Surveys of the Maine Research Array Wind Energy Area Scheduled for January 1, 2027 - March 31, 2027

This notice is to inform you that Maine DMR and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences will be conducting plankton and larval lobster surveys of the Maine Research Array Wind Energy (MeRA) Area.

Survey schedules will be posted here on DMR's website as they are available.

Information on the survey, which is scheduled to take place between January 1, 2027 and March 31, 2027 is below.

Survey Type

Survey Goal

Frequency

Survey Equipment

Vessel

Plankton and larval lobster survey

Monitor abundance of zooplankton and abundance and larval stage distribution of lobsters

Up to 2 days/month

Seabird 55 Rosette, SBE 25plus CTD, dual ring net, and neuston net

R/V Maine, 42.3’ converted marine patrol vessel

Please give the vessel the same considerations you would any active commercial fishing vessel - maintain at least 100-feet of distance between your vessel and the research vessel.

It is not anticipated at this time that DMR will have to ask for gear to be moved for these surveys.

If the survey is unable to operate due to density of gear within the survey sites, DMR will send out additional notices providing details as to when gear would need to be moved.

The point of contact for this project, and for lost gear, is Casey Yanos, (207) 350-7165, casey.yanos@maine.gov. If gear is lost, please contact Casey or your local Marine Patrol Officer.

An image of the research vessel is linked in the table above.

These surveys are intended to provide baseline data that will be compared to data collected throughout the construction and operation phases of the Research Array. These surveys are being conducted in response to recommendations from Maine's Offshore Wind Roadmap's Fisheries Working Group. 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.

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