Bottom Trawl Survey of the Maine Research Array Wind Energy Area to Begin October 15th

Please be advised that the Maine Department of Marine Resources will be conducting a bottom trawl survey of the Maine Research Array Wind Energy Area. Work will begin on October 15^th, 2024, and continue through November 31^st, 2024. Operations will be conducted during daylight hours.

The F/V Northern Lights (55' trawler) will transit from Portland to the sampling area. The crew will conduct approximately 37 twenty-minute tows with a modified shrimp trawl net at a speed of 2.5 knots. Sampling will occur over the course of 7-10 days during the sampling window. The specific locations of the trawls will be published at a later date. Trawl paths will be run before towing to make sure the path is clear of gear or other obstructions. Fisherman can relocate gear if they wish to minimize the chances of gear interference, however well-marked gear should be easily avoided during the course of this survey. The F/V Northern Lights will be monitoring VHF channel 16. Please see the attached map of the survey area.

The point of contact for this project is Ethan Taulbee, (207) 350-7582,[email protected]. If gear is lost, please contact Ethan or your local Marine Patrol officer.

• Maine Research Array Wind Energy Area.pdf