An area south of the Island near where several offshore wind energy companies have secured leases could soon be studied due to the potential adverse effects on cod spawning grounds.

Vineyard fishermen no longer pursue cod in these waters. The fishing boats plying these waters left years ago. Cod are gone.

Will we be the last generation to enjoy cod in New England?

Codfish Nursery Plan Promoted

Tom Osmers of West Tisbury Leads Effort to Bring Back Cod Through
the Use of Saltwater Hatcheries on the Island

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

Cod, once the most valued fish in Vineyard and New England waters,
has been in severe decline for years.

Now, to help the fish recover, a group of Island fishermen are
moving ahead with a plan to open and operate a cod nursery on the
Vineyard.

The old wooden sailboat up on blocks inside the shed at the
Martha's Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown doesn't
look like much.

The white lapstrake boat, less than 20 feet in length, has not been
in the water since it was brought to the society in December 1936 from
Menemsha Creek. The paint has come off in many places. There is little
chance she will ever float again.

The Atlantic codfish, once the most important fish in the waters of southeastern New England, is on the verge of collapse. Conservation measures that have restricted fishermen throughout the Northeast over the last three decades may have only delayed an inevitable long-term death march for the cod, scientists and fisheries managers say.

While fishermen continue to harvest cod, scientists report that cod stocks are so depleted on Georges Bank there may not be enough fish left to bring about recovery, unless drastic measures are taken to protect the female population.