The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s new standing committee on offshore wind energy and fisheries will hold its first public meeting April 13 as a virtual webcast online.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Director Liz Klein will take part in the public introduction of the committee, which is to assist BOEM “in its efforts to engage the fisheries community as it manages the development of offshore wind,” according to a National Academies preview of the event.

“The standing committee will serve as a forum to discuss the state of science and pressing concerns related to the development of offshore wind and its potential impacts to fisheries,” according to the academies.

The event is scheduled for April 13 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, and requires advance registration. Meeting details, including a webcast link, registration form and agenda can be found online at Registration Instructions

The virtual open session will introduce the committee to the public and discuss the committee's goals.

It’s another effort at bridging the often rocky relationship between BOEM and fishing groups.

Despite notable efforts at cooperative research ­– including a recent, sweeping study of potential impacts from offshore wind development – other industry advocates see the federal government’s rapid drive to expand wind energy offshore as an existential threat to their fisheries and are fighting the agency in court. 

“Established at BOEM’s request, this new standing committee will help BOEM expand and improve its engagement and communication with the fishing community on offshore wind energy activities,” according to a BOEM public invitation to the committee’s opening session. “The committee will serve as an independent, credible forum to discuss the state of science and pressing concerns related to the intersection of offshore wind with fisheries.”