and affecting the livelihoods of fishermen. Additionally, the construction and ongoing operation of wind turbines can disrupt marine life's sensitive hearing and communication, particularly whales and other mammals. The placement of structures in the ocean can also entangle marine life in cables and support structures, further damaging ocean ecosystems and reducing marine biodiversity.
Further reading
These organizations advocate for fishermen & marine life in their fight against offshore development
Support NEFSA New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association is a bipartisan, non-profit organization committed to uniting Americans in the fight to preserve what could be the last wild frontier-the ocean, where fresh, wild, protein-rich, American seafood that nourishes our nation is harvested. They are an alliance of the wild harvesters of the waters off of New England, dedicated to educating the public about how best to manage our seafood resources through sound science and best practices of conservation used by fishermen, with a view toward economic well-being, ecosystem sustainability, and US food security.
