Massachusetts Archives - Page 53 of 362

Fishing industry reps raise concerns about wind energy areas

July 20, 2023 — A recent webinar on the impacts of offshore wind energy had some members of the Gloucester fishing community sounding off on their concerns to officials of the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The webinar, hosted by the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association and the UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station, drew about 50 participants to listen to BOEM Project Coordinator Seth Theuerkauf and BOEM Fisheries Biologist Brandon Jensen outline the planning process for siting offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine.

Commercial fisherman Al Cottone, executive director of the Gloucester Fisheries Commission, and Angela Sanfilippo, executive director of the Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership and president of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association, outlined the fishing industry’s concerns with offshore wind development.

“First of all the construction process, the areas that are going to be used will probably be lost forever for commercial fishing,” Cottone said. “We are going through that right now locally with the LNG terminals that were put in that are going to be decommissioned.” He worried the bottom where the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals are located might be lost to fishing when these facilities are decommissioned.

“This is going to be on a much larger scale and it’s going to be a vast area of bottom that’s going to be lost forever to commercial fishing, basically,” he said.

Read the full article at the Gloucester Times

MASSACHUSETTS: The Cape’s Scallopers Ride Out a Perfect Storm

July 20, 2023 — This summer, a perfect storm — combining sky-high fuel costs, a scarcity of experienced crew members, low wholesale prices, sharp declines in what scallop fishermen are allowed to take, and costly quota — has been keeping Cape Cod’s small-boat scallopers off the water.

“There are a quite a few changing over to do other kinds of fishing because they can’t afford to go scalloping right now,” said Max Nolan, a scalloper from Eastham who owns the F/V Outlaw. Nolan fishes out of Provincetown, Hyannis, and New Bedford and has come to rely on the work-intensive practice of selling his catch directly to consumers, including from a truck parked near the former T-Time property on Route 6, a strategy he hopes will make up for low wholesale prices.

“I don’t know how anyone is making it,” said Chris Merl, a Wellfleet scalloper and captain of the F/V Isabel & Lilee, who does the same, selling his catch at the Orleans Farmers Market, the Bass River Farmers Market, and at Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

147-turbine offshore wind project suffers another setback

July 16, 2023 — A significant Massachusetts offshore energy project faces additional headwinds following a decision Thursday by a Rhode Island state agency to not issue an approval for power transmission lines to run from the turbine farm through Ocean State waters.

SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC, formerly known as Mayflower Wind Energy LLC, wants to develop an offshore lease area in federal waters about 30 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. The company intends to build 147 giant turbines that will generate more than 2,400 megawatts of power for Massachusetts. SouthCoast is a joint venture comprised of Shell Renewables and Energy Solutions and Engie and EDP Renewables.

SouthCoast had proposed two transmission cable corridors to run from the turbines off the Vineyard. One of the cable corridors runs through Rhode Island waters before making landfall in Massachusetts at Falmouth and Brayton Point, while the other corridor is Massachusetts waters.

SouthCoast needed approval from the R.I. Energy Facility Siting Board before it could proceed with construction of the transmission cable corridor that would snake through Rhode Island.

Read the full article at PBN

MASSACHUSETTS: Aquinnah negotiating offshore wind impact fees

July 13, 2023 — Aquinnah is in negotiations with the developers of several offshore wind farms to help mitigate the impacts that hundreds of turbines will have on the view from the Aquinnah Cliffs.

The town has already reached agreements with some developers, but others, like Ørsted, could compensate the town with significant impact fees.

Aquinnah climate and energy committee member Bill Lake told town officials this week that the Natural Historic Preservation Act requires federal and federally authorized developers of projects that impact places within the National Register of Historic Places to provide some form of mitigation.

In Aquinnah’s case, funding could go to landmarks like the Gay Head Lighthouse and the Aquinnah Cliffs, the shops, and the Vanderhoop Homestead. In particular, the lighthouse has been eyed to be a major beneficiary of monetary compensation for needed repairs.

Read the full article at MV Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Wind energy impacts subject of upcoming webinar

July 12, 2023 — For those looking to learn more about offshore wind energy’s potential impacts on the waters and communities of Cape Ann, an informational webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The webinar, entitled “Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Energy and Impacts on Ocean Habitat, Fisheries, and Coastal Communities,” is part of a program meant to bring together a range of professional and promote an exchange of information and dialogues with the audience on topics related to renewable energy, ocean ecosystems, and communities along the shore, according to the webinar’s flyer.

Read the full article at Gloucester Daily Times

Doubler-plated hull failure likely sank Gloucester dragger in 2022, NTSB says

July 12, 2o23 — The Gloucester, Mass., trawler Grace Marie likely sank when its doubler-plated hull failed under the engine room in July 2022, sending it to the bottom 80 miles offshore after its crew were rescued without injury, according to a new report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

“Although doubler plating can be used as a temporary repair solution, it is not generally suitable as a permanent repair for a vessel’s hull,” the NTSB report warns. “Vessel owners should crop out wasted steel on the hull and replace it by inserting new plating, instead of covering it up with doubler plating.”

The 65.3’x21’ Grace Marie had been fishing for two days, loading up 70,000 pounds of redfish, close to the fish hold’s 80,000-pound capacity. The captain and crew had turned to head for another area to fish on July 8, 2022, when the engine room began flooding around 10 p.m. The crew was unable to control flooding with the bilge pumps, finally abandoning ship to be rescued by another fishing vessel nearby.

While underway at 9:50 p.m., an engine room bilge high-level sensor alarmed in the wheelhouse. The crew later told investigators that engine room bilge high-level alarms were normal when the vessel was underway and fishing, as crew quarters sinks, deck drains and fish hold overflows drained to the bilge . (Many of the vessel’s accommodation sinks and deck drains fed into the engine room bilge. Crewmembers told investigators that they would typically receive an alarm once per day; the alarm would normally clear after several minutes of pumping.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

Failure of plating on hull cited in sinking of Gloucester fishing vessel, federal investigators say

July 11, 2o23 — The sinking of a Gloucester fishing vessel last summer was likely caused by the failure of plating along the hull, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.

The vessel Grace Marie was moving to fishing grounds on July 8, 2022, when its engine room started flooding, the NTSB said in a statement.

The seven-person crew couldn’t remove the water with the vessel’s bilge pumping system, officials said, so they abandoned ship and were rescued from a life raft by another boat.

The Grace Marie eventually sank, with a total loss of $650,000. No one was hurt.

Read the full article at the Boston Globe

MASSACHUSSETTS: Technology, marketing among 20 Massachusetts grants for $1.6 million

July 9, 2023 — Massachusetts state officials announced $1.6 million in grants will go to 20 businesses and organizations “to support innovative approaches to enhance Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry.”

“Massachusetts is a leader in protecting the health of our fishing industry, and this funding shows our commitment to keep the industry thriving by utilizing cutting-edge technology and the latest scientific research,” Gov. Maura Healey said in announcing the grants June 30. “Our administration is taking a holistic approach to combating climate change, which includes supporting our fisheries, advancing green energy, and enhancing the state’s blue economy.”

The funding is coming through the Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program, supplemented by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The goal is encouraging projects “that work to mitigate economic barriers resulting from climate change and promote sustainable, local fisheries development in Massachusetts,” according to the state Division of Marine Fisheries.

“The fishing industry is on the front lines of climate change, and it’s critical we make meaningful, long-term investments now to ensure the sustainability and resiliency of our marine fisheries,” Rebecca Tepper, the state energy and environmental affairs secretary. “This funding is two-fold in that we are helping fishers and their families recover from the pandemic while supporting new approaches that will safeguard our valuable marine resources from climate harm.”

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

MASSACHUSETTS: Technology, marketing among 20 Massachusetts grants for $1.6 million

July 6, 2023 — Massachusetts state officials announced $1.6 million in grants will go to 20 businesses and organizations “to support innovative approaches to enhance Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry.”

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

MASSACHUSETTS: Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.6 Million in Grants to Support Massachusetts’ Commercial Fishing Industry and Build Climate Resiliency

July 3, 2023 — The following was released by Mass.gov

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $1.6 million in grants to support innovative approaches to enhance Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry. Twenty Massachusetts businesses and organizations are receiving funding through the Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program, supplemented by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grant program will fund projects that work to mitigate economic barriers resulting from climate change and promote sustainable, local fisheries development in Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts is a leader in protecting the health of our fishing industry, and this funding shows our commitment to keep the industry thriving by utilizing cutting-edge technology and the latest scientific research,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is taking a holistic approach to combating climate change, which includes supporting our fisheries, advancing green energy, and enhancing the state’s blue economy.”

“Having served as mayor of a coastal community, I know how much the fishing industry contributes to and impacts a city’s economy, character, and food security,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts’ commercial fishing and processing industries were hit hard and changed forever by the pandemic. This funding will support innovative, environmentally friendly efforts to grow the industry and support critical food production in Massachusetts.”

The Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program is administered by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). The grant program aims to develop, utilize, and promote innovative approaches that enhance environmental benefits and encourage increased economic activity in Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry. Project outcomes, developed technologies, and data will be shared with the relevant industries and local and state natural resource managers to help grow and support critical food production.

“The fishing industry is on the front lines of climate change, and it’s critical we make meaningful, long-term investments now to ensure the sustainability and resiliency of our marine fisheries,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This funding is two-fold in that we are helping fishers and their families recover from the pandemic while supporting new approaches that will safeguard our valuable marine resources from climate harm.”

“Our coastal cities benefit from a successful and vibrant fishing industry, and supporting these projects will give fishers, growers, and processors the tools to promote sustainably harvested local seafood,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “By investing in innovation, research, and technology, we’re building a more resilient workforce in the fishing industry.”

“Today’s funding announcement represents a significant investment in the future of our blue economy. This funding will support innovative approaches to enhance the marine environment, combat climate change, and promote sustainable, local fisheries development,” said State Senator Susan Moran (D-Falmouth). “I commend the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to supporting our fishing industry and coastal communities, which play a vital role in our economy, local culture, and food security. This grant funding will help the industry recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and promote critical food production right here in Massachusetts.”

“Fishing is at the core of our cultural identity as well as the local economy in New Bedford,” said State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), who has long championed state programs to support fishermen and their families.  “The extraordinary researchers at SMAST have been an invaluable resource for this industry, and this latest grant funding will help our fishermen maximize their time while out at sea.”

“We are excited that the Healey-Driscoll administration has continued its support for our fishing industry here in New Bedford,” said State Representative Chris Hendricks (D-New Bedford). “This ARPA money for SMAST will provide additional support to our fisheries and give them accurate real-time information that will help New Bedford remain the most profitable fishing port in the United States.”

The Massachusetts Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program awards up to $100,000 per project. The following businesses and organizations are receiving grant awards:

Aquaculture Research Corp, Dennis: $98,896 to expand nursery operations to provide as much shellfish seed as possible to farmers and municipalities, especially in Massachusetts.
Blue Stream Shellfish LLC, Ware: $100,000 to design and construct an alternatively powered work barge for use at oyster farms.
Chatham Harvesters Cooperative, Chatham: $100,000 to increase the resiliency of local and regional fishing industry by expanding consumer access to healthy Massachusetts seafood through innovating new direct markets and creating value-added products from dogfish, skate, and monkfish.
Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms, Concord: $57,290 for capital infrastructure improvements in farm equipment, business operating infrastructure, and business operating technology. The investment will support jobs, employee training, and environmental stewardship for the next generation of oyster farmers and Cuttyhunk residents by utilizing and establishing best business, management, and farm practices.
CVision AI, Inc., Medford: $100,000 to build an underwater stereo camera system and algorithms for counting, identifying, and measuring New England groundfish.
F/V Marissa & Julie, Gloucester: $79,909 to fund the purchase and installation of an automatic saltwater ice making machine system on the deck of the FV Marissa & Julie, of Gloucester.
Friends of South Shore Seafood Development, Scituate and Cohasset: $77,840 to purchase tracking software (QR Code, point of sale verification of catch origin, video streaming of vessel at sea); develop a website to include information on products, fishery management, and environmental impacts; develop a social media presence; and increase processing capacity to enable an average of 10 percent of catches to be handled locally.
Homarus Strategies, LLC, Brunswick, ME: $60,000 to establish a nonprofit organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts called CyanoBank that will be structured to house a capital facility providing low-cost revolving loans for emissions reductions projects, low-and zero-carbon repower projects, and the installation of zero-emission technologies to businesses involved in the commercial fishing and seafood industries in Massachusetts.
Honeysuckle Oyster Farm, LLC, Edgartown: $57,785 will enable Honeysuckle Oyster Farm to use the Oyster Transfer Barge to transfer shellfish and gear between different farm sites so that it may continue to farm and sell shellfish when adverse environmental conditions are present at its current farm site.
Lobster Foundation of Massachusetts, Scituate: $100,000 to market American lobster, the most valuable marine species harvested in Massachusetts waters, and to educate consumers about the Massachusetts commercial lobster industry’s conservation efforts on behalf of the North Atlantic Right Whale.
Lone Tree Creek Sea Farm, Yarmouth Port: $24,896 for the sail rigging, hull, and electric motor– to replace fading fossil fuel outboards currently in use– as well as fund subject matter experts for in-kind work on construction, sail training, and labor to assemble the project.
Martinos Seafood, LLC, Oak Bluffs: $27,202 to help aquaculture farms across the region successfully transition their oyster containers to bay scallops while generating an eco-friendly, protein- rich, high- in-demand product for the marketplace.
Michael T. Carroll, Charlestown: $92,150 to provide the Massachusetts retail, processing, and distribution industry with lobster sourcing strategies that minimize Right Whale entanglements.
On The Water, LLC, East Falmouth: $100,000 for an extensive marketing project that will support the commercial fishing, seafood, and aquaculture industry in Massachusetts through the creation of content designed to be distributed across social platforms.
Red’s Best, Boston: $68,549 to maximize the environmental benefits of the clam shells that are the by-product of processing operations.
St. Ours & Co., LLC, East Weymouth: $49,980 to work with a network of harvesters and seafood processors across Eastern Massachusetts to determine the best method of capture, containment, transport, and storage of live green crabs.
The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, Menemsha: $98,763 to build a Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative brand and local seafood labeling campaign to help consumers connect directly with the stories of their local fishermen. Also, to establish a pilot program to create value-added seafood products (such as black sea bass chowder) to be sold in local grocery stores and other outlets.
Wellfleet Shellfish Company Inc., Eastham: $100,000 to help offset capital costs associated with the installation of a solar array for its ability to promote resilience against the impacts of climate change. Installation of the Enphase Energy Monitoring Unit will help track energy performance, production, and usage in real-time.
School of Marine Science and Technology, UMass-Dartmouth, New Bedford: $99,290 to create a system that will give fishermen real-time information of the fish entering their net so that they can terminate a trawl immediately if they encounter fish they wish to avoid catching.

The Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership, Gloucester: $58,000 for a project to expand awareness, increase the scope and accessibility of business development, and develop technical assistance and training programs.