Abstract
US Wind is the lease holder for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) OCS-A-0490 (the Lease). As shown in Figure 1, the Lease is located approximately 12-miles off the coast of Ocean City, MD, encompassing approximately 80,000 acres. The Lease was designated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), following a review of existing and targeted environmental studies as well as significant stakeholder engagement and input. The specific activities undertaken and considered when designating the location for Lease Area OCS-A-0490 can be reviewed on the BOEM website, BOEM Maryland Activities.
US Wind is developing the Maryland Offshore Wind Project (the Project) capable of generating up to 2 gigawatts within the Lease area. The Project includes MarWin, a wind farm of approximately 270 MW for which US Wind was awarded Offshore Renewable Energy Credits (ORECS) in 2017 by the state of Maryland; Momentum Wind, up to 1205.4 MW, which US Wind bid into a second round Maryland OREC process in 2021; and any subsequent development within the Lease area. US Wind has assembled and will maintain a fisheries communications team, inclusive of Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLOs), for the duration of the Project. Additionally, US Wind may nominate one or more Fisheries Industry Representatives (FIRs) to enhance communications with the fishing community. This Fisheries Communication Plan (FCP) is central to US Wind’s fisheries engagement strategy and will be essential to the company’s efforts to develop and implement best practices and build effective relationships with the fishing community.
The FCP establishes the principles US Wind will use to guide outreach and engagement with the region’s marine fisheries. It is a “living document” that will continue to evolve with regular feedback and guidance from fishermen, fishing organizations, and regulatory agencies.