<p>A representative from Denmark’s largest energy company had a chilly reception in Chilmark this week as commercial fishermen and others discussed a proposed wind farm south of the Vineyard.</p>
A representative from Denmark’s largest energy company had a cold reception in Chilmark this week as commercial fishermen and others discussed a proposed wind farm south of the Vineyard.
Andy Revill, a fishermen’s liaison for Dong Energy, traveled from the U.K. to meet with fishermen in preparation for mapping a large area of the sea floor where the company plans to install up to 100 turbines. The 472-square-mile lease area begins 15 miles south of the Vineyard and extends diagonally to the southwest.
Wes Brighton (foreground), commercial fisherman and leader in Vineyard fishermen's association, said survey work for the wind farm will interfere with gilnetters who work the ocean floor.
Wes Brighton (foreground), commercial fisherman and leader in Vineyard fishermen's association, said survey work for the wind farm will interfere with gilnetters who work the ocean floor.
But even before plans can be drawn, the company will need to survey the area. A survey ship would operate day and night, towing a number of scientific instruments, some on the surface and some at depth, traveling back and forth at intervals of about 900 metres. Mr. Revill envisioned the survey lasting four weeks in May.
But fishermen who gathered at the Chimark town hall on Tuesday said that would almost surely interfere with gillnetters in the area.
How the project affects fisheries would be incorporated into a later environmental impact statement. The goal on Tuesday was simply to learn how mapping and fishing could happen simultaneously.
Dong (Danish oil and natural gas) Energy specializes in oil and gas exploration and production, but has built more wind farms than any other company to date. The Massachusetts project marked its entrance into the U.S. wind energy market. This week it also announced plans to take over a 250-square-mile lease area off the New Jersey coast.
Wes Brighton, a commercial fisherman out of Menemsha, said the area south of the Vineyard would be thick with fishing gear in May. He said each gillnetting boat would have between 10 and 20 nets, each one extending about three quarters of a mile on the sea floor. In July the area is habitat to crabs and lobsters.
To further complicate matters, Island fishermen tend to use the older Loran method of navigation, rather than latitude and longitude. But they also tend to leave space between their lines so mobile fishermen can get through. Mr. Revill asked if the surveyors could use the same system and avoid the nets, but Mr. Brighton said that could be a challenge, especially in bad weather.
He said a better time would be March, when the area closes to fishing. “That’s your best bet if you don’t want to get a hammer through your windshield,” he said.
Chilmark fishermen and town officials listened and raised pointed questions.
Chilmark fishermen and town officials listened and raised pointed questions.
Mr. Revill said March would be too soon in terms of planning, but he was confident the obstacles could be overcome. “You guys sent people to the moon, so I’m sure we can work this out,” he said.
“The moon would be a much better place for a wind farm,” replied Mr. Brighton.
The company plans to hire a local fisherman to join the survey mission and help avoid the fishing gear.
Former commercial fisherman Jonathan Mayhew suggested traversing the area diagonally to stay in line with the vessels using the Loran method, but Mr. Brighton said crisscrossing the area in both directions would still be a problem. “It’s corduroy this whole way up,” he said. “That would be catastrophic.”
Commercial fishermen in the region have generally opposed wind farm projects near the Vineyard, including Cape Wind, which was upended last year when it failed to meet a funding deadline and two energy companies severed their contracts. The former Martha’s Vineyard Dukes County Fishermen’s Association sued Cape Wind a few years ago, arguing that the project would disrupt commercial fisheries in Nantucket Sound. With legal fees piling up, the group eventually settled, but remerged last year as the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, which helped organize the meeting on Tuesday. The group is now working to establish a permit bank and other strategies to support Island fishermen. Four of the nine board members were present on Tuesday.
Also present were Richard Andre and Erik Peckar of Vineyard Power, an Island-owned energy cooperative that has partnered with developer OffshoreMW to create a large wind farm just east of the area leased by Dong Energy. Mr. Andre also plans to consult with local fishermen when the time comes.
“All the same stuff has to be done,” he said.
The half dozen fishermen who attended the meeting offered measured support in terms of providing information, but were not enthusiastic about the proposal.
“One extreme is to do nothing,” Mr. Revill said after about 40 minutes of discussion. “Another extreme end is that we ask people not to fish there.” He seemed not to favor either option, but said the company was intent on surveying in May.
Chilmark selectman and trust board member Warren Doty noted that Island fisherman had no incentive to assist the company. And Mr. Brighton pointed out that legal action would likely result from damaged gear.
“If you lost the majority of your nets, you’re talking about 50, 60 grand worth of nets or more at a time,” he said. “So you could be sure that the majority of fishermen would probably be eager to fight for the damages.”
“It’s not our intention to destroy nets, destroy livelihoods,” Mr. Revill said. “We need to come up with a solution.”
Because gillnets are anchored to the bottom, one possible solution would be for the survey equipment to pass above them in the water.
Mr. Revill plans to meet with the National Marine Fisheries Service next week to get a sense of the federal requirements. Looking ahead, he said after construction begins, there would be a temporary closure, but that fishing could eventually continue. It may not be exactly the same as before, he said, but the fish would remain.
All sides seemed open about their ideas and concerns. At one point, Mr. Doty inquired about the nature of previous agreements between the company and fishermen. “Does the understanding ever involve money?” he asked. Mr. Revill said only that an agreement would be reached.
But the company will undoubtedly need the support of local fishermen. Mr. Revill hoped to get a handle on the situation this week.
“I know this whole area is important for fisheries,” he said. “It’s obvious that we can’t just go in there and do the survey. And you’ve told us that and it’s very clear, and that’s great. That’s what we wanted to hear.”
Comments
For the past decade, I've
Barbarajdurkin MassachusettsFor the past decade, I've studied offshore wind energy and witnessed collusion between government and Big Wind, and what I believe is an engineered collapse of the fishing industry by them. I hope that my research might be helpful to fishermen I support. For a compilation of offshore wind project failures, articles from around the world, read: http://bjdurk.newsvine.com/_news/2014/09/23/26161656-the-us-to-repeat-e…
And for the latest news on the offshore wind débâcle, Google: Twitter Barbarajdurkin
i agree 100% with you on this
NO DONG MVi agree 100% with you on this one. ^ great info on this link
Breaking News: DONG is
Barbarajdurkin MassachusettsBreaking News: DONG is divesting offshore wind in the UK, but investing in in offshore wind in the U.S? The UK is slashing public subsidies. By White House memo, citizens fund approximately 66% of this private industry's undertakings...if all goes well. If history repeats, it won't. Public subsidies are the sole driver of this industry that pays wind developers to shut down their projects, then passes this loss off to ratepayers in the UK. The fishing industry delivers edible benefits. Offshore wind developers deliver promises unkept and pose a threat to actual economic engines and trades, and to navigators who rely on marine and Doppler Radars that these (8,000 parts per) turbines compromise. See DONG Divests- https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/02/10/809555/0/en/DONG-Ener…
Stop your whining and get out
Nathan Vineyard HavenStop your whining and get out of the way for wind energy . For a handful of commercial fisherman to hold up a project that benefits the majority is nonsense. The fisheries have stunk around here for over a decade. As for Barbara's statement that it's been an engineered collapse of the fishing industry is insane . The fisheries started collapsing long before wind power raised it's head. Fossil fuel use needs to end and is directly involved in the acidification and decline of our oceans.
The reason the fisheries have
Geordie King Eliot MaineThe reason the fisheries have sucked as of late is primarily due to over-regulation and not the condition of the resource itself. Is it pure coincidence that as NOAA continues to ratchet down the commercial fisheries offshore wind is strategically moving in to fill the void? I'm all for renewables but a foreign company shouldn't simply shove a 400 year old domestic industry aside in their quest of huge profits; no matter what the benefit to society. That's essentially eminent domain of the high seas.
Why not just put them all
DugWhy not just put them all over the Vineyard? Load it up!! Would be better then taking any chance of effecting a edible resource. All you have to lose is a view. Clear up the back yard and make some room.
Nathan, Regarding your
Barbarajdurkin MassachusettsNathan, Regarding your observation, "For a handful of commercial fishermen to hold up a project that benefits the majority is nonsense..."
'Offshore Wind Farms are No Public Benefit':
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/226050-offsho…
I am an amateur student of
Breit Liegeplatz MVI am an amateur student of the epistemology of metaphors yet I find myself unfamiliar with "a hammer through your windshield". Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to its origins?
It's not a metaphor. It is
Steve FalmouthIt's not a metaphor. It is much more straightforward. If you piss a fisherman off, you are likely to have him put a hammer through your windshield.
These wind mills will ruin
Jack Mehoff tisburyThese wind mills will ruin the vineyard forever. solar energy is the answer. dont let DONG brainwash you like they did with poor nathan here.
I stand with Nathan. Offshore
Ian Vinyard HavenI stand with Nathan. Offshore wind is the future. As Bob Dylan sings (to the commercial fisherman)
"Your old road is
Rapidly aging
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changing"
Ian, offshore wind is not the
NOMORE DONG ChilmarkIan, offshore wind is not the future. "our old road is rapidly changing" because of the government. and all the BS REGULATIONS from them and others. they are making it so that we cannot legally make a living anymore. they are trying to control us and turn fishing into a walmart industry so that we have to keep getting bent over. Listen, this is a company coming from another country using our waters to make a killing. just like they are doing in the UK. all they care about is themselves. these turbines are filled with oil. they are a hazard for any vessel passing through these waters.and they are a hazard to any wildlife. birds,fish,whales,turtles, ect. and what happens when a good size storm comes through and knocks all these POS things out and they start leaking oil all over the place? sounds like you need to clean off ur dirty hands and do some more research. and another thing about DONG is that our rates will go up 10-30 percent. As if electric isn't high enough already! you dont know what high is! this will not help us. we already have solar at the WT dump and a couple other places on the island. it has been working out great. i know of folks that have solar on theyre land and they collect small sums of money each year from the electric company because the solar pannels are actually ppumping back into the grid so much that they dont need to pay! wouldnt that be great for all of us? PLUS they way less maintenance and longer lasting. DO you know what salt water can do to metal? do a little experiment at home. take some sheet metal. put it in your washing machine. fill the washing maching with Salt Water. turn it on and let it go 24/7 . they will probably be rotted out in a few years time. leaving us with a mess to clean up. and it will ruin our fishing grounds and more! before u think wind. think again! and take a long hard look at urself. It helped me when i did.
I would love Nathan and Ian
Marie Jane QuincyI would love Nathan and Ian to describe what an "offshore or onshore, for that matter, wind turbine future" is and what exactly is "wind energy" and what are your expected benefits. Food for thought: our
fishermen and our life sustaining oceans are not to be taken so lightly and given so little respect.
The people must act now
Mary Juanna Woods HoleThe people must act now before its too late. Stop the windfarms! If this passes, and these wind turbines go up ,Poseidon will be very angry. Learn to Respect the ocean.
These wind Farms are nonsense
Clam Trap yourmotherThese wind Farms are nonsense. why ruin something so precious? seems like a waste to me. Solar energy to the rescue!!!
Surprising to see so many
Tony MVSurprising to see so many solar supporters here yet when it comes to large island solar projects (Cronigs,OB Water) there seems to be the same amount of disapproval. It is the classic "Not In My back Yard" case. I agree that distributive generation with solar is the way to go, but wind farms are also a viable method of energy generation. They may not be perfect, but then again nothing is. There will always be an impact and thats unavoidable. The impacts of wind energy are minuscule to that of fossil fuel energy generation. I urge you to truly compare the two. Its also important to note that the government subsidizes the fossil fuel sector substantially more than the renewable energy industry. Many economist believe that if it were truly a free market and no one got subsidies renewables would come out on top. None of the parties here are out to get anyone. If we can capitalize on our differences during the negotiations we will see the most joint gains and a suitable outcome.
This comment section is
Richard LondonThis comment section is hilarious - some of you people must live under a rock and be completely oblivious to what is going on in the rest of the world. Offshore wind power is a proven and mature technology in Europe and rapidly expanding in Asia:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/02/germany-leads-europe…
People like you are stopping progress and should be ashamed of yourselves....really disgraceful. I will save a snapshot of this comment section and use it as an example for my students of how 'vocal, ignorant, objectors' can hinder progress of society.
And, regarding the absurd comment above about "what salt water can do to metal" !? jeezz what a nutcase this guy is....There are already wind turbines that have lasted 25 years in salt water, oil platforms, ships, etc, etc. Simple nutcase.
Nothing is the total solution
Menemsha Joe MenemshaNothing is the total solution. Not offshore wind and not commercial fishing both have alternatives but both are necessary to diversify and make or world better. The alternative to offshore wind is conventional power. Yes we have that but I don't want anymore of it. Black smoke doesn't do good for our way of life or the fish.
Yes there will be some give and take but in the end there will still be commercial fishing and there will be wind. It looks like these fishermen just want to be bought off. That is just terrible.
Keep in mind IT is not just
Joe deluce Vineyard HavenKeep in mind IT is not just the fishermen that are against this project.
Why not put them in another
Joe Deluce Vineyard HavenWhy not put them in another location?
Wind power is great, but we
Mustard Man FalmouthWind power is great, but we need to think of the impact of our wildlife first. Solar is capable of producing a lot more electricity than wind power. it is way more efficient as well. we need something that will produce power all the time. the turbines would not be effective because there would be a lot of down time with zero wind to make the blades spin. this project is a great idea, but not the right location. In my opinion it is a waste of money.
The offshore wind debate long
Quitsa Boy ChilmarkThe offshore wind debate long ago transcended fact and descended into a completely polarized ideological discussion in which the advocates just repeat the same patently false statements over and over again. As the old saying goes, just follow the money. There is a very sophisticated wind industry out there that has correctly figured out how to get the government to manufacture large profits on tiny investments with virtually no risk. All you have to do is harness the power of government to tax ordinary citizens and transfer wealth to you -- both directly in the form of tax credits and subsidy payments and indirectly in the form of forced purchases of high cost power and giving away public resources such as the seabed. Here's a small hint: Goldman Sachs runs full page ads trumpeting their support of wind turbine projects.
Did these DONG folks pay more than a tiny pittance for their offshore lease block? Not a chance. Say what you will, but the oil industry has paid hundreds and hundreds of billions for Federal offshore oil leases and they are subject to vastly more stringent impact regulations than the wind developers. The wind guys also foist all of their ancillary infrastructure costs for transmission and distribution facilities onto the consumer.
The best single thing we can do is actually reduce consumption through conservation. It is vastly more cost-effective than subsidizing wind or solar. But there is no constituency for that because it takes the form of millions of small projects that won't produce huge profits.
To imagine that industrial
sherri lange torontoTo imagine that industrial wind on or offshore, is useful, and positive, is an exercise in creative thinking. Unfortunately, with about 250,000 massive machines world wide, we received in 2014, point two of one percent of the world's electricity. Less than half of one percent: net zero. This is a terrible exercise in futility and fraud. Turbines run on subsidies. You and I get gouged via our electric bills. Please do your studies. Off shore is even more expensive, one massive array was too expensive to even connect to the grid, and of course migrating creatures see the towers as resting spots....try counting the mortality out at sea. THEY DON'T WORK. They are a complete scam.
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