An area south of the Island near where several offshore wind energy companies have secured leases could soon be studied due to the potential adverse effects on cod spawning grounds.
Vineyard fishermen no longer pursue cod in these waters. The fishing boats plying these waters left years ago. Cod are gone.
Will we be the last generation to enjoy cod in New England?
Codfish Nursery Plan Promoted
Tom Osmers of West Tisbury Leads Effort to Bring Back Cod Through the Use of Saltwater Hatcheries on the Island
By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL
Cod, once the most valued fish in Vineyard and New England waters, has been in severe decline for years.
Now, to help the fish recover, a group of Island fishermen are moving ahead with a plan to open and operate a cod nursery on the Vineyard.
The old wooden sailboat up on blocks inside the shed at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown doesn't look like much.
The white lapstrake boat, less than 20 feet in length, has not been in the water since it was brought to the society in December 1936 from Menemsha Creek. The paint has come off in many places. There is little chance she will ever float again.
The Atlantic codfish, once the most important fish in the waters of southeastern New England, is on the verge of collapse.