OCEAN
Winds
Two Renewable Resources
One Ocean
“We’ve got two renewable resources.
One in seafood, and one in wind,”
says Eric Hansen, a Massachusetts scallop fisherman.
“They shouldn’t have to compete.”
The fishing industry is in crisis; ocean acidification, rising water temperatures, environmental damage, and shifting fish stocks have all contributed to a decline in the industry's viability. OCEAN Winds acknowledges the importance of commercial fishing to society and its rich heritage. Offshore wind energy has the potential to positively impact climate change, which could, in turn, support the future of healthy fisheries. In regions with established wind farms, scientists have observed potential benefits to ecosystems and fish stocks. There are opportunities for synergy between commercial fishing and offshore wind energy. Additionally, fishers employed in these areas have contributed valuable knowledge and expertise to ocean energy projects.
If offshore wind energy projects are built off of our shores, understanding the needs of both industries is crucial for achieving a balanced coexistence. OCEAN Winds is committed to protecting coastal communities and the fishing industry through environmental and economic protection while ensuring that all stakeholders have a meaningful voice in exploring the development of offshore wind energy in Oregon.