Offshore wind developer Vineyard Wind is changing the layout of its 84-turbine wind farm in an effort to reduce the impact on commercial fishermen.
Tensions between Vineyard Wind and New England commercial fishermen have intensified over the last few years as plans have unfolded for what will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the country.
Last Monday, Vineyard Wind said it plans to change the location of three turbines at the eastern end of Martha’s Vineyard. Erich Stephens, the company’s chief development officer, says despite the move, fishermen still have concerns about the overall orientation of the wind farm which they say doesn’t align with traditional fishing routes.
"We don’t anticipate that just removing these three locations is going to address those larger concerns," Stephens says. "We’re hopeful that they’ll appreciate that we [are] doing what we can to address their requests and input."
Final federal and state permits are still pending approval, but Vineyard Wind is on track to begin construction by the end of the year.