February 11, 2020 — The prospect of dozens, perhaps hundreds of massive offshore wind energy turbines dotting East Coast waters has commercial fishermen alarmed and engaged.
The recreational fishing community has its share of skeptics too, worried about the effects of construction and new seafloor cables carrying megawatts of energy to shore.
One group, Anglers for Offshore Wind Power, is working on the premise that offshore wind development could be good for their fisheries and the environment — if they, like organized commercial fishermen, can get a seat at the table with federal energy planners and wind companies.
“The recreational community should do the same thing,” said Paul Eidman, a New Jersey charter captain who helped organize Anglers for Offshore Wind Power along with Rhode Island charter captain Dave Monti.