Conflict or coordination? An analysis of the Southern New England offshore wind - fisheries policy network

Abstract

Offshore wind represents a growing part of coastal states’ energy portfolios. While it stands on the brink of rapid expansion in the United States, reaction from ocean users is mixed, with commercial fishers representing the most vocal opposition. Recent events suggest that fisheries conflict may represent a barrier to advancing the growth of U.S. offshore wind, yet little is known about the inner workings of this conflict nor how actors interact to try to influence policy outcomes. This research utilized policy networks and the advocacy coalition framework to assess the ways in which fishers, fisheries advocates, and others interacted with each other, government agencies, and wind developers within the context of offshore wind farm decision-making in southern New England, U.S. Data collected through a questionnaire were used to perform a social network analysis. Findings revealed one baseline communication network, and a similarly configured coordination network, rather than multiple advocacy coalitions. Degree and betweenness centrality measures revealed highly influential roles of one fisheries advocacy organization and two wind developers. Information/advice and trust networks were also analyzed; in-degree centrality measures revealed the influence of two federal fisheries offices, as well as the same fisheries organization, as credible and trustworthy. Overall, results reveal that while coordination was taking place, conflict was also fueled through the dominant influence of private industries and the lack of prominence of a neutral bridging organization. Recommendations for practice include integrating a bridging organization and facilitating a more influential role of respected government agencies to mitigate conflict.