The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) has been involved in the planning effort and report review for offshore wind energy since the writing of the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (OSAMP) in 2009 and 2010. We participated in writing the fisheries chapter of the OSAMP.

RISAA began the process with an open mind and we did not strongly oppose the siting of five turbines off the southeast coast of Block Island when the Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF) was constructed.

Our members indicated that during construction of the BIWF there was a considerable decrease in catch of bottom fish within 3 to 5 miles of the construction site, but there did seem to be an increase in small fish immediately surrounding the turbine bases after construction. These turbine bases are what is known as jacketed foundations. They include four legs and many cross braces so that the subsurface structure is somewhat complex. Once colonized, this structure gives some habitat for marine life.

During the permitting of the BIWF and once planning started for larger wind farms in federal waters, RISAA always attempted to keep communication open between developers, permitting authorities and recreational fishermen. We were concerned about immediate effects to fish populations during construction and we asked in writing for studies before, during and after construction to properly assess any impacts occurring on fish populations with a considered and measured progress toward larger projects, always learning from what we learned on previous projects.

As soon as we learned in 2017 that new offshore wind energy (OWE) projects were being planned using monopiles rather than the jacketed foundations, we stated in writing that we wanted developers to consider the alternative of using jacketed foundations similar to those at the BIWF; we heard no response to our written replies and design and permitting continued using monopiles. RISAA commented that due to the extreme pressures required to drive these 35-foot-plus diameter cylinders 100 feet and more into the ocean sediment very intense noise is generated during installation, plus these cylinders have very little structure to benefit marine life.

We also asked that developers be required to include rod and reel sampling before, during and after construction. This resulted in a very limited winter cod sampling effort and some limited acoustic tagging and monitoring of Atlantic cod distribution.

When we learned about the plans to install turbine bases on Cox Ledge we expressed our concern and pointed out the habitat value of Coxes, but received no response to these concerns. In particular we pointed out that the project area for South Fork Wind was a rectangular area that was subdivided from a larger lease area that Orsted purchased, and this smaller area was entirely on prime habitat on Cox Ledge. No issue was raised by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) or the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding this subdivision of lease area.

These two agencies are the lead permitting agencies on the state and federal levels. Since the South Fork project is only on Coxes, they had to place turbine bases on prime areas. In written comments, RISAA asked for alternatives to many of the impact-producing activities that were planned but heard no reply regarding those recommended alternatives. We also protested the plan to move many boulders as part of turbine and cable installation.

After many months of discussions with CRMC, Orsted, and members of the CRMC Fisheries Advisory Board (FAB), final terms for the CRMC “permit” were negotiated between CRMC management and Orsted over a weekend, with no input from the FAB. The “permit,” which is actually called a consistency determination, was issued for South Fork to be built on Cox Ledge. RISAA and private recreational anglers were represented on the FAB by Rich Hittinger, but the FAB represented all areas of fishing. Lanny Dellinger, FAB chairman, represented lobstermen; Chris Brown represented draggers; Chris Lee represented shoreside processors; Rick Bellavance represented party and charter; Mike Marchetti represented scallopers; Brian Thibault represented trap fishermen; and Greg Mataronas represented gill netters.

A similar FAB process started very soon on the heels of South Fork for review and approval of Revolution Wind. Revolution Wind surrounds South Fork and so is partially on Cox Ledge as well as north, south and west of Coxes. Again, the FAB identified potential alternatives that were never considered by CRMC or Orsted, the developer of Revolution Wind. Again, after many months and dozens of meetings, CRMC issued its consistency determination and Revolution Wind was given a permit to construct all around the Cox Ledge area.

At this point RISAA felt as if our input was not being considered and, after volunteering more than 2,500 hours to the effort, Rich Hittinger resigned from the FAB in protest of the process. This was immediately followed by a mass resignation of the remaining seven FAB members.

In addition to our strong concern and input regarding projects located on or near Cox Ledge, RISAA has watched the plans for installation of an export cable in the Sakonnet River with much interest. RISAA has written comment letters stating that we believe that there is no reason that this high-voltage transmission line should be installed in the Sakonnet River, which is documented to be a natal area for young Atlantic cod. In addition, it is an area used by many RISAA members and other anglers. We have made it very clear that we believe the alternative land route, landing the cable along the southern coast of Massachusetts in the area of Westport and then bringing the cable north on land, should be the preferred alternative to avoid impacts in the Sakonnet River.

Finally, RISAA has expressed concern that the cable landing for Revolution Wind is coming into Narragansett Bay and up the West Passage right past popular fishing areas such as Austin Hollow. We expressed our input that this installation should proceed with care not to impact existing uses, including recreational fishing, and it should occur during winter months when fishing is not active in this area.

With the background summarized briefly above, RISAA states that we are not opposed to offshore wind development in all cases but we believe that if projects are permitted they must be constructed such that they have minimal impact on existing competing uses and marine habitat. That absolutely should have eliminated Cox Ledge as a site for such projects. We also are opposed to installation of sub-marine cables in areas such as the Sakonnet River when reasonable alternatives are available such as land-based transit.

RISAA has a long history of participation, including reviewing and commenting on OWE project applications in defense of the interests of our members as well as all recreational anglers. We expect to continue this involvement.

Rich Hittinger is a vice president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and represents RISAA on several state fisheries and environmental groups.