Mariners
Geophysical & Geotechnical Survey Update
Multiple vessels will conduct geophysical & geotechnical (G&G) surveys to characterize the ocean floor conditions within federal and state waters during 2022.
The survey area and vessel operating schedule are shown in the figures below. SouthCoast Wind advises mariners to maintain a safe distance of 0.5 nm from the vessels as their maneuverability may be significantly restricted.
No final decisions on site locations for project facilities will be made until a full routing analysis has been completed.
SouthCoast Wind G&G Surveys – Offshore, Sakonnet River and Mt. Hope Bay
SouthCoast Wind G&G Surveys – Vessel Operating Schedule
| January | February | March | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Hope Bay | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Upper Sakonnet | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lower Sakonnet | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Offshore - RI State Waters | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Offshore - Federal Waters | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SouthCoast Wind Lease Area | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Vessel activity may also be followed at marinetraffic.com
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SouthCoast Wind recognizes that responsible development requires early, transparent, and continuous engagement and collaboration with the commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Co-existence of offshore wind and ocean users must be backed by a strong commitment to safety and responsible operations. This includes navigation safety in and around the offshore lease area for all mariners, including fishermen, during the development, construction and operations of the project. We are committed to clearly communicating our marine operations to our fellow ocean users, community members, and other maritime partners.
We will develop and implement fisheries mitigation measures that avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to fishermen and fisheries. We will collaborate with fishermen and fisheries managers to generate and sustain data collection and monitoring efforts. We will do all of this to achieve our end goal of allowing offshore wind development to coexist with sustainable and healthy fisheries.
- SouthCoast Wind worked with federal agencies, fishermen, and offshore wind developers to establish the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) to advance regional research and monitoring of fisheries and offshore wind interactions in federal waters through collaboration and cooperation.
- We have contracted three Fisheries Representatives – Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA), New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA), and Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island (CFCRI) – to collaborate on initiatives that minimize impacts to fisheries in the project area.
Mariner Documents
See all mariner documents in the Mariners Archive.
Fisheries Liaison Officer
Joel Southall is SouthCoast Wind’s Fisheries Liaison Officer. In this role, Joel serves as the liaison between the fishing community and SouthCoast Wind. He listens to mariners and shares project updates and activity information to strengthen communication and collaboration with stakeholders. These efforts are guided by SouthCoast Wind’s Fisheries Communication Plan.
As social distancing guidelines allow for more in-person interactions, Joel will be a regular presence in the field, including monthly Port Hours in New Bedford, Massachusetts and Narragansett, Rhode Island.
Mariners may reach Joel at 617-817-4682 or joel.southall@southcoastwind.com.
If you are a fisherman and you feel that you have lost fishing gear due to SouthCoast Wind survey activities, please e-mail or call Joel, and download SouthCoast Wind’s Gear Loss Claim Application Form. This form collects basic information on your fishing vessel and activity as well as the date, location, and nature of the gear loss. Please submit as much information as you can via e-mail and Joel will then contact you to complete this form and begin the application process.