Newest Member of SCEMFIS’ IAB: Community Offshore Wind and the Future of Offshore Wind Development in the New York Bight

Community Offshore Wind, a partnership between RWE and National Grid Ventures, has joined the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) as the newest member of its Industry Advisory Board (IAB). The venture currently holds the largest offshore wind lease area in the New York Bight and aims to develop the project while considering the needs of existing ocean users and the wind power industry.

Deirdre Boelke, fisheries manager for Community Offshore Wind, expressed their commitment to coexisting successfully with commercial and recreational fisheries. They believe that growth of offshore wind in US presents an opportunity for fishing industry, researchers and developers to collaborate on innovative solutions to address challenges faced by fisheries due climate change and other factors.

SCEMFIS welcomes this new partnership as it aligns with its mission of promoting sustainable fisheries through collaboration between science and industry. With its diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, universities, and private companies, SCEMFIS is uniquely positioned to drive research that informs policy decisions affecting marine ecosystems.

As a member of SCEMFIS’ IAB, Community Offshore Wind will have an opportunity to provide input on scientific research projects and policy initiatives related to offshore wind development in the New York Bight. They will also have access to SCEMFIS’ expertise in marine ecology, fisheries science, and policy analysis.

Overall this collaboration between Community Offshore Wind and SCEMFIS has the potential to bring together multiple perspectives and expertise in order to address complex challenges facing our oceans today.