The Impact of an Offshore Wind Farm on Commercial and Recreational Fishermen

This study investigates how marine resource users are impacted by the offshore Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF). In the summer and fall of 2017, we conducted semi-structured interviews with recreational and commercial fishermen that use the area around the BIWF. We asked fishermen about their perceptions of changes in the ecology of the area during and after the offshore wind turbines were constructed, and how their behavior and use of the area changed in response to the construction and post-construction of the wind farm. We interviewed over 20 fishermen, mainly based out of Block Island or Point Judith, Narragansett. Analysis of the interview data suggests that some fishermen view the wind farm as a positive development for fishing in the area, while others have mixed feelings or dislike the project. Perceptions of changes in the BIWF area seem to vary within and among commercial and recreational fishermen. In addition, comparison of interview data with ecological data on fish and lobster in the BIWF area ...