Boating safety a priority as cable-laying starts for offshore wind project in Bay
The Better Bay Alliance held a public workshop recently with Ørsted and their Revolution Wind project, which is being built this year along with a cable installation in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. About 40 people attended the April 25 workshop at Innovate Newport.
Dave Lussier, president of The Better Bay Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing boating safety in Rhode Island waters, underscored the significance of proactive communication with the public regarding upcoming operations that could affect boating safety, including the installation of the wind farm and cabling in Narragansett Bay.
“The Better Bay Alliance is not in any partnership with Ørsted and we are not an endorsing or supporting organization, but rather simply an interested party that wants the boating public to fully understand what their plans are so that boating safety in our waters remains a priority for all users of our waterways,” Lussier said.
The Alliance has developed Live Chart — a tool that illustrates specific areas and schedules for the cable laying process, ensuring that stakeholders remain informed. Additionally, the organization disseminates news about various events and activities on the water. Live Chart is free and easily accessible on the BBA website: betterbayalliance.org.
Information about wind farm developer activities in and out of Narragansett Bay can do nothing but help mariner safety. The hope is that more information meetings like the one held by The Better Bay Alliance occur in other parts of the Bay as needed so boating safety remains a priority.
Boy Scouts learn art of fly-tying
The Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association partnered with the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America and offered 25 scouts the opportunity to earn Fly-Fishing Merit Badges.
“The Scouts came from NY, MA, CT and RI to participate in this two-day comprehensive endeavor," Jeff Perry of the WPWA stated. "Ten volunteer instructors from Trout Unlimited, the United Fly Tyers of RI, the RI Saltwater Anglers Association, Fly Fishing International and the Rhody Fly Rodders helped these scouts accomplish 10 of the 11 requirements, [the fish however were not cooperative].”
Many of the scouts had no fly-fishing experience. And before and during the outing, they were able to false cast and roll cast 30 feet, tie two flys, tie five knots, discuss environmental issues, safe practices and other requirements.
Where’s the bite?
Freshwater fishing. For a list of stocked trout ponds, visit Designated Trout Waters | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management; in Massachusetts, visit mass.gov/freshwater-fishing. Fishing for largemouth bass continues to improve as we are in the prespawn period now with water warming.
Striped bass. “Baitfish were jumping in the Cape Cod Canal this week. The herring run continues to produce and some small bass have been caught in Buzzards Bay outside of the Ditch. Famed Canal Rat 'Bull' MacKinnon did well in April, landing four stripers last week, including a 30-inch keeper on his white pencil,” said "East End" Eddie Doherty. Ed Lombardo, fly fishing expert, instructor and guide, said: “Fished the Narrow River [Narragansett] last week; was very slow landing four bass in three days. The water temperature on the upper river is 52 degrees; we generally look for 58 degrees this time of year. Not much bait around either.” Elisa Cahill of Snug Harbor Marina reported: “Striped bass fishing has improved with large fish now starting to be caught. And the worm hatch is upon us. One warm day last week and Ninigret Pond came alive and the bass fishing was on. Other ponds will start popping, too, as things warm up.” Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle in Charlestown said: “We had stripers up to 25 inches long taken at the Breachway this week. More than a few very small school bass were caught as well, mostly in the white wash at your feet.” Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle in Providence said: “Striped bass to 40 inches have been caught in the upper reaches of the Providence River with more larger fish being caught every day. White- and bone-colored swimming and surface lures are working for customers.”
Tautog. Angler John Migliori, who fished Aquidneck Island for tautog from shore Sunday, said: “I recognized the bite when it hit and I reacted just in time to set the hook, and knew right away that I had a good fish on landing a 21-inch , 6.52-pound tautog.” O’Donnell said: “In the spring, tautog females migrate along the coast to spawn, typically depositing their eggs in mussel beds. This time of year, crabs, sandworms and clams make good tautog bait.” Cahill said: “It has been a mixed bag for anglers targeting tautog with the best results happening south of Block Island.”
Squid fishing has been on and off. When they are in, they are in, and anglers are doing well from shore and from boats from the Newport Bridge area.
Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business that focuses on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy and fisheries-related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net or visit noflukefishing.com.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Boating safety a priority amid offshore wind project in Narragansett Bay
