The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) has launched a comprehensive survey initiative to assess fish populations within and around offshore wind development areas along the Atlantic coast. Despite recent policy changes affecting wind energy development, NOAA Fisheries is proceeding with this scientific work to establish critical baseline data before, during, and after construction activities. The survey employs multiple vessels and methodologies, including the research vessel Henry B. Bigelow for standard trawl surveys and several chartered commercial fishing vessels conducting specialized sampling in areas inaccessible to larger research ships. Dr. Emily Markowitz, lead scientist for the project, emphasized that “regardless of the pace of offshore wind development, we need robust scientific data to understand potential impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries resources.” The initiative includes expanded sampling stations within lease areas, enhanced monitoring of species migration patterns, and collaborative research with the fishing industry. The survey results will be publicly available through NOAA’s regional data portals and will inform future management decisions regardless of how offshore wind policy evolves. More information can be found here.
