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Dominion Energy

Partnerships / Mariners

Fishing Community

We captured this footage from the waters underneath the pilot project turbines, where the foundations are already attracting marine life. Learn more about CVOW’s environmental stewardship.

Our Commitment

At Dominion Energy, our goal is to build Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) in a manner that coexists with the fishing community to ensure it can thrive and continue to contribute to the wellbeing of Hampton Roads, Virginia and the nation.

Read more in Coastal Angler magazine here.

Supporting Research and Monitoring

Dominion Energy is partnering with Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and commercial fishermen to conduct pre- and post-construction fishery resource monitoring surveys to characterize population structures of Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata, Channeled Whelk Busycotypus canaliculatus, and Atlantic Surfclam Spisula solidissima Solidissima within and around the project area.

Semi-annual report expected Feb. 2025

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass

The study consists of eight strings of ventless traps with six traps per string. Sampling once per month, with a 48-hour soak and acoustic release buoys are utilized to recover the gear.

The study area includes locations south of the lease area and is currently taking place utilizing the VIMS R/V Bay Eagle to continue throughout 2024.

Channeled Whelk

Channeled Whelk

The study uses 18 strings of seven pots, a 48-hour soak time and recovery by acoustic release buoys.

This cooperative study will be completed in partnership with local commercial whelk fishermen, and activities will continue throughout 2024.

The study area includes the southern portion of the CVOW lease site (with future turbine locations) and a control area outside the lease area.

Clams

Atlantic Surfclam

The recently completed pre-construction Atlantic Surfclam study determined the clam resource in the study area are composed of the commercially harvested Atlantic surfclam (S.s. solidissima) and another subspecies of surfclam, Spisula solidissima similis. The majority of clams sampled were S.s. similis.

While a relatively high number of surfclams were found in the study area, the clams were almost exclusively below the 120mm minimum commercial harvest size limit, indicating the commercially exploitable biomass is low. Abundance was higher in the southern study area than in the northern sample locations. Clams aged five to six years were common, with a maximum age of nine years, indicating hindered survival prior to 2017 or beyond six years of age.

These results are important for assessing species abundance, guiding sustainable practices and identifying potential impacts to marine life.

Read the Full Study

Fisheries Resilience

Dominion Energy recognizes that commercial fishing and the CVOW projects share common ocean. We believe that with proper planning, outreach, communication and training, fishing gear interactions can be avoided, minimized and/or mitigated. Should an interaction occur, we are committed to funding a compensatory mitigation process that considers recommended BOEM guidelines. Please contact Ron Larsen and Michael Lewis for more information.

Monopile Reef Effect

Marine life thriving at the foundations of the pilot project turbines, which act as artificial reefs 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach

Upcoming Events

Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show

January 31–February 2, 2025

See Details

Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association Annual Fishing Flea Market

March 1, 2025

See Details

Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament

June 18–21, 2025

See Details

Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament

August 20–23, 2025

See Details

Speakers Bureau

We are available to discuss the project at club or association meetings for fishermen, divers or other maritime-related organizations by request. Contact us here.