Spring 2021 Making Waves

WINDFARMS as FAR as the EYE can SEE!

M A K I N G The Official Publication of the Recreational Fishing Alliance

Is this Our Ocean's Future?

Special Section on Windfarm Expansion Plans More Concerns Raised by Scientists & Fishermen Can Windfarms Affect Ocean Currents?

Regulatory Updates on Fluke, Striped Bass, Bluefish Upcoming RFA Fishing Tournaments And Much More Inside

SPRING 2021

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Making Waves Spring 2021

PROUD SPONSOR

M A K I N G

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Making Waves 2016 Making Waves Summer Spring 2021

The Official Publication of the Recreational Fishing Alliance

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

By Gary Caputi

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ccording to the legendary bard, Bob Dylan, "The answer is blowing in the wind." Ah, but it is really? Listening to politicians who are pushing an expansive plan for offshore windfarms up and down the eastern seaboard, how could one think otherwise.

In this issue the RFA does a deep dive into the increasingly questionable efforts to build massive windfarms with very little concern for the potential impacts on ocean habitat, ocean currents, fisheries, fishermen, shoreside communities and the financial burden their construction and operation will impose on the rate-paying public. When it comes to rebuilding fisheries the watchwords over the past twenty plus years has been the "precautionary principle." Layers and layers of precaution built into every government fisheries law and regulatory action. It seems those words are lost to the same government and its agencies when it comes to the fortunes to be made by erecting what some say will be thousands of massive wind turbines, the biggest the world has ever seen, off our shores in environmentally sensitive areas. Spend some time with this issue and you'll see why the RFA is so concerned about what we feel is a misguided rush to build them regardless of the consequences.

Also in this issue are features about RFA's spring and summer fishing tournaments. Come fish with us and help support our work and conservation efforts. Be sure to read John DePersenaire's update on a number of proposed changes to FMPs for bluefish, summer flounder, sea bass and striper bass.

All that information is inside, and more! I really need to go fishing!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Publisher’s Desk

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Exec. Director's Report: An Unlikely Ally

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Guest Commentary Windfarms & the Cold Pool

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RFA Spring & Summer Tournament Calendar

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RFA Investigates: Windfarm Special Section

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Offshore Wind Opinion Piece (Courtesy Forbes)

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Concern over Windfarms in Southern New England

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Windfarms Coming to the Gulf of Maine

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Breaking News: Public Hearings on Bluefish FMP

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Breaking News: Workshops on Flounder FMP

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Dolphins Return to the Shrewsbury River in NJ

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NOAA Fisheries Integrated Modeling System

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Regulator Updates: Proposed Changes to FMPs

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News & Views

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About the Cover

Is this picture an oversimplification of a pending problem, or will the density of wind turbine construction change the reality of the ocean as we know it?

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Executive Director's Report

by Jim Donofrio

An Unlikely Ally Against Offshore Wind

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he deeper I dig into the political push for massive windfarms off the East Coast the more it becomes obvious that the lies behind renewable energy (wind and solar) could very well be the biggest scam ever perpetuated on the American public in my lifetime.

If you do not believe me, I encourage you to watch the latest documentary from social acPhoto Courtesy: NBC 6 South “Planet Florida tivist Michael Moore. of the Humans” is a enlightening condemnation of the runaway “green” mentality and the perpetuation of the myth of wind and solar generated electricity as the savior of our planet when nothing could be further from the truth.

I bet you're thinking, “Hey, wait a minute, did you just say Michael Moore is anti-renewable energy?” Watch the film because it proports to expose the lies we are being fed about the efficacy of wind and solar power, in fact most supposed forms of renewable energy.

Those of us who stand in opposition to the “white monsters” as Norway’s Minister of Energy, Sylvi Listhaug, termed wind turbines,

could not have imagined a more unlikely ally in our cause than counterculture Moore. His documentary gives voice to why so many people are willing to immediately embrace any technology with the slightest chance of saving us from the scourge of climate catastrophe without taking the time for due diligence to root out the real driving force behind the hype.

There are fortunes to be made by billionaires and major corporations who are pushing the false narrative for their own greedy purposes and it will be the middle class, small businesses and low income individuals who will pay the price for this folly.

Ocean wind in the U.K. and E.U. is proving that it cannot live up to the promises made by its proponents. Windfarms are dependent on backup generation plants burning fossil and biomass fuels to maintain the illusion that they provide clean energy, but that’s just one facet of the problem. The turbines are proving extremely problematic for fisheries, bird life, and marine ecosystems, not to mention Continued on page 8

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injurious to rate payers who have to foot ever -increasing energy bills for the inefficiencies of these over-rated monstrosities. And the turbines are proving to have a short operational lifespan. They are not clean and not green, yet many Governors of east coast states, including New Jersey’s own Phil Murphy, have placed offshore wind on a fast track that will see huge swaths of ocean literally choked with fields of “white monsters.”

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properly managed fisheries. Offshore wind is not good for the environment, the economy or the future of coastal communities.

There may still be time to stop the madness as the initial construction of major offshore windfarms are still two years away. What can you do? Contact your local shore town mayors and council members and ask them to create ordinances that prohibit transmission cables from coming ashore in your comMurphy claims that ocean wind is great for munity. Write the Governor and state legislathe environment, the economy and the futors in your state and tell them you do not ture. We challenge the Governor on all three support the scam of offshore wind power. In very misleading points. Destroying fisheries, New Jersey Governor Murphy is up for redevastating increases in energy costs and election this November so there is no time to crippling shore-side communities that rely on waste. The time to act is now to save our our oceans puts the lie to his statements. Of oceans and our way of life. major concern is dense windfarms could poTo view the film click below. tentially destroy true renewable resources like

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FRIDAY JUNE 4, 2021

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Guest Commentary

By SCEMFIS Science Center for Marine Fisheries

Little Known on How Wind Farms Affect Critical Mid-Atlantic Ocean Feature

Scientists fear the placement and density of windfarms proposed for the US East Coast could negatively impact the Cold Pool, a critical ocean circulatory system, and the fisheries dependent upon its seasonal formation and dissipation.

January 28, 2021–While not often in the spotlight, an oceanographic feature known as the “cold pool,” which stretches from Massachusetts to North Carolina, is critical for the health of many marine species. However, a new study from the Science Center for Marine Fisheries finds that, despite its importance, not much is known about how the growing offshore wind industry could affect the cold pool, and the marine life

that depends on it.

The study, from Dr. Travis Miles, Sarah Murphy, Dr. Josh Kohut, Sarah Bosetti, and Dr. Daphne Munroe, all of Rutgers University, reviewed existing literature on how wind farm construction affects ocean environments in Europe, where most offshore wind farm construction has so far taken place, and lays out what can be learned from the European experience, and what aspects about

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potential interactions remains unknown. Spanning much of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, the cold pool is a layer of cold water just beneath warm surface water, extending to the ocean bottom that forms every spring and lasts until the fall. Its annual appearance is a vital part of the life cycle of many marine species.

“It supports some of the most lucrative fisheries in the world, some of the most sustainably managed fisheries in the world,” said Dr. Munroe.

“We’ve got species that live off the coast of New Jersey that you wouldn’t expect to live here because they need cold water. And it’s that cold pool that provides that habitat that allows them to live here.”

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the study states, “turbines induce downstream impacts on ocean velocities, turbulence, and stratification.” However, the extent of this interference is highly dependent on the site, the size of the wind farm and turbines, and underlying ocean conditions and wind speed. It is not clear how much the European experience will translate to the Mid-Atlantic.

With the cold pool, the waters of the Mid-Atlantic are much more clearly stratified between layers of warm and cold water, and tidal currents are generally weaker than those in Northern Europe.

Those two factors may affect whether or not wind turbines disrupt the cold pool and the ocean stratification that is an essential feature for the region’s marine life.

According to the study, Europe’s experience with wind farms has shown that there is some impact “Understanding how fast the ocean moves in our from the placement of wind turbines. Specifically, region relative to how fast the ocean moves in

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other regions where some of this research is done is super critical,” said Dr. Miles. “Tides in Europe move very fast. In the Mid-Atlantic region we have relatively slow currents unless we have storms come through.”

affected by offshore wind turbines; and how development will impact the seasonal development of the cold pool.

“We understand a bit about the cold pool, we understand a little bit about how offshore wind has The study’s authors specifically identify three are- impacted seasonal stratification off the European as that will require future study: the level of over- coast, but we don’t know what will happen lap between the cold pool and the areas current- when wind farms are deployed off the Midly being considered for offshore wind developAtlantic coast in the specific conditions of the ment; the threshold of stratification that will be cold pool,” said Dr. Kohut.

A Video Introduction to the Cold Pool Courtesy SCEMFIS and Rutgers University

To read the full scientific review by Rutgers scientists on the subject click the link below.

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RFA

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Spring & Summer Fishing Tournament Calendar

From family fun to charity to an all out high roller bluewater spectacular, here are the highlights of the season.

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n important part of the RFA’s fund raising and fishing community outreach programs are the tournaments that it underwrites and others from which it derives financial and public relations benefits. The RFA has owned and put on the 58-year-old Florida classic, the Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament, held each January in the Palm Beach area, for the last 15 years. While that one has come and gone put it on your calendar for January 2022. For the rest of this season there are the two spring tournaments in June and the all-new Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City Quest for the Ring in July.

The RFA through its Fisheries Conservation Trust helped resurrect the much-loved Manhattan Cup Charity Striped Bass Tournament held in the shadow of the New York City financial district and the Statue of Liberty. The June 4, 2021 date will mark the 20th anniversary for the event that was started by Capt. Frank Crescitelli of Fin Chaser Charters and the Fin Chasers television show.

Frank remains in charge as the tournament director along with Gary Caputi from the RFA. The all release, all trophy event is held to honor the bravery and sacrifices made by first responders and

Catch & Release striper fishing is what the Manhattan Cup is all about!

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recently returning veterans with disabilities. It features a totally unique format in which charter captains and light tackle guides donate their boats and services for the day and contestants “purchase” a vessel for their group through a donation process online. You can enter a group to fish as a team, enter as an individual and fish with a group, make a donation to help us bring more veterans out for the day to fish alongside contestants, or enter your own boat and crew. There are dozens of prize categories and a full day of events where you will get to mingle with vets, celebrity anglers, members of the media and don’t forget the fishing for striped bass and bluefish in waters surrounding the Big Apple. You can fish conventional tackle, live bait, lures or fly fish. Pick your preference. Entry includes a tournament shirt and angler goodie bag, pre-tournament breakfast,

Making Waves Spring 2021

gourmet box lunch and indoor-outdoor dinner and a fantastic raffle at the Liberty House Restaurant. The event is held at Liberty Landing Marina located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ. All proceeds go to warrior related causes, fisheries research work by the Fisheries Conservation trust and to striped bass tagging programs in association with Gray FishTag Research.

To learn more, enter, sponsor a veteran or become a tournament sponsor for your business go to www.manhattancup.com. Questions? Call 800 -JOIN-RFA or Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917-4684816.

The Bass River Classic Fluke Tournament is celebrating its eighth year on June 5, 2021. This oneday family-oriented fishing contest is held at the

The Bass River Classic is held in the beautiful bays and backwaters around Forsyth National Wildlife Refuge and Atlantic City. Great fun for kids of all ages.

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tain’s bag includes four wristbands for food and a t-shirt for captain with additional tshirts available for sale during the event.

Prizes will be awarded based on the two heaviest summer flounder caught during the contest. Additional Calcuttas will be available for the heaviest single summer flounder and heaviest 3-fish bag limit of the contest. For anglers 12 and under, a special rod & reel prize will be presented for the heaviest summer flounder and a trophy will be presented for the kid who catches the largest ‘junk fish’ that includes blowfish, skate, ray, sea robin, dogfish, lizard fish, oyster cracker, star gazer or eel.

For more information and to enter go to www.bassriverclassic.com or call 888-5646732.

With a guaranteed purse of $1,000,000 that is sure to end up being many times greater than that, the Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City Quest for the Ring is a highrollers offshore tournament unlike any other. Hosted by Farley State Marina and the Golden Nugget Casino and Resort, the event will encompass most of the week of July 12th, 2021 with outrageous parties, amazing fishing and a parade of the most accomplished offshore tournament teams.

The event will include categories for white Riley Lynn Miller with a keeper fluke and last and blue marlin, tuna, dolphin and wahoo.

year's the winning Junior Junk Fish catch in the Bass River Classic.

Viking Yachting Center and Breezes Restaurant on the Bass River in New Gretna, New Jersey.

There are prizes, gifts and games for kids, cash prizes for fishing teams, outdoor and indoor dining and loads of awards. This is prime time for spring flounder fishing on the bay and in the surrounding marshes so enter and get your fluke on.

The Captain’s meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4th at Breezes Bar & Grill on the Bass River in New Gretna, NJ with complimentary snacks provided by Breezes and a cash bar. Cap-

This is the first foray the historic Quest for the Ring Tournament Series has made north of Florida and it promises to be an amazing event. The tournament will have a special Calcutta category aimed at benefiting the RFA and helping to showcase the work the organization has done in the past to protect pelagic species from overfishing and to maintain recreational access to the iconic gamefish that form the basis for so many of the bluewater tournaments held along the Eastern seaboard. For more information and to check out early entry details go to www.jjfishweek.com.

RFA INVESTIGATES The Race for Offshore Wind Power The deeper we dig the more risks come to light.

Projected Footprint of Wind Farms Over the Next 30 Years

Courtesy: www.Energy.gov

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Offshore Wind Plans Will Drive Up Electricity Prices And Require ‘Massive Industrialization Of The Oceans’

By Robert Bryce (Courtesy Forbes) Robert Bryce is the host of the An author and journalist, Bryce has been writing about energy, politics, and the environment for more than 30 years.

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he regatta for setting the loftiest targets for British maritime deployments since the Battle of offshore wind energy development has set Trafalgar. Meanwhile, the European Union has targeted more than 300 gigawatts of offshore sail. capacity by 2050.

Today, South Korea announced plans for 8.2 gigawatts of offshore wind. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently called for 40 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity to be built in UK waters by 2030. If achieved, it would be one of the biggest

Joe Biden’s climate advisors are calling for the immediate approval of a slew of pending offshore wind projects. In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo is calling for 9 gigawatts of offshore wind

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capacity to be built by 2035. Other East Coast governors are also floating multi-gigawatt offshore plans. In all, according to a report issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management last June “approximately 22 gigawatts of Atlantic offshore wind development are reasonably foreseeable along the East Coast.”

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membering why offshore wind has become such a priority for states like New York. The answer is simple: Rural New York is in a full-scale uprising that is halting the growth of several proposed solar and wind projects, including ones proposed

by Invenergy and Apex Clean Energy.

In 2018, Anne Reynolds, the executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, explained why the backlash is occurring: “I personally think the arguments against wind energy are The history of offshore wind in domestic waters is replete with canceled plans – yes, Cape Wind, I’m because people don’t want to see the turtalking about you – cost overruns, cabling prob- bines.” So many rural New Yorkers don’t want to see the turbines that state officials in Albany are lems, and permit delays. Furthermore, offshore wind continues to be one of the most expensive in the process of stripping local governments of their home rule authority over the approval and forms of electricity generation. That high-priced juice will cost ratepayers untold billions of dollars siting of renewable projects (Just for a moment, imagine if the state government was doing the over the coming years. That means higher-cost electricity for low- and middle-income consumers. same for oil and gas drilling. If that would hapThe impact will be particularly hard in northeast- pen, perhaps the New York Times would cover the backlash against wind in New York.) ern states like New York and in New England, where consumers already endure some of the With surging friction onshore, the renewable industry wants to set anchor in saltwater. But that highest electricity prices in the country.

Finally, building gigawatt-scale offshore wind will effort has been met with fierce headwinds. Over the last two decades, numerous offshore projects, be lousy for the oceans, navigation, and marine life. The forecast buildout of offshore wind in the including the ill-fated 468-megawatt Cape Wind project have been scuttled, delayed, blown off U.S. will require industrializing vast swaths of course, or abandoned. some of the most heavily fished and navigated Here’s some advice: Take all of these offshore plans with a large grain of sea salt.

waters in North America. It will require anchoring thousands of offshore platforms along the Eastern Seaboard, which could interfere with marine mammal migration and wreak navigational havoc during a hurricane, major storm, or oil spill. It will also add yet more noise pollution to the alreadynoisy ocean.

In California, New York, Massachusetts, and other coastal states, the siting approval process has been protracted and often hinges around the condition that, if built, the giant seabird-killing machines will not be visible from beach-front swankiendas in Malibu, Montauk, and Hyannisport.

Before delving into those issues, it’s worth re-

The Hyannisport story is instructive. In 2001, the

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backers of Cape Wind filed their first permit application. It would become one of the most contentious energy projects — of any kind — in US history. The backers of Cape Wind filed their first permit application in 2001. Despite getting environmental approvals from the federal government, and the backing of many elected officials in Massachusetts, the project faced enormous opposition, including from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose family owns a modest compound in Hyannisport.

Cape Wind was officially deep-sixed in 2015.

Since then, Massachusetts legislators have floated a plan to increase the offshore target to 5.6 gigawatts, or roughly a dozen projects the size of the scuttled Cape Wind.

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with a total of capacity of 30 megawatts — or some 9,970 megawatts short of that ambitious but achievable goal laid out in 2011.

In 2017, Dominion Resources said that after losing some $40 million in federal subsidies in 2016, it would be delaying a 12-megawatt offshore wind project until 2021 at the earliest. “One challenge facing offshore wind development is its complex and costly installation and maintenance when compared to onshore wind,” the company said.

The only offshore wind project in US waters is the Block Island project off the coast of Rhode Island.

That project began producing power in 2017. But significant problems have already emerged and The promise of offshore wind has long lain just the owners of the 30-megawatt project have over the horizon. In 2010, Google announced the been forced to shut the turbines down while conAtlantic Wind Connection, an offshore transmis- tractors re-bury the power cable that brought the sion project that aimed to connect 6,000 megajuice to shore. The initial phase of re-burying it watts of offshore wind capacity. Back then, will total more than $30 million. Orsted, the comGoogle said, “We believe in investing in projects pany that now owns the project, has refused to that make good business sense and further the disclose the total cost of the cable reburydevelopment of renewable energy.” Google ing effort. (now Alphabet) and three other partners, including Marubeni Corporation, said they would spend Offshore wind hit another shoal last November when the federal environmental impact assesssome $5 billion on the project. But as one summent for the 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind promary put it: “The proposal ran into significant regulatory and financial hurdles before it fell ject located a few dozen miles east of Long Island, was delayed yet again. In December, the apart.” backers of Vineyard Wind – Copenhagen InfraIn 2011, then-Interior Secretary Ken Salazar spoke structure Partners and Avangrid, a subsidiary of at a conference sponsored by the American Wind Spanish utility Iberdrola SA, which has aggressiveEnergy Association at which he declared “From ly pursued renewable projects in the United Texas to Oregon, to up and down the Atlantic States over the past few years – withdrew their Coast, there’s movement on offshore wind.” He permit application. continued, saying the Obama administration had The high cost of offshore wind will impose a reset “an ambitious – but achievable – goal of deploying 10 gigawatts - that’s 10,000 megawatts - gressive tax on low- and middle-income consumers. As economist Jonathan Lesser pointed out in of offshore wind generating capacity by 2020 – the New York Post last year, the electricity to be and 54 gigawatts by 2030.” produced from two of the projects being slated How has that worked? Well, ten years after Salafor New York waters – Empire Wind and Sunrise zar’s speech, the US has five turbines offshore

If the offshore wind promoters have their way, the Eastern Seaboard alone could soon be carpeted with nearly twice as many offshore (oil) platforms as are now in the Gulf of Mexico (over 1,900).

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Wind – will cost about $100 per megawatt-hour.

That’s high-priced juice, particularly when you consider that the average cost of wholesale electricity in New York in 2019, according to the New York Independent System Operator, was about $33, a record low.

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moters have their way, the Eastern Seaboard alone could soon be carpeted with nearly twice as many offshore platforms as are now in the Gulf of Mexico.

One of the leases will put dozens of wind turbines smack on top of one of the best scallop and squid In a separate piece, for Real Clear Energy in Sepfisheries on the Eastern Seaboard. Numerous tember, Lesser noted that the initial price of juice groups, including the Fisheries Survival Fund, from the Southfork Wind Project, to be built off Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, as the coast of Long Island, starts at a whopping well as the Bonackers, a small group of fisherman $160 per megawatt-hour, or roughly five times whose roots on Long Island go back centuries, the average wholesale price in New York. Lesser are adamantly opposed to the wind projects slatconcluded that offshore wind means “highered for the region. On Friday morning, Bonnie priced electricity for consumers and businesses – Brady, the executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, and a board and fewer dollars to spend or invest.” member of the Responsible Offshore DevelopThe cost of offshore wind isn’t limited to higher ment Alliance, told me that the long-term environelectricity prices. Several East Coast states have mental impact of the proposed projects isn’t well pledged big subsidies in the form of infrastructure. New York state has pledged $200 million in understood. “We know these giant machines change wind patterns and they could change matax dollars to make port improvements for offrine migration patterns. Let’s do the science beshore wind. fore we destroy the ocean and our ocean food Finally, the environmental impacts and dangers to supply.” navigation posed by offshore wind cannot be ignored. Indeed, the number of offshore platforms The draft environmental impact statement for being proposed for wind energy production bog- Vineyard Wind, which was released in June, said gles the imagination. Today, the global hydrocar- “Major direct impacts on navigation could occur” bon sector operates about 6,000 offshore oil and due to the “presence of structures” needed for the project. It also said, “Major cumulative efgas platforms. If the EU follows through with its plans to install 300 gigawatts, it would require – fects could occur on commercial fisheries.” assuming each turbine is 10 megawatts – inThe flood of wind turbines will also add stalling 30,000 offshore platforms in European more anthropogenic noise to the oceans, a probwaters. Thus, Europe’s offshore wind industry, by lem that was spotlighted this week by a new acaitself, could soon have five times as many offshore demic paper. The New York Times reported, “humans — and their ships, seismic surveys, air platforms as the entire global oil and gas sector.

The potential impact on American offshore is also guns, pile drivers, dynamite fishing, drilling platforms, speedboats and even surfing — have made gobsmackingly large. The U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the ocean an unbearably noisy place for marine which is one of the most productive offshore oil and gas provinces on the planet, has about 1,900 life, according to a sweeping review of the prevalence and intensity of the impacts of anthropoplatforms. genic ocean noise published on Thursday in the According to an October article in E&E journal Science. The paper, a collaboration News, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con- among 25 authors from across the globe and varinecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and ous fields of marine acoustics, is the largest synVirginia, have set goals for offshore wind totaling thesis of evidence on the effects of oceanic noise some 28.5 gigawatts and another 7.5 gigawatts is pollution.” being targeted. If those states want 36 gigawatts To understand what the offshore wind juggerof capacity, it will require installing about 3,600 offshore platforms. Thus, if the offshore wind pro- naut might mean for our oceans, I asked Jesse Ausubel, the director of the program for the Hu-

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In a recent interview with the author Jesse Ausubel, the director of the program for the Human Environment at Rockefeller University and one of the world’s foremost experts on the ocean and the creatures that live in it said, "We humans are creating 'a fast-growing ocean of things’ that is 'populating the water column from floor to surface." He said the EU’s plans for 300 gigawatts of wind capacity would alone "require acreage of about 100,000 square kilometers or about two-thirds the surface of the Baltic or Black Seas or a bit less than half the land area of Great Britain plus Ireland.” He concluded, “Environmentalists have not yet grasped the massive industrialization of the oceans now underway and proposed.” man Environment at Rockefeller University, for a comment. Ausubel is among the world’s foremost experts on the ocean and the creatures that live in it. To cite just one example, he was one of the early proponents of the Census of Marine Life, a 10-year, multi-nation project that resulted in some 540 expeditions that engaged some 2,700 scientists who discovered more than 1,000 new marine species and have several thousand more waiting to be described. (For more on that see this video.)

decade later, America’s offshore wind potential is still just that, potential. If offshore wind does achieve a huge expansion under Joe Biden, the invoice for that expansion will be equally huge and the price impacts will be felt most acutely by low- and middle-income Americans who will struggle to pay their electricity bills.

If the advisors on Biden’s climate team are serious about protecting the environment, now would be a good time for them to reconsider the massive industrialization of the oceans that is now In an email, Ausubel told me that we humans are underway. It might even make them think about creating “a fast-growing ‘ocean of things’” that is preventing America’s existing fleet of nuclear re“populating the water column from floor to suractors from being prematurely shuttered. face.” He said the EU’s plans for 300 gigawatts of wind capacity would “alone require acreage of about 100,000 square kilometers or about twothirds the surface of the Baltic or Black Seas or a bit less than half the land area of Great Britain plus Ireland.” He concluded, “Environmentalists have not yet grasped the massive industrialization of the oceans now underway and proposed.”

Back in 2011, Salazar declared that offshore wind energy was “America's new energy frontier.” A

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Proposed Wind Farms in Southern New England Offshore Waters To Encompass Prime Fishing Grounds

By Capt. Mike Pierdinock RFA Massachusetts Chapter Chairman

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here are thousands of acres of federal waters in southern New England that have been leased to various electricity generation companies that have, and will be, involved with the siting of wind turbines in offshore waters. Many of these wind farm areas include prime fishing grounds, ranging from Coxes Ledge to east of The Claw, and south to the Fingers and north of the Dump. These areas are subject to ongoing geotechnical investigations by commercial vessels, and the locations mentioned are only part of the initial phase of the siting process which will ultimately require additional scrutiny as well as environmentally related surveys as the companies’ attempt to obtain approval to site the proposed turbines. This will likely be a long drawn-out process, with several opportunities for public comment.

We are not talking about a few turbine units close to shore in state waters such as those off Block Island, but hundreds of multistory units in a grid pattern encompassing prime fishing grounds. Nobody wants to see all of these superlarge wind turbines in their back yard, so the thought has been to place the turbines units well offshore where they are out of sight.

However, there has been little consideration of the impact to recreational anglers, charter and party boat operations, and the commercial fishing fleet. Many of the easterly wind farm areas are on spawning grounds for herring and squid, Coxes Ledge provides a mix of groundfish and pelagics, and the other areas mentioned are angling hot spots for sharks, tuna, mahi and billfish. Plus, there is concern about impacts on other forage fish, turtles, whales and marine mammals.

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We are being reassured by the energy companies that fishermen will not be denied access to these areas. However, logic dictates that the use of bottom gear and nets typically associated with commercial fishing may not be safe nor feasible in and around the wind farms, and insurance coverage may not be possible for commercial vessels that wish to fish these areas. Is it possible that the same type of restrictions could be imposed on recreational anglers and the party/charter boat fleet that expect to be able to fish within the turbine areas? Is this the next surprise that results in denying us access to the fishery?

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Then there’s the issue of some people concluding that the recreational and for-hire fleet is not fishing within these areas to begin with, based upon flawed Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data and party/charter fleet fishing trip report data provided by a few for-hire captains.

However, it is well understood that both recreational fishermen and for-hire captains from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York routinely fish these waters, so there is bound to be conflict.

How about the impact to spawning grounds, forage fish, game fish, turtles, whales and other marine mammals? Should we be concerned? The typical response is that the turbine units will create structure that results in habitat that will attract forage and game fish, as has been observed beneath the oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

But will the turbines off southern New England act in the same manner? Nobody knows.

If sport fishermen are targeting large pelagics such as mako and thresher sharks, bluefin tuna, and mahi, how will they safely navigate around the bases of the turbine structures to avoid getting lines chafed or tangled when they hook onto a ballistic monster mako or fast-moving giant bluefin tuna? How far away should turbines be placed from each other? What is the appropriate distance between each unit so boats can safely navigate and land pelagics within the wind farms? A credible study assessing the adequate and safe distances necessary to accommodate various types of fishing is lacking but is absolutely necessary, reasonable and appropriate in order to properly site the units.

Bluefin tuna are regular visitors to proposed windfarm lease areas offshore of Southern New England

The Block Island turbines are located near shore in state waters. The fish found within the boundaries of this project do not include the large pelagics found in the proposed offshore turbines sites, but the siting of the Block Island units did not include any evaluation or assessment of an appropriate grid pattern or distance between each turbine in order to safely navigate and fish for the species that are found in the area, which are significantly different from the pelagics. So, more study is needed.

Then we have the issue of navigational safety.

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Recreational anglers, charter boats, and the commercial fleet have historically operated in these areas, sometimes in nasty winds and seas. Have any studies been undertaken that might determine the appropriate safe distance between turbine platforms so that vessels can safely navigate through the wind farms? Additionally, the Dept. of Homeland Security may well implement “safety” or “security” zones after the wind farms are created that would prohibit boating and fishing within the turbine fields.

Another question: will the subsurface transmission cables and the vibrations of the turbine blades themselves have an impact on local fish populations, whales, and turtles? Will the electrolysis of the cable negatively affect sharks?

Sharks have electro-receptors around their snout that can sense electrical charges. The receptors are needed so the shark can locate forage fish and perhaps even navigate. Studies of great white sharks conducted in southern New England waters have shown that sharks have had encounters with, and have attacked, mini torpedo-like research submarines as a result of the electrolysis emitted by the equipment. We need to see credible scientific studies of the impact of electrolysis from the miles of subsurface cable that will be needed to conduct the electricity from the wind farms to shore facilities. Studies of electro-magnetic disturbance of spawning grounds, forage fish, game fish, pelagics, turtles and marine mammals that inhabit these areas are also needed.

On land there are requirements regarding the safe distance of permitted activities from a turbine in the event of a turbine collapse. Will these types of requirements be implemented out on the high seas? Will we be prevented from navigating or fishing in these areas in the event of ice/snow sheer as with land based wind turbines?

Then there is the noise and flicker effects. On land, some people living close to wind turbines suffer from negative or stressful effects as a result of noise and shadowing flicker of the rotating blades. Will this be a problem for those navigating on the water? It seems to be a problem with humans, but how about for the fish and

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mammals that live around or transit the wind farm areas?

There are many examples of wind turbines throughout the world that are sited in water, but none are located as far offshore as those being proposed in New England waters. The infrastructure needed, and associated cost, is such that economics dictate that offshore turbines must be multistory in height and in a tight grid pattern, by the hundreds, over a large area in order for the project to be economically feasible. Ongoing maintenance costs will be magnified by the proposed turbine distance from shore and the resulting environmental conditions. New England offshore waters are well known for strong winds and waves, not to mention the highly corrosive saltwater environment.

Are we so eager to promote “green energy” that we are turning a blind eye to the wind’s hidden costs and its impacts to the marine environment and the people that rely on it for their livelihoods? Or will the public potentially be held responsible for paying for the poor or hasty decisions that are made in the rush to attempt to reduce the “carbon footprint” by some arbitrary date in the future?

I have more questions than I do answers, and there certainly are a lot of questions about the turbines and wind farms being constructed and proposed. I am all for green energy that makes economic sense with manageable environmental impacts, but we will see if this is a case of a “clean green” agenda promoted by folks who the wind farms do not personally affect and who may have little appreciation of the potential harm to the ocean environment or the importance of these wind farm areas to commercial and recreational fisheries. I think if we’re going to move ahead with large-scale offshore electricity generation, we need to do it slowly and carefully, backed by good research, environmental science, and a clear understanding of the impacts on those whom the ocean is so important.

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Wind Farms Coming to the Gulf of Maine

By Capt. Barry Gibson RFA New England Director

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he Gulf of Maine has largely escaped the en- the town of East Boothbay due to its proximity to croachment of wind farms, but that’s on the power grid. track to change and change quickly. A “demonstration” or “experimental” (depending on The project is still seeking formal permits, which are expected by the end who you talk to) single of March, with turbine floating wind turbine construction and cable has already been sited work beginning this in Maine state waters summer and the turbine surrounding Monhegan scheduled to be towed Island, which lies 12 out to sea in 2023, said miles east of the MidDiamond Offshore Wind coast’s Pemaquid Neck.

CEO Chris Wissemann at The project is headed a virtual public hearing up by New England Aqin Boothbay on February ua Ventus (NEAV), a 26th. joint venture of Diamond Offshore Wind (a Fishermen, particularly Mitsubishi company), lobstermen and scallopGerman utility giant ers, have a number of RWE Renewables, and concerns including the University of Maine. preemption of the botThe project scored tom where they routine$39.9 million in U.S. ly fish, the effects of the Dept. of Energy R&D cable’s electromagnetic funds, and is expected field on lobsters and to cost around $100 miltheir migration patterns, lion. and the effects on fish and other sea life. One The 700-foot-tall tower particularly concerning would be mounted on issue is the disturbing of floats made of concrete Approximate size of floating turbines the bottom sediment in and anchored to the and around East bottom. It is expected to proposed for Gulf of Maine waters.

Boothbay where the cagenerate 9.5 to 12 megble will come ashore, awatts of electricity, with a six-inch diameter exit which lies inside the mouth of the Damarsicotta cable that would run 20 miles from the turbine to River. East Boothbay shipyards have been operat-

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ing for well over a century there, and it is believed that the surrounding sediment is likely heavily contaminated with toxic materials such as cuprous oxide from bottom paints, and perhaps lead and asbestos. The dredging or jet-digging of the trench for the cable will disturb the sediment, sending clouds of it up into the water column, which could be carried by the tide up the river where there are numerous oystergrowing leases and onshore grow-out facilities that depend upon clean river water, a multi-million dollar industry of significant importance to this area of the Maine coast. So far there has been no mention by NEAV of any baseline environmental monitoring of wildlife, chemicals, and fish at the proposed turbine site, which most scientists now agree should ideally take place over a two- to three-year period prior to construction.

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miles of ocean. The siting and permitting process is currently underway, with construction scheduled to begin in two to three years.

Maine’s Dept. of Marine Resources (DMR) is involved in the siting process for the array, which is expected to end up some 20 to 40 miles off the Mid-coastal region, and has identified a 700-square-mile general area in which the final siting will take place. The array’s electrical cable will likely come ashore at the Wyman Station at Cousin’s Island in Yarmouth, near Portland.

Commercial and recreational fishermen, as well as environmentalists, have raised many concerns about the array’s potential location and what the effects might be on fish, marine mammals, and other wildlife as well as preemption of the bottom. The proposed general area includes about half of The actual Monhegan Island test turbine is Plattes Bank as well Twelve-Turbine Farm as the northern sectiny compared with those to be built Already Being tion of Jeffreys Ledge, Planned offshore. two areas of signifiInterestingly, NEAV cant historical and is already hard at current importance to both commercial and recwork planning a 12-turbine “research array” wind farm farther offshore in the Gulf of Maine, two to reational fishermen targeting tuna, sharks, groundfish, and other species. I recently spoke three years before the company will know with the DMR official heading up the siting prowhether its “experimental” turbine will actually ject, and conveyed RFA’s strong sentiments on work. where the array should definitely not be placed The proposed floating array, with turbines said to due to impacts on recreational fishing on these two valuable offshore grounds. be 300 feet tall, will take up at least 16 square

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Governor Janet Mills’ Governor’s Energy Office is pushing development of this project, and is attempting to fast-track the permitting process for this May or June. This “research array” is expected to operate for some 20 years, begging the question as to whether it is indeed “research” or simply a smokescreen for a for-profit electricity generation project that will reward its investors. Isn’t the single turbine off Monhegan Island supposed to be the “experimental” project?

In response to the backlash by fishermen to the12-array NEAV project, Gov. Mills on January

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22nd, announced she would ask the Maine legislature to approve a 10-year moratorium on new wind projects in state waters, which extend three miles from shore but which would exclude the Monhegan turbine. The proposed moratorium would be largely symbolic, however, as offshore wind developers realized long ago that opposition to turbines that can be viewed from shore is virtually insurmountable nearly everywhere.

The RFA will continue to monitor, and participate in, wind farm developments in the Gulf of Maine and will report as things unfold.

This chart shows the areas of interest for the siting of offshore floating windfarms. It covers major shipping lanes and a number of recreationally and commercially important fish habitats.

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MAFMC and ASMFC to Hold Public Hearings for Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment

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he Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) are seeking public comment on management options under consideration in the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment. This amendment contains alternatives to: • Revise the fishery management plan (FMP) goals and objectives; • Modify the bluefish allocations between the commercial and recreational sectors; • Modify the commercial allocations to the states; • Initiate a rebuilding plan; • Revise the quota transfer processes; • Revise how the FMP accounts for management uncertainty; and • Revise the de minimis provisions in the Commission’s FMP.

•

Comments may be provided at any of 5 virtual public hearings to be held between March 24 and April 8, 2021 or via written comment until April 23, 2021.

We encourage you to visit the Council’s Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment web page or the Commission’s Public Input web page, where you can read the Public Hearing Document, the Draft Amendment, and watch the public hearing presentation (to be posted by March 12, 2021).

The Council’s Public Hearing Document is an abbreviated version of the amendment which summarizes proposed management options and impacts. The Commission’s Draft Amendment is a more comprehensive management document that will resemble the Commission’s final amendment once approved. Both documents contain identical options for public input, but each have been developed according to each management body’s differing requirements. Commenters need only to submit comment on one of the documents. We have also developed a Quick Reference Guide which provides an overview of the alternatives under consideration in the amendment.

Virtual Hearing Schedule Interested members of the public are encouraged to provide oral comments at any of the following public hearings. While we encourage you to attend the hearing that is targeted toward your state or regional grouping, anyone is welcome to participate in any hearing. See the hearing announcement for a list of hearing contacts.

• Wednesday, March 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida

• Thursday, March 25, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Delaware, Maryland, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and Virginia • Tuesday, March 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Connecticut and New York

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• Thursday, April 1, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island Thursday, April 8, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: New Jersey Webinar Connection Instructions To register for a public hearing please click here: Public Hearing Registration and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu. Hearings will be held via GoToWebinar, which can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage participants to use computer voice over internet (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 1-866-901-6455 and enter access code 140-544-592. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. For technical assistance setting up and logging into GoToWebinar, contact Dustin Colson Leaning at 703-842-0714.

Please note that if you are connected only by phone in listen only mode, you will not show up as a webinar attendee. In the event that there are no webinar attendees, the public hearing will be cancelled unless state staff request that the hearing content is presented.

Written Comments Written comments may be submitted through April 23, 2021 by any of the following methods: 1. ONLINE: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/bluefish-allocation-rebuilding-amendment 2. EMAIL: mseeley@mafmc.org 3. MAIL: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council 800 North State Street, Suite 201 Dover, DE 19901 4. FAX: 302-674-5399

Please include “Bluefish Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Tips for Providing Public Comment We value your input. To be most effective, we request that your comment include specific details as to why you support or oppose a particular alternative. Specifically, please address the following: • Which proposed alternative(s) do you support, and which do you oppose?

• Why do you support or oppose the alternative(s)?

Is there any additional information you think should be considered?

Contacts If you have any questions, please contact: Matthew Seeley, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, mseeley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5262 Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-8420714 To register for a public hearing please click here: Public Hearing Registration and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu. Hearings will be held via GoToWebinar, which can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage participants to use computer voice over internet (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 1-866-901-6455 and enter access code 140-544-592. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. For technical assistance setting up and logging into GoToWebinar, contact Dustin Colson Leaning at 703-842-0714.

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MAFMC to Hold Virtual Summer Flounder Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) Workshops Virtual Workshops Scheduled for March 29, March 31, and April 5

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he Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold three virtual regional public workshops to solicit input on future management of the recreational summer flounder fishery.

These workshops are part of the Council’s development of a management strategy evaluation (MSE) which will evaluate different management strategies designed to minimize discards in the recreational summer flounder fishery. Input provided during the workshops will build on the 800+ comments and suggestions that were submitted through a public comment form earlier this year.

More information about this project can be found on the Summer Flounder Management Strategy Evaluation page.

During the workshops, participants will listen to a series of short background presentations and then provide input and feedback regarding summer flounder discard concerns, potential management objectives to address these concerns, and performance metrics and strategies to achieve these objectives.

The dates and times of the three virtual workshops are listed below. Individuals are encouraged to participate in the workshop for their region; however, all workshops are open to all individuals.

Participants will first need to register for the workshop(s) in which they plan to attend. To help plan and organize the workshops, interested participants are encouraged to register at least 24 hours prior to a scheduled workshop.

Massachusetts through Connecticut: Monday, March 29, 2021; 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Register for the MA-CT Workshop New York through Delaware: Wednesday, March 31, 2021; 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Register for the NY-DE Workshop Maryland through North Carolina: Monday, April 5, 2021; 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Register for the MD-NC Workshop Workshops will be held via Webex, which can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Participants can also join and participate in the workshop with a phone-only connection; however, you will not be able to see any presentations or other materials shared on the webinar. Once registered, you will receive an email from Webex with the webinar information including the webinar link, telephone number and access code, and a calendar invite.

Questions? Contact Brandon Muffley, bmuffley@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5260

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Shrewsbury River Dolphins Signal Cleaner Rivers, More Fish Dolphins are now frequent visitors to the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers in New Jersey, indicating a healthier environment.

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n what has become an increasingly common occurrence, bottlenose dolphins have taken up seasonal residence in New Jersey’s Shrewsbury River. Dolphins were observed in the river throughout this past summer. Since November 2020, sightings of three dolphins, which are small and possibly juveniles, have been reported to our Marine Mammal Stranding Network partner for New Jersey, the Marine Mammal Stranding Cen-

ter. As of January 14, these dolphins are reportedly swimming freely and in good body condition.

Chasing Bunker The sight of surfacing dolphins in the river delights area residents and biologists alike. Bottlenose dolphins historically visited Sandy Hook Bay, the Shrewsbury River, and the Navesink River.

They may have become a less-frequent sight as

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water quality and fish populations fluctuated.

Now, with cleaner waters, carefully managed fisheries, and increasing menhaden (small schooling fish also known as bunker), we are seeing more marine mammals in our coastal waters. In addition to the bottlenose dolphins that have been making semi-regular appearances, three beluga whales visited the river in 2015. Earlier this summer, a humpback whale was also spotted in the river. This corresponds to the dramatic increase in humpback whales we are seeing in coastal New York/New Jersey waters, as bunker continue to draw the animals close to shore.

We are thrilled to see our coastal dolphin and whale populations expanding their use of our nearshore waters. However, as the animals move closer to shore, they are more likely to be near people and boats. This can pose dangers to them, as some animals have been harassed or hit by boats.

Lessons from the Past Dolphins started reappearing in the Shrewsbury River in the early 1990s. The dolphin visitors came, stayed for a while, and then returned to the ocean. However, over the years, there have also been dolphins that have come into the river and stayed, sometimes with fatal consequences.

In 1993, four dolphins came into the river over the summer and didn’t leave. As the temperatures dropped and the river froze over, Coast Guard and Marine Police vessels patrolled the ar-

Bottlenose dolphins in the Shrewsbury River. Credit: Marine Mammal

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ea and broke up the ice for the dolphins. Attempts to herd the animals out failed. The dolphins died, and their carcasses were found in April 1994.

NOAA Fisheries authorized a capture operation in November 2000 for two dolphins that had been observed in the river since at least September of that year. A large operation was organized to try and rescue the mother-calf pair, in an attempt to relocate them to the open ocean. The pair was captured by the rescue team but, unfortunately, the mother died from stress. The calf survived and was transferred to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for rehabilitation and died a few weeks later. A necropsy of the mother showed that she was in poor body condition, with a lung infection and healing rib fracture.

In 2008, a group of 16 dolphins entered the river in June, and several of them stayed in the area through the winter. While healthy, well-fed dolphins are capable of living in cold, winter waters, several of the dolphins died or disappeared after parts of the river froze. Since 2008, there have been several additional incidents of dolphins visiting the river over the winter, and some have stranded.

Letting Nature Take Its Course Is the Best Course of Action One of the sad lessons learned from the 2000 event is that attempting to capture and relocate free-swimming animals may cause much more harm than good. It could inadvertently put the animals at high risk of injury or death. Rescue operations are also inherently dangerous for people on the rescue teams, especially during winter months when air and water temperatures are at their coldest.

Letting nature take its course is the best course of action with the least risk to the safety and welfare of the dolphins and our stranding network partners. The dolphins in the river are free to come and go at will. They have adaptations like thick blubber layers to insulate them from the cold and are most likely staying because the fish they feed upon is still in the area. Local experts continue to monitor the dolphins and are ready to respond if an animal strands ashore.

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Optimal Habitat or Tricky Geography?

We don’t know why some members of the dolphin groups leave the Shrewsbury River while others stay. It may be that some find the area optimal for food and shelter and prefer the habitat.

It may be that some are unable to find their way out to deeper water through the narrow spots, or may be intimidated by the noisy bridge traffic. It’s possible that the geography is confusing. Like the many sea turtles that get trapped in the arm of Cape Cod each winter, Sandy Hook may confuse animals looking for an exit as they try to go south, when the only way out is north. We do know that dolphins, beluga whales, and a humpback whale have successfully navigated their way into and out of the river on numerous occasions.

The fact that dolphins keep returning to the area is a good sign that they find the habitat useful.

Winter Food Supply While the dolphins may have originally been following schools of bait fish, like bunker, there are still fish in the river during the winter. Surveys conducted by Northeast Fisheries Science Center Sandy Hook Laboratory suggest that the dolphins are likely to find winter flounder and river herring in the river at this time of year.

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are swimming freely, in good body condition, and in their natural habitat. The best thing we can do for them is give them space to swim, feed, and move.

We know from past experience that trying to herd the dolphins out of the area or to capture them in nets is dangerous for them. It is not likely to be successful and can have tragic outcomes.

Dolphins are quite capable of avoiding nets by swimming around or under them. Sometimes the dolphins end up further upriver as they try to avoid being captured. All of this causes stress or injury to the animals and can be debilitating.

When dolphins are swimming freely and in a habitat they regularly use, they are not considered either “stranded” or “out of habitat” according to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. As we keep careful track of these dolphins, we hope that they will find their way back to the ocean.

Dolphins in the River are Cause for Celebration The repeated sightings of dolphins visiting the river over the past three decades is cause for celebration. The animals are important sentinels of the health of the marine environment. Their presence is a great sign that the water quality and fish stocks are able to support them.

If you see these dolphins, please report your sightings to Marine Mammal Stranding Center at (609) 266-0538.

First, Do No Harm It’s very frustrating for the local community, for our stranding network partners, and for us when the dolphins appear to linger into the winter. We Follow safe viewing guidelines by keeping a safe fear the worst for them. And yet, these dolphins distance of at least 150 feet away from them.

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NOAA Announces Fisheries Integrated Modeling System An evolution of stock assessment models to provide better information for fishery managers to support sustainable fishery management.

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he Fisheries Integrated Modeling System is a next-generation framework of stock assessment models, assisting fishery managers with the goal of achieving sustainable fisheries. This system, when completed in a few years, offers the NOAA Fisheries and global fisheries science communities an advanced set of stock assessment models. These tools can be used separately or in combination to incorporate ecosystem and socioeconomic data and models, as well as climate effects and other drivers within the marine environment, into stock assessment models.

For many years, NOAA Fisheries has relied on regionally developed stock assessment models to conduct stock assessments for fisheries management. Many of these models are hosted in the Fisheries Integrated Toolbox. This new effort represents a system of tools that capitalizes on the expertise of NOAA Fisheries scientists and software development best practices in consultation with the broader fisheries science community. The system is designed

to be modular, maintainable, and extensible. The system also enables stock assessment tools to leverage technological developments, such as: •

High performance computing

•

Cloud resources

•

Parallel processing

It streamlines collaboration by using versioning protocols and open-source development practices.

The project is managed under the Assessment and Monitoring Division within NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology. It includes a core development team in the office and participants from all six NOAA Fisheries Science Centers. The project team works in coordination with a wide array of partners across NOAA and with fishery science and management agencies and institutions around the globe. These partnerships ensure that the system best addresses the needs of the broader community.

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Regulatory Updates Management Plans and Recreational Specification Changes to Watch

by John DePersenaire

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NEWS & VIEWS Learn More About Electronic Reporting Requirements on NOAA Webpages Beginning November 10, 2021, commercial and some recreational fishermen in the Greater Atlantic Region will be required to start reporting electronically, rather than using paper reports. We are making these changes to improve the accuracy and timeliness of fisheries data.

River? Whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper, you can be part of the Hudson River Cooperative Angler Program. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery.

Here’s how it works: Fill out a logbook we provide or record your trips on your smartphone using DEC’s Hudson River online logbook, whenever you fish on the tidal Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge, whether by boat or on the shore. Record general To help you understand the new reporting regu- location, time, gear used, what you caught (or if lations and how to report electronically, check you didn’t catch anything), and return the logout our new web pages that explain options for book when you are done fishing. You’ll receive reporting and provide information on how to get an annual newsletter summarizing the recreastarted, as well as contacts for assistance. We tional fishery information, in addition to the latest strongly encourage you to start reporting elecnews regarding the Hudson River and saltwater tronically right away to get comfortable with the fishing regulations. system of your choice.

In the tidal Hudson River north of the George NY DEC Seeks Hudson River Striped Washington Bridge, the recreational slot limit is 18” – 28” (not less than 18” nor greater than 28”) Bass Information and the season is open April 1 – November 30.

Visit Tidal Hudson River Regulations for more information.

Join today! For more information on the angler program and instructions on installing the Survey123 App to access the online logbook, visit Hudson River Cooperative Angler or email hudsonangler@dec.ny.gov.

Do you fish for striped bass in the tidal Hudson

Note: If you primarily fish for striped bass in New York’s marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge, please contact the Diadromous Fish Unit at sbcaprogram@dec.ny.gov or visit DEC’s Striped Bass Cooperative Angler website.

In marine waters, the recreational slot limit is 28”

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– 35” (not less than 28” nor greater than 35”) and the season is open April 15 – December 15. Visit Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for more information.

Rockfish Conservation Area Maps Coming for California Anglers

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dwelling species of rockfish needing protection from fishing. RCAs are defined by straight lines connecting the waypoints in the order listed in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 660, Subpart C. Recreational take of those groundfish species subject to RCA restrictions is prohibited seaward of these lines regardless of depth. However, they may be possessed aboard a vessel in transit through these closed areas with no fishing gear deployed in the water. Anglers fishing for groundfish and non-groundfish species on the same trip are encouraged to review rules on take and possession inside and outside of RCAs.

The new flyers will include an overview cover map, and a series of 38 regional maps detailing the entire California coastline, including offshore islands and banks. The maps feature the RCA waypoint coordinates and boundary lines as well as the Groundfish Management Area lines. Also included are California’s network of Marine Protected Areas, which may be closed to some or all recreational fishing. The RCA maps are overlaid The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce new map-based on National Ocean Service nautical charts to help flyers and an updated online web map will soon anglers compare them to their desired fishing location; however, they should not be used for be available to assist recreational anglers with Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) waypoints and navigation. boundaries on the CDFW website.

CDFW will also update the online Ocean Sport These new flyers will be available in anticipation Fishing Interactive Web Map with the new RCA of the upcoming recreational boat-based ground- lines. The web map, when used with a smart phone, will show your current position in relation fish fishery openers that will occur as follows: to the RCA lines and marine protected area • March 1 in the Southern Management Area boundaries. Locations can be clicked or tapped to (Point Conception to U.S./Mexico border) show the current fishing regulations. New features will also include the ability to live-track your • April 1 in the Central Management Area position and different selections for the back(Point Arena to Point Conception) ground to better understand the boundaries.

• April 1 in the San Francisco Management ArFor 2021, the new map products are especially ea (Pigeon Point to Point Arena) important as changes have been made to way• May 1 in the Mendocino Area (Point Arena to points and RCA lines in three of the Groundfish Management Areas – Southern, San Francisco near Cape Mendocino) and Mendocino. The changes in each area offer May 1 in the Northern Management Area (Near anglers access to deeper depths, meaning more Cape Mendocino to California/Oregon state line) open fishing area when the groundfish season is RCAs are used in each of the state’s five Ground- open. In the Southern Management Area, the RCA for 2021 increases to 100 fathoms, allowing fish Management Areas (and the Cowcod Conservation Areas) to minimize contact with deeper- access to reefs and areas that have not been

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open to fishing in two decades. Subsequent openers for the San Francisco Management Area at 50 fathoms and the Mendocino Management Area at 30 fathoms are also new opportunities for anglers to venture into deeper depths to access shelf rockfish and deeper nearshore rockfish species. In the Northern Management Area the RCA depth remains at 30 fathoms, and in the Central Management Area at 50 fathoms.

Making Waves Spring 2021

with members of the public texting me they couldn’t be heard during the public comment portion,” said Council member Captain Bob Rush, referring to members of the public attempting to communicate their inability to participate during the meeting. Captain Rush, an RFA-NJ Board member, made the motion to delay the decision until a future meeting. That motion was defeated by a vote of 5-3.

“This is perhaps the most important public meeting of the year,” said RFA-NJ Acting Chairman Ed Goldman In addition to the RCA changes and the new map referring to the meeting on March 4, 2021 when recreational size, season and bag limits are traditionally products, anglers should also take note of the set for the upcoming season. “Members of the public sub-daily bag limit of five vermilion rockfish, which is also new in 2021. For more information were kicked off during the January meeting, and were unable to get on via conference call in March. on this change, please see our FAQ. While we appreciate the past 12 months have been difficult, especially when it comes to holding public Take and possession of bronze spotted rockfish, cowcod and yelloweye rockfish remain prohibit- forums, having members of the public locked out of being able to provide their input during a public ed statewide. meeting is of great concern. Full participation by the public during a public forum and comment period is Anglers should check CDFW’s website for the current regulations before fishing for groundfish. always the goal and anything less is unacceptable” For more detailed information on the new 2021 continued Goldman, referring to a January issue when another virtual state meeting conflicted with recreational groundfish regulations and to stay the Council’s meeting. The RFA-NJ letter made clear informed of in-season changes, please call the that, at a minimum, instructions are lacking on how Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649the public needs to connect to the meeting in order 2801 or visit CDFW’s summary of recreational to participate.

groundfish fishing regulations for 2021. For backFor the first time in recreational measures specificaground information on groundfish science and management, please visit CDFW’s Marine Region tion setting, the Council was provided with a summary of an e-mail based survey. There were many Groundfish web page.

RFA NJ Chapter Says Marine Fisheries Council Meeting is Problematic - Calls on State to work with Council to address ways to fully consider public input New Jersey (March 15, 2021) – Today, the New Jersey Chapter of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFANJ) sent a letter (found here) to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Fisheries Administration, Bureau of Marine Fisheries and Marine Fisheries Council call the March meeting of the Council unacceptable. Specifically, RFA -NJ believes the Council was unable to fully consider public comment in making their decision, in part due to an inability for many members public to connect to the virtual meeting.

“My phone was buzzing non-stop during the meeting

questions raised during the Council meeting about how comments were solicited for feedback as well as the timeline in which the information collected was presented to the Council. RFA-NJ supports technology-based solutions to gather more public input, but stated in the letter that a better process needs to be established to allow the Council to respond to that input.

RFA-NJ recognizes that the Council must make difficult decisions as a result of broken federal management processes, questionable MRIP data and inadequate quotas that do not reflect stock status. Instead of taking positions pitting anglers against each other geographically or by mode, RFA-NJ has focused efforts on better management, improved use of data and higher quotas. RFA-NJ has consistently advised the Council to make decisions based on their full consideration of public comment. The letter was sent to reinforce that position to ensure the public can participate in and feel their participation makes a difference.

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Chairman Robert T. Healey Jr. Treasurer John Kasinski Board Members Bob Healey, Sr. Pat Healey Nick Cicero Mike Leech Nate Odum Andrew Semprevivo Tony Novelli Jim Motsko Mark Odom Carl T. Huffman Bob Flocken Martin Peters Bob Shomo Jr. Andy Dormois

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M A K I N G

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Making Waves Spring 2021

The Official Publication of the Recreational Fishing Alliance

The RFA Mission Safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers Protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs Ensure the long-term sustainability of our nation’s fisheries.

Anti-fishing groups and radical environmentalists are pushing their agenda on marine fisheries issues affecting you. The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is in the trenches too, lobbying, educating decision makers and ensuring that the interests of America’s coastal fishermen are being heard loud and clear. Incorporated in 1996 as a 501c4 national, grassroots political action organization, RFA represents recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues on every coast, with state chapters established to spearhead the regional issues while building local support.

“The biggest challenge we face is the fight to reform and bring common sense and sound science into the fisheries management process," says James Donofrio, RFA founder and Executive Director.

“Anti-fishing and extreme environmental groups are working everyday to get us off the water.” Despite the threats to diminish access to our nation’s resources, Donofrio says that RFA offers members hope in an organization that’s designed from the ground up to fight back. “As individuals, our concerns will simply not be heard; but as a united group, we can and do stand up to anyone who

The Recreational Fishing Alliance Headquarters P.O. Box 3080 New Gretna, New Jersey 08224

Jim Donofrio

John DePersenaire

Gary Caputi

Executive Director

Managing Director

Communications Director

Barry Gibson

Jim Martin

Sharon Scaltrito

New England Director

West Coast Director

Office Manager