Support California Fishermen: Submit Your Public Comment by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The California Coastal Commission has released their report on the Statewide Strategy for the Coexistence of California Fishing Communities and Offshore Wind Energy .

This report “fulfills the Commission’s duty to…convene a working group and develop a Statewide Strategy for ensuring that offshore wind energy projects avoid and minimize impacts to ocean fisheries to the maximum extent possible…” Local fishermen groups spent hundreds of hours meeting with various stakeholders in order to inform the report. Unfortunately, the guidelines created fall far short of their hopes of a positive outcome for the fishing industry.

Use the TALKING POINTS below to craft your own comment

and email  to 

osw@coastal.ca.gov by

FEBRUARY 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m..  

____________________________________________ 

Consider a paragraph at the top of your public comment summarizing your perspective. Below is an example of such a paragraph - but please do not just cut and paste - edit to make it your own.

Thank you for your efforts in creating this report. I want to acknowledge the fishing stakeholders for spending hundreds of hours reading and attending meetings in hopes of forging a fair and positive outcome for the fishing industry as it navigates the possibility of industrialization of the ocean to serve offshore wind energy interests. Unfortunately, the report has fallen short of that aim and I hope you can address the following concerns as soon as possible in an amended report. 

1.    PRIORITIZING CLIMATE GOALS OVER FISHING: The report starts off stating California’s Floating Offshore Wind energy will help meet the State’s “climate goals”, yet the stated purpose of the report is to provide a coexistence strategy between wind energy developers and local fishermen. Recognizing and protecting California’s fishing communities seems to be a secondary priority. Net zero goals are distinct from goals to protect fisheries, fishing resources and interests. Furthermore, in previous documents, even BOEM agreed that OSW will have a minimal impact on climate change.  

2.       NO ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM: The document only proposes “guidelines” and does not include enforceable guardrails. Without a binding enforcement mechanism for non-compliance, such as lease cancellation or hefty fines, there is nothing to force offshore wind corporations to comply. The lack of enforcement options leaves the fishermen in a very vulnerable position of relying on the good conscience of wind developers to follow through with promises made.  In light of the fact that these developers are actually multinational for-profit corporations, such voluntary policing seems highly irresponsible. Keep in mind that fishermen themselves are under very strict regulatory guidelines that ARE enforceable.

3.       INCOMPLETE INFORMATION ON HRG SURVEYS: The report reveals a  lack of accountability for potential impacts to biological resources from HRG site surveys. Impacts on biological resources are impacts to fishing and protection to fishing is required by the California Coastal Act. Large gaps exist in the science used by the CCC to determine that HRG surveys using AUVs and UTPs have minimal impacts to marine life. It is irresponsible for California government agencies to rely on their 2014 site survey permit structure that were designed for permits to dredge harbors and inspect sewage lines and cables. Those permits and technology are irrelevant to what is being proposed for floating offshore wind energy development. 

4.       NO BASELINE STUDIES: There is no requirement for baseline studies prior to commencing site surveys. How can potential harms to fish and other marine life populations be accurately studied or understood without first establishing a true baseline? We urge you include a requirement for BACI (before-after-control impact) studies for site surveys.  

Hybrid format 

Fort Bragg Town Hall
363 N. Main Street
Fort Bragg CA 95437

Wednesday September 10th - Friday September 12th, 2025

CALL TO ACTION:

Go to the meeting website here:

https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/9

Once on the meeting agenda, click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.

After a review of the agenda, there does not appear to be any specific OSW issues, but it is important to continue to speak before the Coastal Commission.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT:

1.  Remind that an Operations and Maintenance (O & M) Port may entail, such as New  Bedford Mass, where the turbines are towed for repairs.

2.  Inform that REACT Alliance will be proceeding on "business as usual" in the efforts against OSW, even with the most recent actions by the president.

3. Inquire about their understanding of the cost of the energy produced?  Most data states that 3-4 times more than other energy sources.  How will the low income residents of CA afford this cost?

4.  Demand (AGAIN) the Coastal Staff heed the many studies that have been provided to them that counter many of the "assumptions" they have made in issuance of their permits.

5.  Discuss the transmission plan from the Energy Dept that shows many additional lease sites and transmission line landings. 

6.  Reiterate the impacts to the fishing industry, including increased large vessel traffic, navigation hazards, decreased upwellings, EMF leaks, migration and breeding patterns impacted from noise and EMF of High volt cables, and mass killing of benthic habitat and species from high decibel mapping close to the ocean bottom floor.

7. Discuss the concerns of the “Big Sur Coastline” famous viewshed that people travel from all over the world to see, now potentially filled with giant 300’ OSW service vessels, oil rig sized substations, and hundreds of 1000 ft. wind turbines?

8. Share your concerns about the lack of ANY relevant public outreach for the project as well as the 3 feasibility studies at Port San Luis and the feasibility study in Morro Bay.

Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf

Hybrid format 

The Cliffs Hotel

2757 Shell Beach Drive,

Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Wednesday July 9th - Friday July 11th, 2025

CALL TO ACTION:

Attend in Person!

The Coastal Commission only comes to the Central Coast once or twice per year so this is a grand opportunity.

Plan on attending on Thursday, July 10th, public comment is at the top of the meeting around 9:15 a.m. Register to speak here:

https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/7

Once on the meeting agenda, click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.

And if you are not comfortable speaking, please attend and support the efforts of REACT Alliance in opposing Offshore Wind.

IF SPEAKING, HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT:

1.  Remind that an Operations and Maintenance (O & M) Port may entail, such as New  Bedford Mass, where the turbines are towed for repairs.

2.  Inform that REACT Alliance will be proceeding on "business as usual" in the efforts against OSW, even with the most recent actions by the president.

3. Inquire about their understanding of the cost of the energy produced?  Most data states that 3-4 times more than other energy sources.  How will the low income residents of CA afford this cost?

4.  Demand (AGAIN) the Coastal Staff heed the many studies that have been provided to them that counter many of the "assumptions" they have made in issuance of their permits.

5.  Discuss the transmission plan from the Energy Dept that shows many additional lease sites and transmission line landings. 

6.  Reiterate the impacts to the fishing industry, including increased large vessel traffic, navigation hazards, decreased upwellings, EMF leaks, migration and breeding patterns impacted from noise and EMF of High volt cables, and mass killing of benthic habitat and species from high decibel mapping close to the ocean bottom floor.

7. Discuss the concerns of the “Big Sur Coastline” famous viewshed that people travel from all over the world to see, now potentially filled with giant 300’ OSW service vessels, oil rig sized substations, and hundreds of 1000 ft. wind turbines?

8. Share your concerns about the lack of ANY relevant public outreach for the project as well as the 3 feasibility studies at Port San Luis and the feasibility study in Morro Bay.

Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf

Hybrid format 

Island Palms Best Western

2015 Shelter Island Drive

San Diego, CA

Wednesday June 11, 2025 - Friday June 13, 2025

CALL TO ACTION:

There are not specific offshore wind issues on the agenda but below are some suggestions for comment.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT:

1.  Remind that an Operations and Maintenance (O & M) Port may entail, such as New  Bedford Mass, where the turbines are towed for repairs.

2.  Inform that REACT Alliance will be proceeding on "business as usual" in the efforts against OSW, even with the most recent actions by the president.

3. Inquire about their understanding of the cost of the energy produced?  Most data states that 3-4 times more than other energy sources.  How will the low income residents of CA afford this cost?

4.  Demand (AGAIN) the Coastal Staff heed the many studies that have been provided to them that counter many of the "assumptions" they have made in issuance of their permits.

5.  Discuss the transmission plan from the Energy Dept that shows many additional lease sites and transmission line landings. 

6.  Reiterate the impacts to the fishing industry, including increased large vessel traffic, navigation hazards, decreased upwellings, EMF leaks, migration and breeding patterns impacted from noise and EMF of High volt cables, and mass killing of benthic habitat and species from high decibel mapping close to the ocean bottom floor.

7. Discuss the concerns of the “Big Sur Coastline” famous viewshed that people travel from all over the world to see, now potentially filled with giant 300’ OSW service vessels, oil rig sized substations, and hundreds of 1000 ft. wind turbines?

Remember you need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page here, and click on the “MEETINGS” tab.

https://www.coastal.ca.gov

Once on the specific meeting agenda, click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.

Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf

Hybrid format 

Oceano Hotel
280 Capistrano Road
Half Moon Bay CA 94019

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Friday, May 9, 2025

CALL TO ACTION:

UPDATE - The below item has been removed from the agenda due to Dr. Southall being unavailable - but please plan to speak during general public comment - see below for ideas on topics!

Based on the published agenda, on Friday, May 9th there is a presentation under Item - 7 Energy, Ocean Resources & Federal Consistency.

Report by the Deputy Director on permit waivers, emergency permits, immaterial amendments & extensions, negative determinations, matters not requiring public hearings, and status report on offshore oil & gas exploration & development. For specific information contact the Commission’s Energy, Ocean Resources, and Federal Consistency Division office at (415) 904-5240. Submit Comments

1. Informational Briefing on Marine Mammal Research - Briefing by Dr. Brandon Southall, Southall Environmental Associates, Inc., covering recent research on the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine mammal.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR TOPICS TO SPEAK ON:

1.  Remind that an Operations and Maintenance (O & M) Port may entail, such as New  Bedford Mass, where the turbines are towed for repairs.

2.  Inform that REACT Alliance will be proceeding on "business as usual" in the efforts against OSW, even with the most recent actions by the president.

3. Inquire about their understanding of the cost of the energy produced?  Most data states that 3-4 times more than other energy sources.  How will the low income residents of CA afford this cost?

5.  Demand (AGAIN) the Coastal Staff heed the many studies that have been provided to them that counter many of the "assumptions" they have made in issuance of their permits.

6.  Discuss the transmission plan from the Energy Dept that shows many additional lease sites and transmission line landings. 

7.  Reiterate the impacts to the fishing industry, including increased large vessel traffic, navigation hazards, decreased upwellings, EMF leaks, migration and breeding patterns impacted from noise and EMF of High volt cables, and mass killing of benthic habitat and species from high decibel mapping close to the ocean bottom floor.

8. Discuss the concerns of the “Big Sur Coastline” famous viewshed that people travel from all over the world to see, now potentially filled with giant 300’ OSW service vessels, oil rig sized substations, and hundreds of 1000 ft. wind turbiMarchnes?

Remember you need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page here for the March meeting.

https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/5

And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.

Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf

Hybrid format 

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel

633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - Friday April 11, 2025

CALL TO ACTION:

Based on the published agenda, there are no specific Offshsore Wind reports so public comment should be during the general public comment period at the beginning of each meeting. Here are some ideas for topics:

Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.

OR HERE ARE SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR TOPICS TO SPEAK ON:

1.  Review of the successful National Day of Action - End It event, both locally and nationally.

2.  Remind that an Operations and Maintenance (O & M) Port may entail, such as New  Bedford Mass, where the turbines are towed for repairs.

3.  Inform that REACT Alliance will be proceeding on "business as usual" in the efforts against OSW, even with the most recent actions by the president.

4. Inquire about their understanding of the cost of the energy produced?  Most data states that 3-4 times more than other energy sources.  How will the low income residents of CA afford this cost?

5.  Demand (AGAIN) the Coastal Staff heed the many studies that have been provided to them that counter many of the "assumptions" they have made in issuance of their permits.

7.  Inquire about their understanding of the action that president took in regard to OSW?  

8.  Discuss the transmission plan from the Energy Dept that shows many additional lease sites and transmission line landings. 

9.  Reiterate the impacts to the fishing industry, including increased large vessel traffic, navigation hazards, decreased upwellings, EMF leaks, migration and breeding patterns impacted from noise and EMF of High volt cables, and mass killing of benthic habitat and species from high decibel mapping close to the ocean bottom floor.

10. Discuss the concerns of the “Big Sur Coastline” famous viewshed that people travel from all over the world to see, now potentially filled with giant 300’ OSW service vessels, oil rig sized substations, and hundreds of 1000 ft. wind turbiMarchnes?

Remember you need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page here for the March meeting.

https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3

And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.

Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf

Hybrid format 

Courtyard Marriott - Santa Cruz

Wednesday, March 12 2025 - Friday March 14, 2025

CALL TO ACTION:

Based on the published agenda, there are no specific Offshsore Wind reports so public comment should be during the general public comment period at the beginning of each meeting. Here are some ideas for topics:

Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.

OR HERE ARE SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR TOPICS TO SPEAK ON:

1.  Review of the successful National Day of Action - End It event, both locally and nationally.

2.  Remind that an Operations and Maintenance (O & M) Port may entail, such as New  Bedford Mass, where the turbines are towed for repairs.

3.  Inform that REACT ALliance will be proceeding on "business as usual" in the efforts against OSW, even with the most recent actions by the president.

4. Inquire about their understanding of the cost of the energy produced?  Most data states that 3-4 times more than other energy sources.  How will the low income residents of CA afford this cost?

5.  Demand (AGAIN) the Coastal Staff heed the many studies that have been provided to them that counter many of the "assumptions" they have made in issuance of their permits.

7.  Inquire about their understanding of the action that president took in regard to OSW?  

8.  Discuss the transmission plan from the Energy Dept that shows many additional lease sites and transmission line landings. 

9.  Reiterate the impacts to the fishing industry, including increased large vessel traffic, navigation hazards, decreased upwellings, EMF leaks, migration and breeding patterns impacted from noise and EMF of High volt cables, and mass killing of benthic habitat and species from high decibel mapping close to the ocean bottom floor.

10. Discuss the concerns of the “Big Sur Coastline” famous viewshed that people travel from all over the world to see, now potentially filled with giant 300’ OSW service vessels, oil rig sized substations, and hundreds of 1000 ft. wind turbiMarchnes?

Remember you need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page here for the March meeting.

https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3

And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.

Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/3https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf