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Mariner Update

2025 ACOUSTIC MONITORING OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH SPECIES IN RI/MA WIND ENERGY AREAS (522-18)

The New England Aquarium and INSPIRE Environmental are conducting research on the movements of highly migratory fish species (sharks, tunas, and marlins) in the southern New England wind energy area. Part of this research requires acoustic receivers to be placed on the seafloor in the locations shown as colored circles in the charts below.  Receivers have no surface buoys and are connected to a mooring system weighing approximately 75 pounds that extends 2 to 3 meters (6 to 9 feet) off the seafloor, as shown in the below photo.  Receivers have been placed near obstructions to the greatest extent practicable to reduce the risk of interaction with mobile fishing gear. The 10 acoustic receivers in Lease Area OCS-A 0522 will be deployed in May by the F/V ROCK & ROLL. Once all acoustic receivers are deployed, they will remain in these locations until December 15, 2025. The TORO and FV REAL EZ will be tagging highly migratory fish species while acoustic receivers are deployed.

DATES(S): Deployment starts in May, tagging from June through September, retrieval in December

LOCATION: Lease Area OCS-A 0522 (first map) RI/MA Wind Energy Areas (second map)

Blue and white boat named Rock & Roll docked in a marina with overcast sky.

F/V ROCK & ROLL
Flag: USA
Length: 43’
MMSI #: 338308973

Fishing boat docked at marina with tall antennas against a setting sun and partly cloudy sky

TORO
Flag: USA
Length: 30′
MMSI: 338453955

Ocean boat speeding through the water with fishing rods on board and "reel easy" written on the side.

FV REEL EZ
FLAG: USA
LENGTH: 35′
MMSI: 368261460

Table of Vineyard Offshore coordinates including latitude and longitude in WGS 84 and Loran C formats.

Nautical map showing potential unexploded depth charges marked by circles, coordinates, and specific offshore boundaries.

Nautical chart showing Vineyard Wind 1 project area with wind leases, coordinates, and schematic of energy transmission paths.

Diagram and photo of a pop-up buoy mooring system showing buoys, weights, and components against a wooden wall background.

For the latest information, please contact:
Crista Bank, Fisheries Manager, Cell: 508-525-0421 • Email: cbank@vineyardoffshore.com
‍Jeannot Smith, Marine Liaison, Cell: 904-613-0134 • Email: jsmith@vineyardoffshore.com
‍Travis Lowery, Fisheries Liaison, Cell: 508-728-4529 • Email: tlowery@vineyardoffshore.com