Fishing for Space in the New Blue Economy: Conflict, Cooperation and Co-existence among Fishing, Aquaculture and Wind Industries in Southern New England Working Waterfronts.

Ebbin, Syma, Nat Trumbull, University of Connecticut Avery Point

Working waterfront space is limited, leading to competition for coastal space among waterfront dependent, and non-waterfront dependent industries. The ascendance of offshore wind power in the US is squeezing already scarce port resources, exacerbating competition for these spaces, and generating conflicts. The Biden administration’s prioritization of wind energy generation has augmented demand for port space to serve as production, staging and marshalling areas for this offshore development. Although the development of wind power will occur offshore, Northeast US ports are anticipating port use by wind companies. This paper examines the allocation of waterfront space among the fishing, aquaculture and wind industries in select ports in southern New England. Emerging wind power in the Blue Economy looks to reshape port usage, creating opportunities for competition, cooperation and co-existence. This paper explores the processes by which port space is being (re)allocated and examines the generation of conflicts and cooperation among competing stakeholders.