ONGOING SURVEYS

Read the survey project summaries and learn about the framework for data collection.

COMPLETED REPORTS

PEER REVIEW OF THE VINEYARD WIND 1 FISHERIES RESEARCH MONITORING PLAN

In the fall of 2020 SMAST began a peer review process for the Vineyard Wind 1 Fisheries Research Monitoring Plans that included three outside fisheries scientists, six commercial fishermen and two recreational fishermen.  All the fisheries survey methods and results to date were reviewed and critiqued by the group.  The process culminated with a virtual meeting open to the public to allow an opportunity for any additional comments or concerns about the fisheries research monitoring plans.

Read the report here:

REPORT: 2021 REVIEW OF VINEYARD WIND 1 FISHERY RESOURCE MONITORING

Watch the June 3, 2021 SMAST presentation for Fishermen:

Lobster Ventless trap, Black Sea Bass, Plankton Survey Reports

UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) and Massachusetts Lobsterman’s Association (MLA) have partnered to collect important baseline data of lobster and Jonah crab distribution in the Vineyard Wind 1 Lease Area, and a nearby control area for a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) study.  These surveys, which include plankton tows and biological sampling of black sea bass, are conducted on local commercial lobster vessels, and occur twice a month from mid-May through October.

Drop Camera Survey Reports

SMAST conducts their drop camera survey from commercial scallop vessels twice a year to examine the benthic macroinvertebrate community and substrate habitat.  Sampling intensity is increased in Vineyard Wind 1 Lease Area and a nearby control area for the BACI study design.

Annual Trawl Survey Reports

Trawl surveys are conducted seasonally, four times a year to collect baseline data on commercially important fish species abundance, spatial distribution, size structure, and length-weight relationship. Sampling intensity is increased in Vineyard Wind 1 Lease Area and a nearby control area for the BACI study design.  Surveys are conducted on local commercial fishing vessels and follow the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (NEAMAP) protocols.  NEAMAP is a nearshore, spring and fall survey initiated in 2006 from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) that stretches from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod.

HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES Reports 2020

Trawl Survey Reports 2018

The Albie Project

The American Saltwater Guides Association’s Albie Project is a holistic effort to learn more about false albacore through collaborative partnerships with anglers, Captains, scientist, offshore wind developers, fishery managers, and fishing brands with the hope of developing proactive management for this incredibly data-poor yet important species.   The Albie Project – American Saltwater Guides Association

The Channeled Whelk and Knobbed Whelk Research Fleet

The commerical Fisheries Research Foundation develop and implement a cost-effective method to collect crucially needed data from the whelk fishery in Southern New England. Participant fishermen collect biological and fishery data from the nearshore state fisheries for welk in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island,  and the south coast of Massachusetts, specifically in and around Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Sound. The overall goal of the project is to directly provide fishery-dependent data for inclusion in each respective state’s assessment and management process for the whelk fishery. Whelk Research Fleet — CFRF (cfrfoundation.org)

STUDIES

SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATORS

Responsible offshore science alliance

Vineyard Wind is supportive of the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA), founded in March 2019 by the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance. ROSA advances regional fisheries research and monitoring related to offshore wind development in federal waters. ROSA's organizing framework was developed in partnership with state and federal regulators and support from Vineyard Wind and other offshore wind developers. Learn more about ROSA and it's framework.