$1.1-million awarded for wind farm studies, COVID-19 fishing

 Fishing precautions:  You can fish and charter fish in Rhode Island and Massachusetts (May 25) but COVID-19 orders should be followed… six foot separation, mask, gloves when possible, etc.  Photo by Capt. Brian Coombs.

Off the beach:  Ed Manning caught this 20” tautog off Little Compton Beach.  Catching tautog from the beach is often not an easy task. Ed used a tautog rig with green crab.

$1.1-million awarded for wind farm studies, and COVID-19 fishing

Rhode Island, Massachusetts and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced grants worth $1.1 million for four regional studies (verses site specific studies) that will collect data vital to the development of offshore wind and fishing.

INSPIRE Environmental, Newport, in conjunction with the New England Aquarium and Standard Approaches for Acoustic and Imagery Data, will use acoustic telemetry to study highly migratory species.  The initiative will include the acoustic tagging and tracking of species such as tuna and sharks at popular recreational fishing spots in wind farm areas.  The study aims to provide new bassline data on highly migratory species enabling ongoing assessment of any impacts (negative or positive) of offshore wind on highly migratory species and associated recreational fishing.

“Rhode Island is a proud partner in this landmark effort to conduct regional scientific studies on fisheries resources prior to the start of any offshore construction activities,” said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit.  “The selected studies will help to fill data gaps and allow for informed decision-making while paving the way for meeting Rhode Island’s renewable energy goals and advancing climate mitigation efforts.”

Atlantic bluefin tuna closure

The Angling category in the northern area (north of 39°18’ N. lat.) for trophy bluefin tuna closed May 21, 2020 and will remain closed through December 31, 2020. Trophy bluefin tuna are those that measure 73 inches or greater. Note that the Angling category fishery for school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna 27 to less than 73 inches remains open.  Visit https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ .

COVID-19 Fishing

As a charter captain I plan on implementing a series of guidelines, as part my COVID-19 Plan to get back to fishing with customers.

Earlier this week I fished with a colleague practicing many of these precautions to test them out and added a few based on the experience.

Masks were worm on the vessel and six foot separation was practiced, tackle box remained off limits except for the captain, bait was cut wearing gloves, ideally it should have been put in separate containers for each angler, each of us used our own gear.  Hands were washed or sanitized frequently.

After the fishing trip all gear, tackle and tools touched by anglers were put aside.  The vessel was washed with soap and rinsed thoroughly.  All fishing rods, tackle and tools i.e. plyers, cutting board, knives, filet gloves, tackle were washed in soapy water and rinsed thoroughly.  High touch areas were then disinfected with cleaner.

Fishing is a sport/activity that can be safely implemented in a pandemic bringing solace to individuals and joy to families and friends.  Make sure you take a number of passengers that safely allows six foot separate.  At press time the State is developing such a formula for charter boats based on the length and beam of your vessel.  Visit www.dem.ri.gov for details as they are released.

Family/household units are treated differently in that masks and social distancing are not necessary.

The below list of guidelines was developed from proposals made to Governor Gina Raimondo from the American Saltwater Guides Association, the RI Party & Charter Boat Association and standing RI Health Department and executive orders from the Governor.  It is an integral part by my charter fishing business COVID-19 plan and my personal plan for fishing with others recreationally.

No Fluke Fishing LLC, COVID-19 Guidelines

• Completion of a COVID-19 health screening the day before the trip which would include contact information on all trip participants (name, email address, phone number and city/state of residence) e-mailed to dmontifish@verizon.net .
  
• Passengers also asked to respond to the following question the day before the trip. “Are you or anyone else in your party experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, etc.” 
• Request that all passengers who are feeling ill or showing any signs of being infected cancel the trip prior to arrival with no penalty for cancellation. 

• Before boarding the vessel the temperature of passengers, crew and captain will be taken using an infrared thermometer. Any sign of fever, the trip will be postponed or cancelled with no penalty for cancelation. 

• Limiting the number of clients on board: No Fluke Fishing limits vessel trips to three to four passengers depending on the type of trip.  Phase I State of RI fishing regulations will change as conditions improve; presently they set the boats limit to six passengers plus captain based on the length and beam of the vessel. 

• Passengers provide their food and drink in small personal container, no communal cooler. 

• Vessel will practice social distancing (six feet) as required when fishing and when vessel is underway if at all possible.  Passengers must practice social distancing. 

• Passengers are asked to rinse, wash and sanitize hands regularly.

• All cabins, commonly touched surfaces, and equipment on the vessel will be sanitized between trips. The entire vessel is thoroughly cleaned at the end of each fishing day. 

• Charter fees will be collected online whenever possible to encourage paperless transactions. 

• All persons (captain and passengers) are required to wear face coverings during charter boat operations in accordance with RIDOH regulations.  Gloves are encouraged when possible. 

• No sharing of gear and tackle, ask captain to get supplies out of cabin and tackle boxes for you.

 Where’s the bite?

 Tautog. Kiana Macedo of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren said, “We weighed in a 25” male tautog last week.”  Ed Manning of Little Compton caught a 20” tautog off Little Compton Beach.  Catching tautog from the beach is often not an easy task. “Customers caught keeper tautog this weekend at the Day Marker and Conimicut Light.  At times there were so many boats fishing these spots it looked like a wagon train.  One customer caught two keepers at the Day Marker but they were in the 16” to 17” range.  Primarily small fish.” said John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside.  “The tautog fishing picked up this week with a good bite at General Rock, Plum Light and off Hope Island.” said Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick.  Jeff Ingber of Ocean State Tackle, Providence said, “Last weekend the tautog fishing was off.  Once the front arrived things shut down.”  Dereck Kolodziejczak reports on the RI Saltwater Angler Blog, “We fish all over  Narragansett bay , Newport, Providence for tog Friday, Saturday and Sunday both sides of the tide 10-40’ of water. STRUGGLE CITY!” 

Striped bass.  “Apponaug and East Greenwich Coves, Warwick Light and Bear Point, Prudence Island have all been good for school striped bass fishing.” said Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle. Nathan Heywood of Red Top Sporting Goods, Buzzards Bay, said, “There are a lot of school striped bass in the Cape Cod Canal now with an occasional keeper being caught.  Soft plastics, bait and all types of lures seem to be working.” Jeff Ingber of Ocean State said, “Striped bass in the 22” to 26” range are all over the East Passage and in the West Passage they seem stretched out from Warwick Light to Quonset Point.”  Kiana Macedo of Lucky Bait & Tackle said, “Customers are catching fish all the way up the River to Pawtucket.”  “We have bass in the upper reaches of the Bay.  The bite has been good off Veterans Parkway in front of the orthopedic medical office building, at Bull Point and India Point, Providence.” said Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle.

Freshwater. “Customers are experiencing a good pickerel and largemouth bite at Stump Pond.” said Jeff Ingber of Ocean State.  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle said, “The largemouth bite is good in area ponds.  Shiners are the bait of choice.”  John Lavallee of Continental Bait & Tackle, Cranston said, “With the cold April we have an extended trout season.  Carbuncle Pond (Coventry) has been very good. But Meadow Brook Pond (Bradford) and Carolina Pond (Richmond) have been great too.”

Game changing issues of 2012

Block Island wind farm with five turbines shown in grid area at the three mile limit line off the southeast side of the Island.

Game changing issues of 2012

A lot has gone on this year that has and will continue to impact our bays and ocean waters and the health of our fishery.  Here are four major issues that I thought and wrote about a lot this year.

Global warming

Hurricane Sandy continues to creative awareness about global warning. Government officials, politicians and coastal residents in particular are now heightening awareness about the issue.  All are making claims that global warming is real.  Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of RI testified to the damaging effects of Sandy along coastal shores relating that this is now “the new normal”.  Coastal areas will continue to flood.  And, we have to recognize this as we plan to rebuild.  So it is now not an issue about global warming being real, the dialogue is changing to how to prepare for it and prevent it from getting worse by reducing our carbon footprint and preserving our ozone layer as scientist have been telling us

Narragansett Bay and near coastal water temperatures have been heating up for nearly forty years.
How warm you ask? Well it used to be very cold.  The crew of the Brenton Reef lightship measured water temperature at the mouth of Narragansett Bay every day from July 1878 through January 1942. In the coldest winter recorded (1917-18) the water temperature from December through February was 33.2 F. The average for the whole period of their record (64 years) is much warmer at 39.1 F. (Nixon, Granger and Buckley, The Warming of Narragansett Bay, 2003).  However, even this temperature of 39.1 F is far from the warmer water temperatures recorded this February 12, 2012… Conimicut Point, 45 F; Newport, 42 F; and Block Island, 46 F.

Wind power off our shores now a reality

Obstacle after obstacle have been put in front of scientists, ocean spatial planners (like zoning in your town accept in the ocean) and wind energy developers.  Two companies, Deapwater Wind (in RI) and Cape Wind (in MA) have been working with local fisherman, spatial ocean planners and government officials to site wind farms in our oceans.  They have made great progress this year thanks to helpful federal policy and local government officials taking the bull by the horns and pushing this initiative forward.  Developers are developing wind farms responsibly.  The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and agencies like RI Coastal Resources Management Council, that has developed a model for spatial planning used by others throughout the US, are working with developers of wind farms to locate and mitigate the impact of wind farms on the environment and fisheries.  It looks like our five turbine wind farm off Block Island will start construction in 2014. The wind farm will generate over 125,000 megawatt hours annually, supplying the majority of Block Island’s electricity needs. Excess power will be exported to the mainland via the bi-directional Block Island Transmission System. Learnings from this project will be applied to the 200 plus wind turbine farm planned for the Cox’s Ledge area off Rhode Island.  We have a lot of work to do to make sure these wind farms and others are developed responsibly but we are making great progress and we are on the right path.

Sector management and catch shares work, we need to keep these programs rolling

Last month the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled against the cities of New Bedford and Gloucester and industry plaintiffs in their challenge to Amendment 16, the framework for the federal government's fisheries catch share system. In an excerpt from the decision the Court said, “This case involves legal challenges to recent federal management actions taken in New England's sensitive Multispecies Groundfish Fishery. We reject the many challenges and affirm entry of summary judgment for the federal defendants.”

The ruling supports the catch share fisheries management approach engaged by fish managers in New England.  This was the third time the courts ruled in favor of catch shares.   Government officials, fish regulators and mangers in RI and MA need to stay the course and not be distracted by vocal minorities in the fishing community that provide very little in the way of positive (proven) solutions to fishing challenges. 

Another example of a successful sector management program is the RI Fluke Sector Pilot which ran for three years.  It was put on hold this year not because it failed, but many say because local political leaders and regulators believed it was political expedient to do so.  It is wrong to play politics with fish as Massachusetts leaders did with ground fish and as we are doing with the RI Fluke Sector Pilot.

In both the RI Fluke Sector and the New England Ground fish case, annual catch limits were put into place to prevent overfishing and to rebuild stocks. The idea was to provide fishermen with two options for controlling fishing effort. Fishermen could either form groups and fish an allocated share of the total allowed catch or fish individually with a limit on the number of days spent fishing. Fishing in groups with a total allowable catch (TAC) offers fishermen flexibility to fish when market prices are highest, fish for species when they are available and other species are not or when the weather is good.

Among the trends, were increased revenues and prices.  The sector proved to be a very effective way to sustain the resource with record low discard rates (as much as 98% fewer discards than non sector participants). According to a paper presented by Dr. Chris Anderson, a former professor of environmental and natural resource economics at the University of Rhode Island, "...the (RI Pilot) sector shifted fluke landings to times when they could maximize price. Comparing revenues… we find the sector program increased fleet wide (twelve boats in the fleet at this time) revenues over $800,000, including benefits of over $250,000 to non-sector vessels.” So the pilot sector enhanced revenue for its twelve members, but also incurred enhanced revenue for non-sector vessels.

Our State and US Congressional delegations and fish mangers should continue to learn from the RI Fluke Sector Pilot and New England Ground Fish sector because they worked and have been successful. While listening to one small vocal segment of the fishing community, some Massachusetts (and Rhode Island) fish mangers and elected officials were convinced that “catch shares” management models were bad. These two programs have proved them wrong. Government leaders and fish managers need to follow the court’s lead, stop playing politics with the fish and keep sector management rolling in Rhode Island and New England.

ASMFC votes to restrict Atlantic Menhaden catch

On December 14, 2012 the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted on Draft Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden which outlined a number of new regulations on the species.   This was a major vote and the first time in that such restrictions have been put on the harvesting of this important t fish.

Peter Baker of the PEW Environment Group said “… the ASMFC listened to the science and the public in taking a historic step to end overfishing of Atlantic Menhaden and to begin to rebuild the population of this important little fish… By adopting the first coastwise catch limit on this fishery, the commission has begun to reverse the 90 percent plunge in the menhaden population over the past three decades. Sound science clearly calls for leaving more of these fish in the water to fulfill their ecological role. More menhaden means more food for ocean wildlife, from seabirds to whales and popular game fish such as striped bass.”.  A new total allowable catch (TAC) limit along with regulations to achieve it will help ensure that the Atlantic Menhaden biomass rebuilds and stays at desired sustainable levels. 

In addition to being a great food source for other fish, Atlantic Menhaden also serve as roving filters, converting algae into energy and thus reducing nutrient loads in bays and covers. A reduction of nutrients means fewer algae blooms and ultimately more oxygen for all fish.  The ASMFC vote on Atlantic Menhaden was a big win for the fish and the environment  in Rhode Island and along the east coast.

Al Anderson inducted into IGFA Hall of Fame

 A first for New England: Capt. Al Anderson (left), skipper of the Galilee based charter boat Prowler, is inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) Hall of Fame for his fish tagging conservation efforts. Rob Kramer, IGFA president with Al at the induction ceremony.

Three generations:  Mike Bucko (center), owner of Bucko’s Tackle Service, Fall River, spoke last week on reel maintenance and repair at a Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association seminar.  Mike Bucko flanked by his son and father (both named Joe) have been in business since 1978.

Al Anderson inducted into IGFA Hall of Fame

Al Anderson, captain of the Galilee based charter boat Prowler, was inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) World Fishing Hall of Fame for his career tagging of nearly 60,000 game fish for science, along with his work as an author. He is the first New England charter captain ever to be so honored by the IGFA.  Anderson became a USCG Licensed charter captain in 1967, and credits his clients who supported his “conservation for science” ethic by assisting with his fish tagging activities.

Anderson has won five conservation awards for this tagging of bluefin tuna, striped bass and other species.  In 2010 he received the American Littoral Society (ALS) Conservation Award for 2,200 plus reported striped bass tag recaptures. In 1987 he was a founding member of the RI Marine Sportfishing Alliance and serves on the board of a number of sport fishing clubs, associations and tournament committees.

Congratulations to Capt. Al Anderson, a Rhode Island sport fishing legend!

U.S. Court of Appeals rules against New Bedford & Gloucester in favor of catch shares program 

Last week the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled against the cities of New Bedford and Gloucester and industry plaintiffs in their challenge to Amendment 16, the framework for the federal government's fisheries catch share system. In an excerpt from the decision the Court said, “This case involves legal challenges to recent federal management actions taken in New England's sensitive Multispecies Groundfish Fishery. We reject the many challenges and affirm entry of summary judgment for the federal defendants.”

The ruling supports the catch share fisheries management approach engaged by fish managers in New England. Fishing community leaders speaking out after the ruling included Dave Preble, a member of the New England Fishery Management Council who said, “… the appeals court (ruling) was complete, thorough, and well-informed on the issues and history of Amendment 16. It was a proper ruling.”  Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association said, “This is the third court ruling in favor of catch shares. It has proven to be an effective management tool.  It is time to move on as objections have been rejected by the courts three times.”

Prevent corrosion on the inside of your fishing reels

“Today’s fishing reels have more moving parts than ever… more parts with dissimilar metals, and this is how galvanic corrosion sets in.” said Mike Bucko of Bucko’s Tackle Service, Fall River, MA.  Anglers should wash reels with soapy water after each use, rinse and dry them… but this is not enough to prevent galvanized corrosion.  Bucko said, “Only an internal cleaning can prevent corrosion.”

Speaking at a Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) seminar last week, Mike Bucko explained the science of galvanic corrosion and what anglers need to do to prevent it.  Bucko, his son and father (both named Joe) have been in business for 34 years serving anglers across the country providing them with service and an extensive parts inventory.  The company totally dismantles reels, puts all parts through an extensive cleaning process and then reassembles the reels for use.  Visit them at www.buckoparts.com.

A lot of windmill activity

Rhode Island has two ocean windmill projects off its shores in the development phase and both are being spearheaded by developer Deepwater Wind. The first project is the five turbine Block Island Wind Farm and Transmission System project and the second is off both Rhode Island and Massachusetts shores which has been designated as an area of mutual interest (AMI) between the states. 

Rick Bellavance, liaison between Deepwater Wind and the fishing community, said, “The Block Island project had its second fishing community information meeting this Tuesday on Block Island for those in the fishing community that might not have been able to make the first meeting held in Narragansett in October.”  Those attending learned about the fisheries data that has been collected and what research is proposed as the project moves forward.  Bellavance said, “The fishing community hopes to be able to negotiate with Deepwater Wind directly to talk about mitigation from two perspectives.  First how it directly impacts those that have history fished in the area the wind turbines will be located in, and secondly how the wind project will impact the fishing community as a whole.”  For further information, contact independent fisheries consultant Rick Bellavance at 401.741.5648 or www.biwffisheries@gmail.com .

Wind farm input opportunities, meetings and notices (recently held and planned)

October 9: First Block Island Deepwater Wind farm (five turbines) and transmission system informational meeting for recreational and commercial fisheries

November 16:  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) fishing/wind conflict mitigation workshop at the URI Bay Campus

November 30:  BOEM announces the renewable energy ocean lease sales for wind farms.  The proposed sale notices offer 277,550 acres in two "Wind Energy Areas" - one area offshore Virginia and the other area of mutual interest offshore Massachusetts and Rhode Island which is the area of the 200 plus wind turbine project Deepwater Wind has expressed interest in.

December 4:  second Deepwater Wind farm and transmission system information meeting on Block Island

December 31:  Army Corps of Engineers has extended is comment period on the Deepwater Wind project until December 31, 2012.  The original public notice for the project and project details can be found on the US Army Corps of Engineers website at www.nae.usace.army.mil.  Anyone wishing to comment should submit them in writing by December 31, 2012 or call Michael Elliott at 978.318.8131 with questions.

January 15:  the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) of RI is soliciting public comment on Deepwater Wind’s Block Island project.  Plans for the project can be seen at the CRMC office in Wakefield, RI.  Deepwater Wind has made the Environmental Report they submitted with their CRMC application available on their website at www.dwwind.com.  A hearing on the project may be requested by submitting an objection in writing to the RI CRMC at their 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield address. Note: all objectors must attend the hearing once it is scheduled and give sworn testimony.  Hearing requests must be received by CRMC by January 15, 2013.

Windmills and fresh fish top task force agenda

Senator V. Susan Sosnowski’s Special Senate Task Force on Fisheries has taken on two big issues this winter on behalf of fishermen…wind power and bringing their catch to market…fresh. Both issues are on the front burner; here is how the Task Force is addressing them.

Windmills

At the first meeting of the Fisheries Task Force on December 6, 2010, a number of witnesses (fishermen) raised concerns about the potential impacts the development of offshore wind projects could have on the fishing industry and fish resources. This testimony has resulted in a resolution that is being discussed and possibly voted on this week by the Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee which is also chaired by Senator Sosnowski. The resolution respectfully requests the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) to comprehensively involve Fishermen in the development of offshore energy projects.

Earlier this week Senator Sosnowski said, “The resolution regards the concerns of some of the fishermen… who voiced their concerns about the proposed larger, offshore Deep Water Wind project.” The resolution reads, “That the Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation respectfully requests that BPEMRE use the Fishermen’s Advisory Board (FAB) established by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council within the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) as an interface between BOEMRE and the fishing industry.”

Captain Rick Belavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association, said, “A void existed between the new federal BOEMRE bureau, the State’s Ocean SAMP and fishermen. We had input into planning through the SAMP process but the Deepwater Wind project double in size over night and was located in prime fishing grounds without input from fishermen”. Chris Brown, a Rhode Island commercial fisherman and past present of the Commercial Fisheries Center of RI, said, “Fishermen were left out of the loop with no input to where this wind project was sited.” The resolution asks the Rhode Coastal Resource Management Council within the Ocean SAMP program to be a conduit that brings fishermen’s concerns to BOEMRE. The resolution can be found at http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText11/SenateText11/S0137.pdf . Will report on the outcome of the resolution next week.

Fresh fish

The Special Senate Task Force on Fisheries has had two meetings on bringing locally caught fresh fish to market in Rhode Island. The first was held on February 9 and a second on March 2 to hear testimony on how to bring fish caught by Rhode Island fishermen to market here in the state. The idea is to provide Rhode Islanders with better access to fresh, wholesome and nutritious native caught Rhode Island fish and to provide fishermen with better access (and possibly more direct access) to Rhode Island markets so they can earn more for their catch with fewer middlemen involved.

On February 9 the Task Force heard testimony from a variety of State agencies, companies engaged in fishing, processing of fish and/or the marketing of fish and Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Highlights of the meeting included the following.

Mark Gibson from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management testified about the condition of our fishery in Rhode Island. Species by species he thumb nailed the current status and/or relative health of commercially harvested fish… fluke (or summer flounder), monk fish, cod, striped bass, scup and most others seem to be in good health. Scup was singled out as a species that is very “abundant” and a species we could plan to harvest aggressively if a commercial market existed. Lobster fishing in Rhode Island was the only fishery that was down to a very low historical level. The lobster industry was characterized as a fishery in trouble.

Another enlightening presentation was delivered by Noah Fulmer, executive director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island. One may ask what do farm vegetables have to do with bringing fish to market. Well a great deal, here’s why. Mr. Fulmer shared the innovative programs and delivery models his groups had developed to get fresh produce to market making them highly accessible to the public as well as restaurants and large catering concerns servicing colleges and school systems, government enities, hospitals, etc. Mr. Fulmer related how these “Farm Fresh” delivery systems could be adopted to bring fresh fish to the market in Rhode Island. These systems include an interactive on line data base that provides consumers (by zip code) information as to where they can purchase farm fresh vegetables in their area. Another example is a service offered to chefs that delivers local produce to their door weekly. You can learn more at www.farmfreshri.org

Senator Sosnowski said, “We had Kevin Adams from Alaska talk about a proposed regional marketing approach, and other enthusiastic presenters.” This week the committee will hear testimony from Perry Raso of Matunuck Oyster Farm as well as public testimony on how local seafood products are marketed and distributed as well as ways to bring fish to market in Rhode Island. How to educate consumers about the benefits of eating local seafood to increase demand will also be discussed. Highlights of this second marketing committee meeting, which took place Wednesday night will be covered next week.

Salt water fish limits and size recommended by DEM Advisory Panels

Advisory panels of the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council made their 2011 saltwater fishing regulation recommendations this Tuesday, February 15 at a public meeting. Recommendations will now be finalized by DEM and the Council for formal recommendation to the Director of DEM. Due to a healthy fluke (summer flounder) fishery the recommendation approved by the Director will likely be more liberal than last year. The proposal that garnered most support at the public hearing was proposed the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association which was seven fish/day/angler with a minim size of 18 ½” (last year’s limit was 19 ½”). An interesting twist this year was that for shore anglers only, one of the seven fish could be 16 ½ “ . Striped bass recommendation was status quo… two fish/angler/day with a minimum size of 28”. Will relate highlights of the new regulations once they are approved by the Director which is expected to occur this month.

DEM to hold public workshops freshwater fishing & park regulations

The Fish and Wildlife Division will hold public workshops in Providence and Tiverton to discuss the proposed 2012-2013 freshwater fishing seasons and the 2011-2012 hunting seasons. Proposed changes to Parks and Management Area Regulations will also be heard. Public workshops will be held on Tuesday, March 29 at DEM headquarters in the Foundry Building at 235 Promenade Street in Providence, and on Wednesday, March 30 at the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club, 1529 Fish Road in Tiverton. Both workshops will take place at 7 p.m.

A public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held on Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. in the Warwick Police Department's Community Room at 99 Veteran's Memorial Drive in Warwick. Copies of the draft regulations will be available at the public workshops.

Fishing shows and seminars

March 11-13, New England Saltwater Fishing Show at the Rhode Island Convention Center sponsored by the RISAA. Visit www.risaa.org/events for details.

March 22, West Bay Anglers striped bass seminar by Charley Soars on fishing for bass with live bait, Sherman Elementary School, Warwick, RI. Reserve tickets ($10) at 401.463.7532.

March 25-27, Shallow Water Striper University, Sheraton Airport Motor Inn, Warwick, RI. Contact Debbie Wood at Wood Boat & Motor, 401-739-4040 or visit www.shallowwaterstripers.com .

Ocean wind farms good... but at what cost?

“The Deepwater Wind farm site doubled in size (to 200 turbines) and changed locations without input from fishermen. It will restrict fishing and could eliminate over $20,000,000 million in fish taken from the area.”, said Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association. “The wind turbines are located all around Cox’s Ledge and its fertile fishing edges, ledges and drop offs. The massive 270 square mile area taken will restricts commercial lobstering and fishing, tuna fishing and recreational fishing in the area… (the proposed wind farm) will also act as a blockage forcing vessels to add thousands of dollars in fuel to their fishing season as they try to get to fishing grounds on the east and south sides of Cox’s Ledge.”, Bellavance said. The Cox’s Ledge area is one of the most fertile fishing areas in the Northeast.

Eighteen months ago, commercial and recreational fishing thought leaders in Rhode Island expressed concern over the consequences of spatial planning (zoning our ocean waters). The State of Rhode Island under the leadership of the Coastal Resources Management Authority (CRMA) has been a pioneer in this county’s effort to zone our ocean waters under their nationally acclaimed Special Area Management Plan (SAMP). Just as cities and towns zone land for use i.e. commercial, industrial, residential the oceans would be zoned for various uses as well as to insure sustainable and equitable use for commercial and recreational uses of all types. The biggest concern of fisherman was simply that the SAMP could translate into the elimination of many popular fishing areas.

The proposed expanded Deepwater Wind farm that developed without sighting input from the fishing community is a violation of the trust that had developed between fishermen, CRMA and Deepwater Wind said Bellavance. “We were blindsided, this has a big impact on fishing. Rhode Islanders may have to decide if they want windmills or fishing unless the wind turbines can be moved to areas that do not impact fishing this much.”, Bellavance said.

John Rainone, past president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association said in an article that appear in this column last year, ”(spatial planning) is a way to stop recreational and commercial fishing in any areas that the government and special interest groups deem necessary.” Through new federal policy that aims to facilitate the development of ocean wind mills and our SAMP program in Rhode Island, fishing may be restricted from an area equal to about 22% the land mass of Rhode Island and if the Neptune wind farm project (our second proposed project) moves forward as planned the area taken which fishing will be restricted in will be about 33%of Rhode Island’s land mass according to a statement issued by Ted Platz, president of the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island (www.cfci.com).

Bellavance said, that what is particularly alarming is that these are just the first two wind projects proposed for Rhode Island… what about the third, fourth and fifth. What impact will they have?

What has allowed these projects to accelerate is a national policy that aims to reduce the amount of time it normally takes to site and develop an ocean wind farm from seven years to two years, cutting out a great deal of public comment and vetting time projects like this need and normally get. In December of 2010, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced plans to boost offshore wind power on the Atlantic Coast by identifying promising areas for development and then expediting the permitting process. Secretary Salazar said, “(the Atlantic wind farm initiative) will allow us to identify priority wind energy areas, improve cooperation with local, state and federal partners and accelerate the leasing process”. In Rhode Island, Deepwater Wind has done just this. They ceased the opportunity to build a wind farm twice the size that was originally planned under the SAMP and changed its location without input from the fishing community. This new Federal policy allows private developers to utilize our ocean, a public resource, with a drastically shortened time for public comment and input. Input from the people (fishermen) that have been utilizing the resource for hundreds of years to provide fresh and wholesome seafood to Rhode Islanders.

I believe wind power is good, not bad. Just as the idea behind spatial planning is good as well as all the good work CRMA has done with the SAMP initiative However, I do believe we need to rebuild the trust between fisherman, CRMA and Deepwater Wind and move forward with a wind farm plan that presents the best use of the oceans for the common good… that allows fishermen, wind farms and others to use our ocean.