[Rimarinefisheries] Deployment of acoustic receiver array in RI/MA Wind Energy Areas – Rhode Island Commercial Rod and Reel Association

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OFFSHORE WIND MARINER UPDATE NO. 62 [info.vineyardwind.com]

ACOUSTIC MONITORING OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH SPECIES IN RI/MA WIND ENERGY AREAS

Dear Fishermen,

The New England Aquarium and INSPIRE Environmental are conducting research on the movements of highly migratory fish species (sharks, tunas, and marlins) in the southern New England wind energy area. Part of this research requires acoustic receivers to be placed on the seafloor in the locations shown as colored circles in the below map. To reduce the risk of entangling protected species, receivers have no surface buoys and are connected to a mooring system weighing approximately 75 pounds that extends 2 to 3 meters (6 to 9 feet) off the seafloor, as shown in the below photo. To reduce risk of interaction with mobile fishing gear, receivers have been placed near obstructions to the extent possible. All receivers will be deployed in these locations until December 15, 2022.

CHART: See below or view full details here [info.vineyardwind.com].

We are committed to communicating and working with local fishermen in the region during all stages of development of their offshore wind projects. If you are fishing or plan to fish in the survey area during this time period, please contact us with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Crista Bank

VINEYARD WIND CONTACTS (for lease areas 501 and 522)

Crista Bank, Fisheries Manager: cbank@vineyardwind.com, 508-525-0421

Jeannot Smith, Marine Liaison: jsmith@vineyardwind.com, 904-613-0134

AVANGRID RENEWABLES CONTACT (for lease area 534)

Caela Howard, Fisheries Liaison

Park City Wind & Commonwealth Wind

caela.howard@avangrid.com, 617-999-3882