Gary Yerman, a seasoned fisherman of 50 years, found himself in an unexpected situation at a noisy ballroom in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Nervously waiting to shed his uncomfortable suit for more familiar attire, he struck up a conversation with a stranger at his table. The stranger expressed sympathy for the challenges of being a fisherman, to which Yerman jokingly responded that it would be even harder to accept an award and address a room full of people. Little did he know that he would soon be called to the stage to receive a trophy from the Oceantic Network, a prominent trade group in the U.S. offshore wind industry.
This moment marked a significant shift for Yerman and his fellow fishermen, who had long viewed wind developers as adversaries. The conflict between fishermen and offshore wind projects began in the early 2000s when plans for wind farms in New England were first proposed. Fishermen voiced concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, citing decreased fishing grounds, reduced fish populations, and damaged ocean habitats. Despite these apprehensions, experiences from offshore wind projects in the UK showed thriving marine ecosystems and unexpected benefits for fish populations.
However, in the U.S., fishermen-led groups have continued to oppose offshore wind developments, even going as far as filing lawsuits to halt projects on the East Coast. This resistance has made offshore wind investments riskier in America compared to Europe, according to industry insiders.
Gary Yerman was among the first fishermen in the U.S. to bridge this divide by joining Sea Services North America, a group of over 100 fishermen working with offshore wind farms instead of against them. For these fishermen, supplementing their income from traditional fishing activities like scalloping has become essential as revenues have declined.
Despite the benefits of working with offshore wind, the decision has not been without its challenges. Yerman recalled the backlash he faced from fellow New England fishermen, who labeled him and his crew as “traitors.” The tensions escalated further with the election of President Donald Trump, who openly criticized offshore wind projects and took steps to impede their progress.
The future of the offshore wind industry in the U.S. remains uncertain, leaving fishermen like Yerman and his crew anxious about the fate of their livelihoods. Many of them had supported Trump and now face the prospect of the industry being halted, impacting not only climate goals and grid reliability but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the region.
Despite the uncertainties and challenges ahead, Yerman and his fellow fishermen remain committed to their work and the offshore wind industry. Their journey from adversaries to allies is a testament to the potential for cooperation and collaboration between traditional industries and renewable energy sectors in shaping a sustainable future. Sea Services North America, a unique partnership between commercial fishermen and offshore wind developers, has been making waves in the industry. Co-founded by former Ørsted employee Morrissey and commercial fisherman Yerman, the group has successfully bridged the gap between two industries that have historically been at odds.
Yerman, seeing an opportunity for fishermen to collaborate with offshore wind companies moving into their waters, decided to pitch the idea to his fellow fishermen. With the help of lawyer Gordon Videll, they formed Sea Services North America in 2020 and landed their first contract with Ørsted. Despite initial skepticism about the safety of their boats, the group proved their capabilities and have since completed over 11 contracts in various wind farm areas.
Sea Services operates as a co-op, with a network of 22 partner vessels based in six states. Led by Videll, the group has brought new technology on board, allowing developers to track their work in real-time. The co-op model maximizes the amount of money going into participants’ pockets, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
The success of Sea Services has not gone unnoticed, as they were recently awarded by the Oceantic Network, one of America’s largest offshore wind industry groups. This recognition has brought more visibility to the group and could lead to more contracts in the future.
However, Sea Services is facing challenges in the current political climate. President Trump’s assault on the offshore wind industry has created uncertainty and roadblocks for projects like Empire Wind, where Sea Services is contracted. The stop-work order issued by the Interior Department was a wake-up call for the co-op, highlighting the risks involved in their business.
Despite these challenges, Sea Services remains committed to their work. As they set sail from the New Bedford port on a sunny afternoon, captain Souza and his crew are determined to navigate the choppy waters ahead. With their proven track record and dedication to collaboration, Sea Services North America is poised to weather the storm and continue making a positive impact in the offshore wind industry.
They sometimes come back into port to find their boats covered in Trump flags, a clear sign of disapproval from some in the fishing community who see offshore wind as a threat to their way of life.
But for Souza, Morris, and the crew of the Pamela Ann, the benefits of offshore wind work far outweigh the challenges. In addition to the financial boost it provides, the work is also a welcome change of pace from the physically demanding and increasingly uncertain world of scalloping.
As they set sail for their 10-day stint working on the Revolution Wind project, there is a sense of camaraderie and purpose among the crew. They know they are playing a crucial role in the development of renewable energy infrastructure that will help combat climate change and create a more sustainable future.
The wind whips through their hair as they navigate the open sea, their eyes fixed on the horizon where the towering turbines of the offshore wind farm await. It’s a far cry from the days of hauling in nets full of scallops, but for Souza, Morris, and the rest of the crew, it represents a new chapter in their careers and a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.
As they work tirelessly to ensure the safety and success of the offshore wind project, they know that they are helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come. And as they return to port after their 10-day journey, they do so with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that they are making a difference in their industry and in the world.
Yerman, a Sea Services fisherman, was turned away from a Rhode Island dock in what was described as an act of revenge. This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by fishermen in transitioning to work for offshore wind developers, as their livelihoods begin to dwindle.
Kevin Souza, a captain in New Bedford, Massachusetts, shared his experiences of facing taunts and insults from fellow fishermen when he decided to work with offshore wind developers. Despite being called a traitor and facing backlash from colleagues, Souza expressed his support for offshore wind projects, even though he voted for President Trump, who was against such initiatives.
Souza emphasized the necessity of offshore wind in meeting the energy demands of New England and reducing electricity costs. While acknowledging the support for Trump among most fishermen in New Bedford, Souza believed that the president would eventually come around to see the benefits of offshore wind.
However, Trump’s opposition to offshore wind projects has created uncertainties for fishermen involved in these initiatives. The pause and potential revocation of permits for projects like Empire Wind have put the financial future of fishermen at risk. Despite efforts to resume work on these projects, the lingering threat of regulatory hurdles and legal challenges looms large.
In the face of opposition from anti-offshore wind groups and the Trump administration, fishermen like Souza are caught in the middle, trying to navigate a path towards sustainable employment. The transition from traditional fishing to offshore wind work is challenging, but for many, it represents a lifeline in an industry facing an uncertain future.
As the debate over offshore wind continues, fishermen like Rodney Avila, who embraced this transition early on, serve as examples of resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry. The intersection of politics, economics, and environmental concerns underscores the complexities of the transition to renewable energy sources and the challenges faced by those directly impacted by these changes. The winds of change are blowing in New Bedford, where the once contentious relationship between fishermen and wind energy developers is slowly evolving. Long-time fishermen who once threatened to hang developers from wind turbines are now working closely with companies like Vineyard Wind to ensure the success of offshore wind projects.
In a surprising turn of events, nearly 50 local fishing vessels have been involved in safety and scouting work for Vineyard Wind in the New Bedford area. This collaboration marks a significant shift in the relationship between the fishing community and the renewable energy industry. One captain even goes as far as lowering his MAGA-supporting flag before setting out to work on projects that the current administration has vowed to halt.
According to Avila, a local fisherman, politics has always been intertwined with fishing, but ultimately, work is work. The fishermen are focused on providing for their families, regardless of where the money comes from. They are willing to put aside their political differences and work together towards a common goal.
As Avila sips his coffee inside a Dunkin’, overlooking the calm waters with scalloping boats in the distance, he reflects on the changing dynamics in the industry. The once hostile relationship between fishermen and wind developers is gradually giving way to a more collaborative approach. The fishermen understand the economic opportunities that offshore wind projects can bring to their community, and they are willing to adapt to the changing times.
In the end, it seems that necessity outweighs political differences. The fishermen of New Bedford are focused on securing a better future for themselves and their families, and if that means working with wind developers, then so be it. The once contentious relationship between the two industries is slowly being replaced by a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit. As the winds of change continue to blow, it is clear that the future of offshore wind in New Bedford is looking brighter than ever. The world of technology is constantly evolving and advancing, with new innovations and breakthroughs being made every day. One such innovation that has been making waves in the tech industry is the development of quantum computing.
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