Fisheries Communication Plan
Leading Light Wind values the input of the fishing community and believes that the fishing industry and offshore wind energy development can mutually coexist and thrive. Our Fisheries Communication Plan outlines a robust engagement strategy aimed at providing the fishing community timely communication and information dissemination. Interactive participation from the fishing industry will help Leading Light Wind reduce user conflict, inform project design, gain a better understanding of fisheries interests, and help set an industry standard for the offshore wind industry.
Fisheries Communication Plan (PDF)
Gear Loss/Damage Claim Form (PDF)
Mariner Updates
We are committed to responsibly sharing the ocean with fisheries and mariner communities by maintaining open lines of communication. Leading Light Wind will provide periodic Mariner Updates to local ocean users ahead of survey work within our lease area (OSC-A 0542). These updates will detail upcoming survey activities, timelines, and vessel information. Visit the United States Coast Guard's Local Notices to Mariners (LNM) Home, for additional information on all ongoing ocean area activities in the New York Bight area. For any questions regarding Leading Light Wind’s survey activity, please contact our Fisheries Engagement Team. To sign up to receive Leading Light Wind’s Mariner Updates, please fill out the form below.
Active Mariner Updates:
LLW Mariner Update #15 (21-NOV-2024): Conclusion of Seabed Characterization & Avian Surveys
Previous Mariner Updates:
LLW Mariner Update #13 (15-OCT-2024): Ongoing Seabed Characterization & Avian Surveys
LLW Mariner Update #12 (28-AUG-2024): Ongoing Seabed Characterization & Avian Surveys
LLW Mariner Update #10 (26-JUN-2024): Ongoing Seabed Characterization & Avian Surveys
LLW Mariner Update #9 (19-APR-2024): Ongoing Seabed Characterization Survey Operations
LLW Mariner Update #8 (08-FEB-2024): Ongoing Seabed Characterization Survey Operations
LLW Mariner Update #7 (16-JAN-2024): Ongoing Seabed Characterization & Avian Surveys
LLW Mariner Update #6 (10-NOV-2023): Seabed Characterization Survey Operations
LLW Mariner Update #5 (29-AUG-2023): Geotechnical Survey Operations
LLW Mariner Update #4 (11-JULY-2023): Benthic & Geophysical Survey Operations
LLW Mariner Update #3 (25-MAY-2023): Geophysical Survey Operations
LLW Mariner Update #2 (18-APR-2023): Geophysical Survey Operations
LLW Mariner Update #1 (06-MAR-2023): Benthic Survey Operations
Vessel Tracker:
Maritime and Fisheries Engagement Team
Director, Marine Affairs
EJ Marohn joined the Invenergy team as the Director of Marine Affairs in April 2024. In addition to managing the Fisheries Liaison and associated resources for Leading Light Wind, EJ leads the coordination and outreach efforts with the marine community, to include federal, state, and local government agencies, harbor and port authorities, fisheries, and other maritime users for the project.
EJ is a former United States Coast Guard Captain with 27 years of service on the Atlantic Coast, Pacific Coast, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes. In his eleven at-sea and shore assignments he gained extensive experience in domestic and international fisheries management, emergency response, waterways management, and port state control. He has served as the Coast Guard representative on the New England Fishery Management Council and the Stellwagen Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, the Coast Guard liaison to NOAA Fisheries, and a member of the US delegation to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization. He is a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy and has a Master of Marine Affairs from the University of Washington.
EJ Marohn
Emarohn@invenergy.com
(917) 398-5610
Fisheries Liaison
Sarah Hudak joined the Leading Light Wind Team as the Fisheries Liaison in August 2022. The primary role of the Fisheries Liaison is to facilitate productive communication between Leading Light Wind and the fishing community.
Sarah Hudak, as part of the Sea Risk Solutions Fisheries Liaison team, has been working to help foster coexistence between fishing communities and offshore wind development. Hudak’s experience includes 4+ years as a fisheries biologist aboard commercial fishing vessels in addition to her expertise in coastal and estuarine systems of the southeast Atlantic. Combining this experience with her abilities to establish and maintain positive working relations among diverse parties, she will help to facilitate effective two-way communications between the fishing community and offshore wind energy development that results in actionable feedback.
Sarah Hudak
sarahhudak@leadinglightwind.com
919.302.8559
Fisheries Industry Representatives
Our Fisheries Industry Representatives (FIRs), also known as Fisheries Representatives (FRs), serve as designated points of contact between their respective fishing communities and the Leading Light Wind Project. FRs regularly share their fishing community's concerns and feedback with our Fisheries Engagement Team, ensuring their interests are considered. Our FRs play a crucial role in facilitating informed development that respects both offshore wind projects and fishing activities.
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
Beth Casoni, Executive Director | beth.casoni@lobstermen.com
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association is a member-driven organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the members’ collective economic interests.
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association was established in 1963 by the fishermen, for the fishermen, and is presently one of the leading commercial fishing industry associations in New England. On behalf of the 1,800 members, the MLA works to maintain both the industry and the resource. The MLA strives to be proactive on issues affecting the lobster industry and is active in the management process at both the state and federal levels. The MLA communicates with its members through a monthly newspaper, weekly email, social media, and attendance at industry meetings. For the past 61 years, the MLA has become a trustworthy voice for the industry on important issues, and is looked to by both the fishing industry and the management community.