Fishing groups have been critical of the current approach, saying the government’s lack of clear requirements gives the offshore wind industry the upper hand in compensation negotiations.
The F/V Tremont, a 115-foot squid boat ported in New Bedford, was involved in a collision with a 1,000-foot Panamanian-flagged container vessel, MSC Rita, about 60 miles off the northern coast of Virginia.
“We want to make it very clear that there are important fishery resources in this area. We hope that it creates an extra layer of consideration as these (offshore wind) projects go forward.” — NEFMC spokesperson Janice Plante
Responding to a ProPublica-New Bedford Light investigation, federal attorneys have interviewed fishermen’s groups about the growing power that private equity firms and foreign investors wield over the market.
“Whether the advocates pursue this issue with the Secretary of Commerce is their decision. We will, of course, provide the Secretary with information on our deliberations…” — NEFMC Executive Director Thomas Nies
Tyler Miranda, a scallop captain out of New Bedford, said he was grateful for the council’s vote. “It restored my faith in the committee process. I want to participate more going forward.”
Despite what new council member Eric Hansen described as “overwhelming” opposition to leasing, an advisory panel that includes several scallop permit holders voted 9-to-4 recently to support the proposal.
New Bedford Light columnist Jack Spillane joined WBSM’s Jim Phillips on Townsquare Sunday on Aug. 14, 2022 to talk about monkeypox in New Bedford, heat islands, rising sewer bills, shell fishing and more.