This notice is to inform you that the bottom trawl survey of the Maine Research Array Wind Energy (MeRA) Area previously scheduled to begin on October 15, 2024, has been postponed until a date to be determined in early 2025.
DMR will use this additional time to continue to test and refine our survey methodology. Between October 15 and November 27, DMR will spend 2-5 days testing the trawl vessel's gear configuration and performance. This will include a one-day test cruise to the MeRA area and an additional one to four days of test tows as needed to assess and optimize the survey’s gear performance. Any additional testing will occur in federal waters outside of the proposed MeRA sampling area.
Test tows will be conducted in locations that will avoid any potential for gear interaction.
Once the survey begins, DMR will continue to provide notice to industry, including dates and trawl survey paths, prior to the survey. Fishermen will be given advance notice to relocate gear if they wish to avoid potential for interference with the survey vessel’s trawl net.
As a reminder, the bottom trawl survey will evaluate fish and invertebrate community composition near the MeRA Area.
This survey is one of several that are intended to provide baseline data that will be compared to data collected throughout the construction and operation phases of the Research Array. The surveys will help answer critical questions about the impacts of offshore wind development on fishing and the environment prior to commercial development.
Information on DMR’s role in offshore wind research can be found here.
The point of contact for this project is Ethan Taulbee, (207) 350-7582, ethan.j.taulbee@maine.gov.
A map of the Maine Research Array Wind Energy Area with the survey area indicated is available here.
