Offshore Wind Farms vs. the Fishermen

Maine fishermen have never had to share their waters until now. State officials and energy experts are saying “that the Gulf of Maine is an ideal place for massive wind farms...” They argue that it would be very difficult “to build on land near people’s homes,” so it makes more sense to use our thousands of miles of water. However they do admit that the massive wind turbine platforms and all of the cables could have a great impact on fish and Maine’s commercial fishing industry. “George LaPointe, commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, said the reality is that the industries are going to have to learn to coexist in areas of the gulf.” The goal is to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity from the offshore wind farm by 2030. Just to give you an idea 4,497 megawatts is roughly enough electricity to power 4.5 million average homes.
The wind turbines would have to be 50 meters or deeper. Research to make certain is taking place at the University of Maine. The current designs have platforms anchored to the ocean bottom by a series of large cables. These series of large cables create large concerns for fishermen. They’re worried about nets and traps that could damage or be damaged by the cables. Another concern is that they wouldn’t be allowed near the area around the turbine and cables. A huge concern is how the noise and vibrations from the turbines will affect the marine life. “Neal Pettigrew, a University of Maine professor of physical oceanography, said that by placing the large turbines in deep waters, developers can mostly avoid bird flyways and minimize visual impacts from the shore. In Maine, 80 percent of the lobster catch is within three miles of the land, so locating platforms outside that area also would help reduce potential conflicts with fishermen.” Pettigrew provided details of the monitoring buoy that is being deployed at a site near Monhegan Island where a university-led research group plans to erect test turbines. The university plans to monitor the turbines’ potential effects on marine mammals and bottom-dwelling organisms as well as birds and bats.
The state has set this goal and has already started the necessary research. But this is a serious dilemma. The fishing industry is such a huge part of Maine and these wind farms could have a huge impact. On the other hand our state needs to become “greener” and create and harness renewable energy. I'm not sure how the state will be able to accommodate both fishermen and then offshore wind farm. Unfortunately I believe that the fishermen are going to have to let this one go, our planet needs to head in a better direction. Wind farms are a great place to start and 5,000 megawatts by 2030 is a great goal to have. I can honestly say I would be very proud if Maine pulled this off! But I do feel that this isn't fair towards fishermen, their earnings are already down as it is this could contribute to even lower numbers. I'm truly torn on this issue.

sources:
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/138475.html
http://www.utilipoint.com/issuealert/print.asp?id=1728