Parties work together to advance Cape Wind and a sustainable local
fishery
The Martha’s Vineyard / Dukes County Fishermen’s Association (MVDCFA)
and Jonathan Mayhew (together hereafter referred to as ‘Martha’s
Vineyard Fishermen’) have dismissed their federal lawsuit and have
entered into a Settlement Agreement with Cape Wind. The Martha’s
Vineyard Fishermen and Cape Wind have agreed to work together to support
sustainable local Island commercial fisheries and sustainable energy.
The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen have agreed to support the Cape Wind
project as a sustainable source of clean energy for the future and Cape
Wind and the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen together support a vibrant and
sustainable local commercial fishing community on Martha’s Vineyard.
Cape Wind and the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen have agreed to work
together to establish a Martha’s Vineyard Permit Bank that will enable
the purchase of commercial fishing permits for local commercial
fishermen’s use and the promotion of ‘Vineyard wild-caught’ seafood.
MVDCFA President Warren Doty said, “We are glad to have found common
ground. Now we can work together to make Cape Wind’s sustainable energy
and a sustainable local fishery both happen.” Doty continued, “The
establishment of the Martha’s Vineyard Permit Bank will help protect the
livelihood of local fishermen and help ensure this vibrant fishery
remains for future generations.”
Cape Wind and the Martha’s Vineyard fishermen will also work together to
make sure Horseshoe Shoal remains open to fishing activities.
Cape Wind President Jim Gordon said, “Cape Wind and the Martha’s
Vineyard Fishermen share the value of sustainability. Offshore clean
energy can go hand in hand with a sustainable ocean ecosystem and
sustainable fisheries.” Gordon added, “We see twenty years of studies in
Europe that consistently show a beneficial artificial reef effect from
the submerged foundations of offshore wind turbines and we expect the
fishery on Horseshoe Shoal to improve.”
MVDCFA President Warren Doty said, “Sustainable fisheries and
sustainable offshore clean energy need to work together collaboratively
and share the ocean. We appreciate Cape Wind’s commitment to working to
find ways to preserve our historic fisheries on Horseshoe Shoal.” Doty
continued, “Responsible clean energy projects help preserve and enhance
the oceans on which we all depend.” Studies have shown that fossil fuel
emissions can contribute to warming ocean temperatures, acidification,
and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and mercury.
The Martha’s Vineyard Permit Bank will be administered under the
auspices of the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard. Cape Wind and
the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen will seek the support of governmental
entities, non-governmental organizations, and the public for the Permit
Bank.
Anyone interested in finding out more information or making a donation
to the Martha’s Vineyard Permit Bank should contact Warren Doty at (508)
564-0150, or Wes Brighton at (617) 877-4157.
Cape Wind is America’s first offshore wind farm to secure Federal and
State approval and to be issued a lease to operate by the Federal
Government. Cape Wind will create jobs and promote greater energy
independence and a cleaner environment. Cape Wind will also establish
Massachusetts as a leader in offshore wind power. For more information
visit: www.capewind.org.
Martha’s Vineyard/Dukes County Fishermen’s Association is an
organization dedicated to representing the interests of commercial
fishermen on Martha’s Vineyard and preserving fishing opportunities for
the future.
