Two commercial fishing groups from San Luis Obispo County have renewed their fight against a planned offshore wind project near Morro Bay, citing concerns about the potential impacts on the region’s fishing industry and marine environment. The Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Organization and the Port San Luis Commercial Fishermen Association filed the original lawsuit on Feb. 29 in San Luis Obispo Superior Court, targeting the California Coastal Commission and Equinor, operating under the name Atlas Wind. However, the groups filed another suit last month.
The two suits challenge the approval of site surveys for the proposed wind farm, arguing that the surveys are being rushed before enforceable mitigation plans are in place. The fishing groups claim that the developers are ignoring crucial steps to protect fishing and marine habitats, accusing Atlas Wind of fast-tracking operations without obtaining the necessary approvals from local fishermen and harbor districts, a requirement outlined by federal leasing agreements.
The groups have invested years negotiating with earlier wind developers to ensure protection for their livelihoods. When Castle Wind, a previous developer, entered agreements with the fishermen, the two parties established a mitigation fund to address potential disruptions. However, the new lawsuit alleges that Atlas Wind and other developers are now bypassing these collaborative arrangements.
“…in efforts to rush these projects across the starting line before anyone knows the impacts.,” the lawsuit states.
The complaint emphasizes that site surveys conducted without proper monitoring can cause severe harm to marine life. Past seismic surveys along the California coast have led to significant disruptions in marine habitats and declines in fish populations, with redfish catch rates reduced by 50 percent and spot prawn landings dropping 70 percent during previous operations. The fishermen fear similar consequences if the planned surveys proceed unchecked.
read more at nationalfisherman.com.
