Associated Press Quotes Partner David E. Frulla on Massachusetts Fishermen Settlement with Cape Wind

In the article, ​“Mass. Fisherman Drop Suit Aimed at Cape Wind,” the Associated Press reported that the Martha’s Vineyard/ Dukes County Fishermen’s Association and Cape Wind Associates announced they have settled their federal lawsuit. The fishermen had sued to stop the 130 wind turbine project, scheduled to be built in the Nantucket Sound.

The fishermen and Cape Wind share a goal of sustainable oceans, thus a settlement made sense for both parties.

“ ​‘The idea is to work together to figure out how to maintain fishing opportunities,’ said David Frulla, attorney for the Martha’s Vineyard/ Dukes County Fishermen’s Association. ​‘The concern is that you could end up in a never-ending grind of litigation.’ ”

The agreement allows for fishermen to work with Cape Wind and to ensure fishing practices suit the area. The AP journalist, Jay Lindsay, reported that the settlement includes a permit bank, similar to ones in Cape Cod and Gloucester. These banks acquire the costly fishing permits and lease them to fishermen at affordable rates. In the article, David said that the fishermen will also appeal to private groups who support the co-existence of wind farms and fishermen.

The article ran in multiple publications including Bloomberg Business Week.