Spatial analysis of fishing tows with Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to inform offshore wind layouts

Objective

The coexistence of fisheries and offshore wind depends in part on the feasibility of fishing within turbine arrays. This paper explores the value of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to measure tows of commercial trawl and dredge vessels as quantitative indications of their spatial characteristics to inform offshore wind assessments.

Methods

Public records from the AIS provide objective, detailed data supporting the measurement of fishing tows from recent years. Patterns and dimensions were examined from 45 trawl and dredge trips of 35 vessels.

Result

Although vessels spread some trips over large areas, they also make multiple passes in swaths as narrow as 0.3 nautical miles (NM). Turns are made by towing the gear through an arc ranging from 0.2 NM to more than 1 NM in diameter or by hauling gear to the boat and turning in less than 0.1 NM. These practices are confirmed by fishing captains.

Conclusion

These objective data from actual fishing trips could be valuable in considering the feasibility of fishing in wind farms and planning appropriate layouts. This first effort provides too small a sample to be considered representative, but it may demonstrate the concepts and encourage further research. Techniques could be refined and extended to other regions and activities, as expanding marine interests share limited space.