Abstract
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 before, during and post-construction highlights
areas of agreement and disagreement between perceived and observed
changes. These results provide important information on how offshore
wind farms in the Northeast are impacting marine resource users in terms
of perceived and observed impacts. Open Access Paper:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2018.00439/full