Twistin’ in the Wind

In a program called ​“Smart from the Start,” the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOE) operates with the mission of preventing delays to offshore wind development, such as those that halted the production of the controversial Cape Wind project off Martha’s Vineyard. This article focuses on the potential threats that such an initiative by BOE might possibly pose to fishermen and the historic fishing grounds that they frequent. The authors highlight what might occur as a result of states continuing to coordinate with BOE to initiate offshore wind and similar coastal energy programs, at such a rapid rate. The article also discusses what the fishing industry can do to provide their input, as it pertains to the rising increase in fishing areas being leased out to support the BOE’s efforts at wind energy development.