Researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science published a study in the journal Marine and Coastal Fisheries examining potential impacts of proposed offshore wind development areas in the Gulf of Mexico on the commercial shrimp fishing industry. The study analyzed GPS data from shrimp vessels to understand how shrimpers operate around existing oil and gas infrastructure, providing insights into how the fishing fleet might interact with future offshore wind turbines. Findings indicate that designated wind energy areas in the Gulf largely avoid regions heavily used by the shrimp industry, suggesting minimal overlap between proposed wind development zones and core shrimping grounds. The research provides data-driven evidence to inform marine spatial planning decisions that balance renewable energy development with commercial fishing operations. More information can be found here.
