Podcast Summary
Offshore wind industry challenges: The offshore wind industry poses significant challenges for commercial fishermen and the boating community due to safety hazards, high costs, and potential impact on fishing grounds and marine life.
The offshore wind industry, despite its potential to reduce carbon emissions, poses significant challenges for commercial fishermen and the boating community due to safety hazards and high costs. Bonnie Brady, the executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, has been advocating against offshore wind projects for decades due to the threat they pose to fishing grounds and the danger they present to boats and fishing equipment. The Cape Wind Project in the late 1990s and early 2000s was a major point of contention, with fishermen expressing concerns over the potential for accidents and the high cost of the project. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of offshore wind construction on marine life, including whales and dolphins. Despite these challenges, offshore wind is a key part of President Biden's plan to reduce carbon emissions, and the industry has received significant government subsidies. Brady, who is known as "Bon Quixote" for her efforts to stop the windmills, continues to advocate for a more balanced approach to renewable energy development that takes into account the needs of the fishing industry and the potential impact on marine life.
Offshore wind energy lawsuits: Offshore wind energy expansion in US leads to lawsuits from fishermen, environmental groups over fisheries impact, safety concerns, and potential negative effects on marine life, particularly whales. Regulations under Magnuson Stevens Act and effectiveness of radar systems are major points of contention.
The rapid expansion of offshore wind energy projects in the United States is leading to an increase in lawsuits from various stakeholders, including fishermen and environmental groups. The primary concerns revolve around the potential impact on fisheries, with regulations under the Magnuson Stevens Act being a significant point of contention. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety and effectiveness of radar systems used by wind farms, as well as potential negative effects on marine life, particularly large whales. These issues have become particularly pressing due to the unusual mortality event affecting several large whale species since 2016, which some believe may be linked to the surge in wind energy survey and construction activities during that time. The complex nature of these projects, involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory bodies, adds to the challenges in addressing these concerns effectively.
Offshore wind energy investments: Foreign investments and corporate involvement in offshore wind energy sector are increasing, but potential impacts on fisheries and marine ecosystems necessitate thorough environmental assessments before construction
The renewable energy sector, specifically offshore wind energy, is seeing a significant influx of foreign investment and corporate involvement. Goldman Sachs, for instance, advised Eversource during their sale to Global Infrastructure Partners, who in turn were later bought by BlackRock. These companies, many of which are partially or fully owned by foreign governments, are leasing areas for wind energy development in the Northeastern United States, including prime fishing grounds. The impacts on these areas are concerning for fishermen and scientists alike. The pile driving and cable laying processes can harm fish and marine mammals through sound, pressure, and electromagnetic frequency. Additionally, the cables themselves can disrupt fish migrations and create hazards for boats. The potential changes to ecosystems and the safety concerns raised by these developments highlight the need for thorough environmental impact assessments before construction begins.
Offshore wind farms challenges: Offshore wind farms expansion faces challenges from outdated radar systems, line-of-sight restrictions, and opposition from commercial fishermen, threatening their livelihoods and national security.
The expansion of offshore wind farms in the Atlantic faces significant challenges due to the impact on radar systems and the opposition from commercial fishermen. The National Academy of Sciences identified these issues two years ago, but solutions remain elusive. The Federal Aviation Administration's outdated radar systems and line-of-sight restrictions pose a problem for large-scale wind farms. Additionally, commercial fishermen argue that these projects threaten their livelihoods and have limited success in gaining support from environmental groups, who have entered into agreements with wind companies. The situation is particularly dire for small fisheries, with some filing lawsuits to challenge the projects. Despite these challenges, offshore wind development continues unabated, leaving many to question the long-term consequences for the fishing industry and national security.
Offshore wind development and fishermen: Concerns about foreign-owned energy companies prioritizing offshore wind development over domestic food production, coastal communities, and the environment have led commercial fishermen to fight for the ocean and bring NEPA back into the process.
There are concerns about the sale of the American Exclusive Economic Zone to foreign-owned energy companies for offshore wind development. Bonnie Brady, Executive Director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, argues that these companies don't prioritize domestic food production, coastal communities, or the environment. She believes that the negligible effect on climate change and emissions is not worth the potential harm. Commercial fishermen, who have long been maligned, are now fighting for the ocean and trying to bring NEPA back into the process. Brady encourages people to support organizations like the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance and donate to their cause. She emphasizes that this issue is not just about her, but about a dozen people in each state working hard to protect the coasts. Peter Mathison, a friend of Brady's and author of "The Bayman," has also advocated for the Long Island fishery and its ancient fishery on striped bass. Brady invites those who are interested to visit Montauk and meet Lafleur, a local fishery she knows they would love.
Coastal community knowledge preservation: The preservation of coastal community knowledge and traditions, like that of Bayman, is crucial for ocean conservation and the continuation of a valuable cultural heritage.
The importance of preserving the knowledge and traditions of coastal communities, like that of Bayman, who have a deep connection to the ocean and its resources. This community, with its long lineage of trap guys, boasts over 15 generations of knowledge. This knowledge is not just about trapping, but also about preserving the oceans, shorelines, viewsheds, and food supply. It's a beautiful and valuable heritage that needs to be protected. The conversation also emphasizes the need for continued collaboration and support to ensure the continuation of this culture. The speakers express their appreciation for each other's efforts and look forward to crossing paths again in the ongoing election process.