Since 2018, RODA has worked closely with developers, BOEM, NMFS, USCG, and others to identify adequate transit lanes for fishing vessels through the active and proposed Wind Energy Areas in this geographic area, including through convening two public workshops.

Timeline of USCG Port Access Routes Studies in Southern New England

On May 14th, 2020 the U.S. Coast Guard finalized a study to provide safe access routes for the movement of vessel traffic in federal waters offshore Massachusetts and Rhode Island (“MARIPARS study”). To read the MARIPARS federal register notice docket, including supporting documents and all public comments, including dozens from fisheries operations and management experts, click here.

The final MARIPARS study can be found here.

RODA has submitted comments at various phases throughout the development of the MARIPARS:

Based on the extensive work done by numerous fishing industry members, RODA has challenged the information contained in the MARIPARS in a formal Request for Correction dated June 29th, 2020.

In November 2020, USCG denied our request for correction to the MARIPARS. View USCG’s response here.