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The crucial day-to-day operations and decision making is the responsibility of the HDC staff headed by an Executive Director.
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The New Bedford Harbor Development Commission (HDC) was created by the Massachusetts General Court to govern the Port of New Bedford under Chapter 762 of the Acts of 1957. The HDC houses the New Bedford Harbormaster and is responsible for managing commercial and recreational vessel activities over all the waters within New Bedford. The HDC manages all City-owned waterfront property, including Home
r’s, Leonard’s, Steamship, Coal Pocket, and Fisherman’s Wharves, as well as a 198-slip recreational marina at Pope’s Island and 19 real estate assets. The HDC also assigns moorings and enforces rules regarding use of piers, wharves, and adjacent parking areas under its jurisdiction, and issues permits for harbor events and for use of city-owned waterfront facilities.
10/06/2023
The Black Whale on City Pier 3, has New Autumn hours.
ATTENTION! 🥂 New Fall/Winter hours are here! 🥂
10/06/2023
The NOAA Fisheries New England/Mid-Atlantic Hook-and-Line workshop happens in New Bedford on Nov. 8.
Calling all commercial hook-and-line fishermen or for-hire charter fishermen! Are you interested in:
• Keeping our region’s fisheries sustainable and fishing businesses successful
• Helping design and participate in a pilot study to help identify alternative fish survey methods for sampling in offshore wind energy areas
• Showing us how hook-and-line fishing is really done
Then we want to hear from you! Our Science Center’s Cooperative Research Branch will host workshops in November 2023 for commercial hook-and-line fishermen and for-hire charter fishermen to share their expertise and help us develop a pilot hook-and-line survey to sample in offshore wind energy areas. For more information about the survey and workshops, please visit: https://ow.ly/R0Zm50PQ6hF.
09/29/2023
ARRIVE HUNGRY: Chowderfest happens tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 30 on City Pier 3, .
Chowderfest returns this Saturday. Here's what to know all about the soupy competition.
09/28/2023
MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE: City of New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell provides an update on fishing pier upgrades at the .
09/27/2023
NOAA Fisheries Service Hook and Line Workshop Series comes to New Bedford on Wednesday, November 8.
Calling all commercial hook-and-line fishermen or for-hire charter fishermen! Are you interested in:
• Keeping our region’s fisheries sustainable and fishing businesses successful
• Helping design and participate in a pilot study to help identify alternative fish survey methods for sampling in offshore wind energy areas
• Showing us how hook-and-line fishing is really done
Then we want to hear from you! Our Science Center’s Cooperative Research Branch will host workshops in November 2023 for commercial hook-and-line fishermen and for-hire charter fishermen to share their expertise and help us develop a pilot hook-and-line survey to sample in offshore wind energy areas. For more information about the survey and workshops, please visit: https://ow.ly/R0Zm50PQ6hF.
09/25/2023
NAVIGATION ALERT:
F/V COURAGOUS, a scalloper from New Bedford working with
UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST), will be performing drop camera surveys starting on or around September 27th and operating for approximately 5-7 days. They will be operating throughout Vineyard Wind Lease Area 501 and Vineyard Offshore Lease Area 522.
DATE(S): Expected start on or around September 27th, 2023, for approximately 5-7 days LOCATION(S): Lease Areas 0501 and 0522
09/25/2023
REMINDER: Interested in becoming a professional mariner for NOAA? NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations will host a hiring event Tomorrow, Tues. Sept. 26 at Northeast Maritime Institute in Fairhaven, MA.
Interested in becoming a professional mariner for NOAA? NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations will host hiring events in our region:
• Sept 26: Fairhaven, Massachusetts
• Sept 28: Warwick, Rhode Island
For more information, please visit: https://ow.ly/8Ary50POAq7. Be sure to check out their hiring portal for the latest openings: https://ow.ly/UvoW50PKzpw.
09/22/2023
DID YOU KNOW....that the One SouthCoast Chowderfest takes place on City Pier 3, on Saturday, Sept. 30?
09/19/2023
Tuesday, Sept. 19 - A day to celebrate New Bedford Seafood
Today's the day! The 2023 Seafood Soirée kicks off tonight at Cisco Brewers New Bedford. We want to take a moment to thank our wonderful Sponsors! Thank you for your generous support of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Centers annual gala!
09/18/2023
PORT HISTORY: Today, the building is home to our terrific new neighbors, Ground Floor Coffee .
09/15/2023
The latest National Weather Service forecast. Vessel owners should monitor the usual channels for updates on the status of the Navigation Gate. National Weather Service radio in our area can be found at Bourne/Hyannis KEC73 162.550.
09/14/2023
LEE UPDATE from the City of New Bedford: The New Bedford Port Authority encourages all vessel owners to make arrangements for berthing or hauling in the harbor as far in advance of the arrival of storm conditions as possible. Vessel owners should monitor the usual channels for updates on the status of the Navigation Gate.
09/13/2023
The latest NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center update on Lee, shortly before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
09/13/2023
DON'T FORGET: The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center 2023 Seafood Soirée takes place next Tuesday, Sept. 19.
We’re less than a week away from the 2023 Seafood Soirée and over the next several days, we’ll be highlighting the wonderful chefs and their signature small plates being featured at this year’s gala!
Representing Restaurante Algarve in New Bedford, Chef José Cabral will be making Sea Bass Ceviche featuring seafood provided by Red’s Best.
Visit our website to view the complete menu: https://fishingheritagecenter.org/dinner/
09/12/2023
New Bedford Port Authority Executive Director Gordon Carr stated, “While we are still uncertain of the storm’s track and potential impacts, we are preparing now for all contingencies, including prepping port assets and communicating to port users. Since we know New Bedford Harbor is a safe place during storm events, we are getting ready to provide as much capacity in the harbor as we can for as many commercial and recreational vessels that we can accommodate.”
Local harbormasters are keeping a watchful eye on Hurricane Lee as weather experts predict a possible collision with New England.
09/11/2023
REMINDER: Fishing Partnership Support Services kick off their fall safety season programming with First Aid & CPR in on Tuesday, September 19. You can register for the free program at the shared post.
Our fall safety season programming is kicking off with First Aid & CPR in on September 19th!
As fishermen, you are the at sea. This and course is enhanced to teach life-saving skills to assess and treat injured or ill crew on board your vessel before emergency medical personnel arrive. Those who complete this training will become certified in Adult First Aid/CPR/AED.
To register and learn more, view our calendar: https://bit.ly/3BFME4P
Commercial fishermen who attend will receive a FREE First Aid Kit customized for fishing vessels, and will be eligible for a rebate for 50% off a lifejacket through our Lifejackets for Fisherman program with Northeast Center Commercial Fishing Health & Safety.
Can’t make it to New Bedford? Mark your calendars for the next CPR/First Aid class in Gloucester on October 24th!
Port of New Bedford Eastern Fisheries, Inc. Atlantic Capes Fisheries, Inc. New Bedford Seafood Blue Harvest Fisheries New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center True value Standard Marine Outfitters Hercules SLR Life Raft & Survival Equipment - LRSE Reidar's Manufacturing, Inc. UMass Dartmouth Women of Fishing Families Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association New Bedford Light - A community-news organization SouthCoast Today U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Atlantic Shellfish, Inc. Alaska Marine Safety Education Association RI Seafood Lund's Fisheries Fleet Fisheries Inc. Commercial Fisheries News Fisherynation.com FV And Hard Working Commercial Fisherman U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic U.S. Coast Guard Northeast Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Local Catch Network All Things Lobstering Lobstermen
09/08/2023
Spectator information for this weekend's Azorean Whaleboat Regatta in Clark Cove, New Bedford.
For all who are coming to watch the Regatta this weekend....here are a few tips to share. We hope to see (and hear you cheering) this weekend.
09/07/2023
ATTENTION MARINERS: NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations will be in Fairhaven at the Northeast Maritime Institute with maritime career opportunities.
NOAA is home to the nation’s largest fleet of oceanographic research ships. With 15 ships in our fleet, OMAO operates worldwide to support diverse information programs, environmental stewardship services, and applied scientific research.
09/06/2023
DON'T FORGET - This special visitor to the 's Pope's Island Marina is open for tours through September 10. Tickets available here: https://tickets.velacuadra.es/content
09/05/2023
Volunteers needed for the Palmers Island Cleanup on Sept. 16. The landmark lighthouse is featured in the Port Authority logo.
Volunteers needed at our first cleanup on Palmers Island in New Bedford.
Can you help out on September 16 from 1-4 ? Free pizza from Domino’s! Headquarters at the bottom of Gifford St.
Sponsored with Pokémon Go Southcoast !!
09/01/2023
September 19 in New Bedford.
Our fall safety season programming is kicking off with First Aid & CPR in on September 19th!
As fishermen, you are the at sea. This and course is enhanced to teach life-saving skills to assess and treat injured or ill crew on board your vessel before emergency medical personnel arrive. Those who complete this training will become certified in Adult First Aid/CPR/AED.
To register and learn more, view our calendar: https://bit.ly/3BFME4P
Commercial fishermen who attend will receive a FREE First Aid Kit customized for fishing vessels, and will be eligible for a rebate for 50% off a lifejacket through our Lifejackets for Fisherman program with Northeast Center Commercial Fishing Health & Safety.
Can’t make it to New Bedford? Mark your calendars for the next CPR/First Aid class in Gloucester on October 24th!
Port of New Bedford Eastern Fisheries, Inc. Atlantic Capes Fisheries, Inc. New Bedford Seafood Blue Harvest Fisheries New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center True value Standard Marine Outfitters Hercules SLR Life Raft & Survival Equipment - LRSE Reidar's Manufacturing, Inc. UMass Dartmouth Women of Fishing Families Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association New Bedford Light - A community-news organization SouthCoast Today U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Atlantic Shellfish, Inc. Alaska Marine Safety Education Association RI Seafood Lund's Fisheries Fleet Fisheries Inc. Commercial Fisheries News Fisherynation.com FV And Hard Working Commercial Fisherman U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic U.S. Coast Guard Northeast Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Local Catch Network All Things Lobstering Lobstermen
08/31/2023
Nao Trinidad will be open for tours at Pope's Island Marina from Sept. 5-10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nao Trinidad, a replica of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan's 16th-century tall ship, is coming to New Bedford. You can explore and set sail on it.
08/30/2023
BREAKING NEWS: Destination New Bedford and Pope’s Island Marina will welcome Nao Trinidad, a replica of the 16th century tall ship that sailed with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, to the this September.
Destination New Bedford and Pope’s Island Marina welcome Nao Trinidad, a replica of the 16th century tall ship that sailed with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet that circumnavigated the world. This year marks the 500th anniversary of Magellan’s historic trip!
Tours will be available Tuesday September 5 through Sunday September 10 from 10AM to 8PM.
Check out our blog post with our guide to visiting the Nao Trinidad!
https://destinationnewbedford.org/blog/
08/30/2023
PORT CULTURE: Wonder if they got sea sick....? :-)
08/29/2023
REMINDER: The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Seafood Soirée takes place on September 19 at Cisco Brewers New Bedford.
Serving world-class drinks, beers, spirits and wines, and local seafood! Cisco Brewery New Bedford is located in New Bedford, MA.
08/28/2023
Great shot at the .
"A nice sunrise walk at the port. A shot of the Morrisey tall sail ship." Photo by JJ Richard.
08/25/2023
The fall Fishing Partnership Support Services training schedule is out.
Our Fall Training Schedule is Available! FREE classes in First Aid, Stability, Safety, and Drill Conductor.
Register today with one of our Navigators https://bit.ly/3BFME4P
These classes teach skills to help save lives. As a recent participant shared, "If you work on the water, I want you to come home safe every day."
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association Commercial Fisheries News Northeast Center Commercial Fishing Health & Safety Fisherynation.com Life Raft & Survival Equipment - LRSE Hercules SLR FV And Hard Working Commercial Fisherman U.S. Coast Guard Northeast U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Local Catch Network All Things Lobstering Lobstermen Port of New Bedford Eastern Fisheries, Inc. Atlantic Capes Fisheries, Inc. New Bedford Seafood Blue Harvest Fisheries New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center True value Standard Marine Outfitters Reidar's Manufacturing, Inc. UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science & Technology Women of Fishing Families Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association New Bedford Light - A community-news organization SouthCoast Today Cape Cod Times
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Atlantic Shellfish, Inc. RI Seafood Lund's Fisheries Fleet Fisheries Inc. Intershell Seafood Cape Seafoods, Inc. Rose Marine Service Gloucester Boats Gloucester Fresh Seafood Yankee Fishermen's Cooperative Gloucester Harbormaster New England Young Fishermen's Alliance
08/25/2023
Mark your calendar for this great sailing event!
08/24/2023
Sea and sky meet at the .
A crewmember of the Ernestina-Morrissey works on the rigging of the iconic schooner high above the State Pier in New Bedford.
📸Peter Pereira
To see more photos from Standard Times photographer Peter Pereira visit southcoasttoday.com.
08/23/2023
WATCH via New Bedford Cable Network.
US Senator Elizabeth Warren joins Mayor Jon Mitchell on a tour of the Port of New Bedford, including a look at the progress of offshore wind. August 2nd, 2023.
08/22/2023
While water temperatures are also warming in Buzzards Bay, local experts say this gradual change is less connected to the ocean, and more to seasonal weather conditions.
The growing prevalence of tropical water conditions and exotic fish off Massachusetts points to an increase in warm core rings forming along the Gulf Stream, according to a researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
08/21/2023
REMINDER: One week from today on Monday, Aug. 28.
The Greater New Bedford Waterfront Task Force is hosting a free Event in support of the Community. This event will take place at Leonard's Wharf, Port of New Bedford on August 28th from 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Come access a variety of services, including Tetanus Immunization, health/blood pressure screening, nutrition/health information, overdose education, distribution, (with rebate options), and receive information on local/state and federal regulations.
08/21/2023
Updated BASE Seafood Auction prices on Monday, Aug. 21 at the .
Prices from the Buyers and Sellers Exchange, updated daily.
08/21/2023
Walking tours centered around the from our friends at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
08/18/2023
The latest BASE Seafood Auction prices at the .
Prices from the Buyers and Sellers Exchange, updated daily.
08/18/2023
FOR THE LITTLE MATES AHOY: The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is holding a story contest for kids ages 8-10 as part of their new exhibit, "Sea Monsters: Real and Imagined." Create your own sea monster tale based on Erik Durant's "Octopus Attack" sculpture. Judges will be looking for original stories with a compelling plot. To enter the contest, email your story to [email protected].
Attention creative writers! We are holding a story contest for kids ages 8-10 as part of our new exhibit, "Sea Monsters: Real and Imagined." Create your own sea monster tale based on Erik Durant's "Octopus Attack" sculpture. Judges will be looking for original stories with a compelling plot. To enter the contest, email your story to [email protected]. Be sure to put "sea monster story" in the subject line. The contest deadline is Tuesday, October 10th!
"Sea Monsters: Real and Imagined" and associated programming are funded by the Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and New Bedford Cultural Councils, as well as a grant from the Westport Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by Bank of America, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, BankFive, BayCoast Bank, and a Community Impact Grant from Eversource.
01/27/2023
Congratulations to New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center on a successful - and sold-out - "School of Fish" cooking class! The next one happen Feb. 7. See shared link for details.
01/27/2023
REMINDER for today, Friday, Jan. 27.
Travelers are advised of temporary closures of Route 18/JFK Boulevard and MacArthur Drive near the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal Friday morning.
01/26/2023
WATERFRONT TRAVEL ALERT: Travelers are advised of temporary closures of Route 18/JFK Boulevard and MacArthur Drive in the vicinity of the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal (NBFMT) during the morning of Friday, January 27, 2023.
Demolition activity related to the ongoing construction of the NBFMT will require closures at the following locations for a brief period between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:
MacArthur Drive at Walnut Street (southbound)
Route 18/JFK Boulevard at Walnut Street (southbound)
Route 18/JFK Boulevard at Griffin Court (northbound)
MacArthur Drive at Griffin Court (northbound)
Address
123 MacArthur Drive
New Bedford, MA
02740
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| Wednesday | 8am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 4pm |
| Friday | 8am - 4pm |
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Comments
I took this on Saturday 4:23-2022 the trail that was being pumped in the water went clear back to the Coggeshall Street bridge what's happening here?
Congratulations to the Port of New Bedford on the upcoming construction of the North Terminal Expansion project!
This $27.9 million project "is a transformative port infrastructure project that will spur long-term economic growth ... and increased efficiency.”
As the Port Authority's lead consultant and engineer of record for the design for the terminal, we have been working toward this milestone since the City of New Bedford was awarded a grant for terminal design and construction in 2018.
We can’t wait to see the expansion become a reality!
This $27.9 million project "is a transformative port infrastructure project that will spur long-term economic growth ... and increased efficiency.”
As the Port Authority's lead consultant and engineer of record for the design for the terminal, we have been working toward this milestone since the City of New Bedford was awarded a grant for terminal design and construction in 2018.
We can’t wait to see the expansion become a reality!
What a great photo of the Guice Offshore LLC (“GO”)'s GO Pursuit from Blue Wave Imagery (www.bluewaveimagery.com)
The GO Pursuit's interesting project credits include drills, recovery in the and transporting “lugs” to support the recent just in .
Currently, the GO Pursuit is strategically located in , to meet the needs of the Northeast U.S. , and government communities and is offered to clients in concert with our partner, Ryan Marine Inc.
To check out the specs on this hard-working , go to www.guiceoffshore.com/fleet/go-pursuit
Port of New Bedford
The GO Pursuit's interesting project credits include drills, recovery in the and transporting “lugs” to support the recent just in .
Currently, the GO Pursuit is strategically located in , to meet the needs of the Northeast U.S. , and government communities and is offered to clients in concert with our partner, Ryan Marine Inc.
To check out the specs on this hard-working , go to www.guiceoffshore.com/fleet/go-pursuit
Port of New Bedford
Another major development on the waterfront this week — we're excited to welcome Foss Maritime Company to the Port of New Bedford. In activating a notoriously dormant waterfront site, the new terminal will help solidify the Port’s status as the East Coast’s leader in offshore wind, complement our fishing industry, and create job opportunities for our residents. I congratulate Andrew Saunders and Foss’s parent, Saltchuk Marine, for their skillful and persistent effort to close this important investment.
https://gcaptain.com/new-bedford-foss-terminal-opening-to-support-offshore-wind/?fbclid=IwAR1gnd123UTt6vlYpsAhxUe8fsIHIu21LBsnwb4S929o0WdkIX4Rv5I-Yb4
https://gcaptain.com/new-bedford-foss-terminal-opening-to-support-offshore-wind/?fbclid=IwAR1gnd123UTt6vlYpsAhxUe8fsIHIu21LBsnwb4S929o0WdkIX4Rv5I-Yb4
This project represents a major step in our effort to modernize the Port of New Bedford. It will enhance the long-term competitiveness of our maritime industries and help create quality jobs for our residents. I am grateful for the skill and determination of the Port of New Bedford team in overcoming legal, financial and engineering obstacles, along with the support of Senator Ed Markey and the Charlie Baker Administration, that have enabled the project to proceed. We look forward to working with D.W. White, a leading contractor in Greater New Bedford with a long history of responsible corporate citizenship.
The Port of New Bedford has the honor of being the most valuable commercial fishing port in the nation, and the hub of commercial fishing in the Northeast, but the city has no local voice representing it on the New England Fisheries Management Council.
Retired scallop fisherman Eric Hansen wants to be that voice.
Retired scallop fisherman Eric Hansen wants to be that voice.
Nation’s Leading Fishing Port Reacts To Federal Announcement of Offshore Wind Leasing In New York Waters
The Port of New Bedford, Massachusetts, the center of the East Coast commercial fishing industry, is offering mixed reaction to the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management’s (BOEM) announcement Wednesday that the agency will conduct a wind energy lease auction for six areas totaling 480,000 acres of the New York Bight in February.
https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/blog/news/nations-leading-fishing-port-reacts-to-federal-announcement-of-offshore-wind-leasing-in-new-york-waters/
The New Bedford fishing fleet--the nation’s top-grossing fleet--relies heavily on the fishing grounds of the New York Bight for its success. Given the importance of the Bight, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and the New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) have been actively engaged with BOEM regarding the development of the Bight for offshore wind energy projects.
In an April 2021 letter to BOEM Director Amanda Lefton, Mayor Mitchell, as Chairman of the Port Authority, recommended changes in the configuration of the proposed Bight lease areas to help reduce the impact on the Atlantic sea scallop industry and other fish species principally landed in New Bedford.
Specifically, the Mayor called for the southeastern boundary of the Bight’s Hudson South lease area to be shifted 5 miles to the west. The Mayor’s letter was followed in August 2021 by a second letter further explaining the need for a boundary adjustment.
With its announcement yesterday, BOEM responded to the New Bedford requests, agreeing to shift the boundary in question 2.5 miles to the west, as well as reducing the size of another Bight lease area, the so-called “Central Bight” area.
Mayor Mitchell commented on yesterday’s developments, “The overarching lesson from yesterday’s announcement is the importance of staying engaged and offering pragmatic solutions that are responsive to the concerns of both wind proponents and fishing interests. I appreciate the willingness of Director Lefton and the BOEM team to listen and adjust their approach based on the strength of the case we have made to them.”
Mitchell added, “This is by no means to say that the Port’s concerns with BOEM’s approach to offshore wind development in the Bight are all addressed. We will continue to call on BOEM to use the wind project permitting process to minimize the economic impact on commercial fishing, and, equally important, to ensure fishermen are compensated for any economic damages caused by wind project development.”
“I can’t emphasize enough how important the fishing industry is to our nation’s food security and how economically important the industry is to state economies of New England. The federal government should pursue a policy agenda that simultaneously takes into account the economic consequences to fishermen and the economic opportunities from offshore wind energy development. It’s not an “either/or” proposition. Federal regulators at BOEM and other agencies must consider both in all their decision-making,” said Mitchell.
For its part, New Bedford is uniquely positioned on issues of both economic impact and economic benefit. The Port is the largest and most profitable seafood port on the East Coast and also has the distinction of being home to the nation’s only purpose-built offshore wind staging facility, the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. The nation’s first industrial-scale offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind, will begin staging from the Commerce Terminal in 2023.
Advocating for an effective mitigation strategy is part of the Port’s commitment to ensuring that offshore wind advances in ways that safeguard the viability of our commercial fishing industry. Of particular concern to the Port is BOEM’s mitigation approach, which remains limited to consideration of environmental impacts. The Port’s position is that wind project mitigation plans need to consider economic impacts, given the size of the fishing industry: Thirty percent of the nation’s $5.5 billion seafood industry is landed in the Northeast, with seafood landings in the Port of New Bedford itself worth $450 million annually. In New Bedford, the scallop fishery alone is responsible for $300 million in annual landings.
A 2019 economic impact study of the Port of New Bedford conducted by Martin Associates and Foth-CLE Engineering Group determined that the regional seafood industry’s economic contribution comprises 39,000 jobs, $11 billion in local economic impact, $162 million in direct state taxes and $391 million in direct federal taxes.
Mitigation efforts also need to acknowledge that economic disruptions to commercial fisheries from wind farms will be felt across multiple states, not just those whose waters will host wind projects. While wind projects may be built off the coast of New York and New Jersey, their impacts will not be limited to those states. Large volumes of sea scallops caught off the coast of New York and New Jersey are landed daily in New Bedford, and fishermen who live in New England regularly fish in federal waters off the coasts of New York and New Jersey. Commercial fishing is an interconnected, region-wide industry, and needs a mitigation plan that is similarly broad in its scope.
The Port has therefore advocated for BOEM to take a proactive approach to its fisheries mitigation efforts by establishing definitive minimum standards for the mitigation process and requiring developers to use specific measures and methodologies to mitigate the impacts of offshore wind projects.
The Port of New Bedford, Massachusetts, the center of the East Coast commercial fishing industry, is offering mixed reaction to the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management’s (BOEM) announcement Wednesday that the agency will conduct a wind energy lease auction for six areas totaling 480,000 acres of the New York Bight in February.
https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/blog/news/nations-leading-fishing-port-reacts-to-federal-announcement-of-offshore-wind-leasing-in-new-york-waters/
The New Bedford fishing fleet--the nation’s top-grossing fleet--relies heavily on the fishing grounds of the New York Bight for its success. Given the importance of the Bight, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and the New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) have been actively engaged with BOEM regarding the development of the Bight for offshore wind energy projects.
In an April 2021 letter to BOEM Director Amanda Lefton, Mayor Mitchell, as Chairman of the Port Authority, recommended changes in the configuration of the proposed Bight lease areas to help reduce the impact on the Atlantic sea scallop industry and other fish species principally landed in New Bedford.
Specifically, the Mayor called for the southeastern boundary of the Bight’s Hudson South lease area to be shifted 5 miles to the west. The Mayor’s letter was followed in August 2021 by a second letter further explaining the need for a boundary adjustment.
With its announcement yesterday, BOEM responded to the New Bedford requests, agreeing to shift the boundary in question 2.5 miles to the west, as well as reducing the size of another Bight lease area, the so-called “Central Bight” area.
Mayor Mitchell commented on yesterday’s developments, “The overarching lesson from yesterday’s announcement is the importance of staying engaged and offering pragmatic solutions that are responsive to the concerns of both wind proponents and fishing interests. I appreciate the willingness of Director Lefton and the BOEM team to listen and adjust their approach based on the strength of the case we have made to them.”
Mitchell added, “This is by no means to say that the Port’s concerns with BOEM’s approach to offshore wind development in the Bight are all addressed. We will continue to call on BOEM to use the wind project permitting process to minimize the economic impact on commercial fishing, and, equally important, to ensure fishermen are compensated for any economic damages caused by wind project development.”
“I can’t emphasize enough how important the fishing industry is to our nation’s food security and how economically important the industry is to state economies of New England. The federal government should pursue a policy agenda that simultaneously takes into account the economic consequences to fishermen and the economic opportunities from offshore wind energy development. It’s not an “either/or” proposition. Federal regulators at BOEM and other agencies must consider both in all their decision-making,” said Mitchell.
For its part, New Bedford is uniquely positioned on issues of both economic impact and economic benefit. The Port is the largest and most profitable seafood port on the East Coast and also has the distinction of being home to the nation’s only purpose-built offshore wind staging facility, the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. The nation’s first industrial-scale offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind, will begin staging from the Commerce Terminal in 2023.
Advocating for an effective mitigation strategy is part of the Port’s commitment to ensuring that offshore wind advances in ways that safeguard the viability of our commercial fishing industry. Of particular concern to the Port is BOEM’s mitigation approach, which remains limited to consideration of environmental impacts. The Port’s position is that wind project mitigation plans need to consider economic impacts, given the size of the fishing industry: Thirty percent of the nation’s $5.5 billion seafood industry is landed in the Northeast, with seafood landings in the Port of New Bedford itself worth $450 million annually. In New Bedford, the scallop fishery alone is responsible for $300 million in annual landings.
A 2019 economic impact study of the Port of New Bedford conducted by Martin Associates and Foth-CLE Engineering Group determined that the regional seafood industry’s economic contribution comprises 39,000 jobs, $11 billion in local economic impact, $162 million in direct state taxes and $391 million in direct federal taxes.
Mitigation efforts also need to acknowledge that economic disruptions to commercial fisheries from wind farms will be felt across multiple states, not just those whose waters will host wind projects. While wind projects may be built off the coast of New York and New Jersey, their impacts will not be limited to those states. Large volumes of sea scallops caught off the coast of New York and New Jersey are landed daily in New Bedford, and fishermen who live in New England regularly fish in federal waters off the coasts of New York and New Jersey. Commercial fishing is an interconnected, region-wide industry, and needs a mitigation plan that is similarly broad in its scope.
The Port has therefore advocated for BOEM to take a proactive approach to its fisheries mitigation efforts by establishing definitive minimum standards for the mitigation process and requiring developers to use specific measures and methodologies to mitigate the impacts of offshore wind projects.
We love this reposted from Port of New Bedford!! Share your photographs with us of a snowy New Bedford scene!
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center has been busy installing exhibits around the city. The Port of New Bedford now houses two exhibits by local photographers Peter Pereira and Phillip Mello
-"The Working Waterfront: Photography of Peter Pereira"
-"Working on the Waterfront: Images of Shoreside Workers"
-"The Working Waterfront: Photography of Peter Pereira"
-"Working on the Waterfront: Images of Shoreside Workers"
The Port of New Bedford takes a look back at notable achievements on the waterfront in 2021
Chowderfest 2021 was an incredible return to a LIVE festival. We had some amazing restaurants competing from all over the region. With so much happening it was incredible to see so many restaurants in the Blount Fine Foods (Title Sponsor) New Bedford Seaport Chowderfest. Our own Katie Greene put together a fine tuned event, but we couldn't have done it without our sponsors and restaurants who came together to make certain we put on a festival for the community. Together we're stronger, and Chowderfest proved we stand together. Thanks to the Port of New Bedford for allowing us to have this event on scenic Pier3.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible:
Blount Fine Foods - Lead sponsor
Bask, Inc.
Isaksen Solar
BayCoast Bank
Servpro of Dartmouth / New Bedford
BayCoast Bank
Companies
Spindle City Auto Glass
RDA Insurance Agency
People Incorporated
Southcoast Health
Bristol County Savings Bank
Wind
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
First Citizens' Federal Credit Union
Miss Z Photography -Massachusetts Award Winning Newborn & Child Photography
Thank you to all the restaurants who competed:
Mike's Restaurant
The Black Whale
Moby Dick Brewing Co.
Faneek's
Cafe Italia Ristorante
The Tipsy Toboggan
Aliança Restaurant
No Joke Smoke BBQ
110 Grill
Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern
Butternut Bistro
Hong Meas Restaurant
Dough Company
The Kilburn Mill
Green Jar Catering
Pickled deli
Cove Surf and Turf
Our vendors as always were AMAZING!:
The Cocktail Guru
Moby Dick Brewing Co.
Bask, Inc.
Buzzards Bay Brewing
Cakes by Celeste
Thank you all for making this happen for our region. The Road Show was nice..but there's nothing better than partying with friends on Pier3 to finish off the summer.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible:
Blount Fine Foods - Lead sponsor
Bask, Inc.
Isaksen Solar
BayCoast Bank
Servpro of Dartmouth / New Bedford
BayCoast Bank
Companies
Spindle City Auto Glass
RDA Insurance Agency
People Incorporated
Southcoast Health
Bristol County Savings Bank
Wind
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
First Citizens' Federal Credit Union
Miss Z Photography -Massachusetts Award Winning Newborn & Child Photography
Thank you to all the restaurants who competed:
Mike's Restaurant
The Black Whale
Moby Dick Brewing Co.
Faneek's
Cafe Italia Ristorante
The Tipsy Toboggan
Aliança Restaurant
No Joke Smoke BBQ
110 Grill
Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern
Butternut Bistro
Hong Meas Restaurant
Dough Company
The Kilburn Mill
Green Jar Catering
Pickled deli
Cove Surf and Turf
Our vendors as always were AMAZING!:
The Cocktail Guru
Moby Dick Brewing Co.
Bask, Inc.
Buzzards Bay Brewing
Cakes by Celeste
Thank you all for making this happen for our region. The Road Show was nice..but there's nothing better than partying with friends on Pier3 to finish off the summer.
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