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Mariners warn of navigation and safety risks as turbine fields expand
Summary
Fishermen and mariners told the panel that large turbine arrays could complicate navigation and search-and-rescue operations without adequate AIS, lighting or cable remediation; they called for more robust safety planning and AIS on turbine platforms.
Commercial mariners told the panel that large, dense turbine fields create navigation hazards and complicate search-and-rescue operations. A veteran fisherman said conventional radar and visual cues are insufficient when turbines are built on diagonal patterns and recommended Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders on turbines.
"The best way is AIS... We ask them to just put AIS on every turbine that's virtual, meaning that once you get within a distance, it will activate and I'll be able to see it," said a fisherman, describing simulator tests that highlighted transit difficulties. Panelists also noted concerns about cable installation practices that leave boulders and other hazards on previously mobile-gear fishing grounds, calling for post‑construction remediation to reduce snag and safety risk.
The Commission said construction and safety will be topics for a follow-up session with construction and regulatory experts to address inspection, testing and emergency-response planning.
