Piloting Mechanical Jigs for Resilience of Sustainable Fishing to Wind Farm Development

Purpose of work

The productive waters off southern New England are known historically for hosting a multitude of aquatic species and subsequently a robust commercial fishing industry. Some of these areas are also being developed for the fledgling offshore wind industry (OSW) to help combat climate change. Coastal fishing communities have raised the issue that wind turbines could create obstacles below and above the water, limiting maneuverability and the ability to fish within these areas with traditional methods (trawling, long lining, etc.). To address this modern issue, novel fishing techniques such as mechanical jigging are being developed in waters off New York and southern New England to foster and promote co-existence between local waterfront communities and OSW’s. We seek to assess the viability of mechanical jig systems in the New York Bight and southern New England in order to encourage co-existence within OSW development areas and provide commercially viable alternative gear opportunities for the fishing industry.

Project Team

• N. David Bethoney, PhD, Executive Director, CFRF

• Matt Rodriguez, M.S, Research Biologist, CFRF

• Jeff Grant, Captain, F/V Provider

• Joe Letourneau, Captain, F/V Lady Rebecca

• Rick Bellavance, Captain, F/V Priority Too

• Devon Campanale, Captain, F/V Robert C

• Jamie Dopkin and Andrew Cohalan, F/V TNT

Project Objectives

1. Pilot the use of three types mechanical jig systems aboard commercial fishing vessels in and around the Block Island Wind Farm.

2. Compare the quality and quantity of catch between mechanical jig systems and methods to each other and current fishing practices.

3. Estimate start-up costs and develop an implementation plan for operationalizing mechanical jig systems on commercial vessels of various size.

4. Communicate findings to the fishing community.

This project is supported by:

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority