Abstract
Various forms of commercial and recreational fishing activity occur in and around the US Wind Offshore Wind Lease Area, OCS-A 0490 (“Lease Area”). For the twelve years spanning 20082019, the average annual commercial landings were ~316,000 pounds, and associated annual revenue was ~$218,000 (NOAA Fisheries, 2020). In comparison to some areas of the region, the Lease Area may be considered lightly fished. However, for those fishers that do utilize the area, this catch contributes a significant portion of their annual revenue. It should also be noted that some fishermen may hold a license but choose to not gear up and fish during a given season if the market or fishery conditions have a poor forecast, or for other personal reasons. Market conditions related to the global pandemic in 2020 and 2021 can be assumed to cause an abnormal reduction in market access for fishermen. This report may be updated as more recent data are published and analyzed.