Fishermen Sue Empire Wind Over Lobster Trap Damage
Four New York commercial fishermen allege offshore wind construction damaged their gear and reduced their catch.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Utilities
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Four New York commercial fishermen filed suit on October 30 in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn against Empire Wind and Equinor Wind US over lobster-trap damage. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages in excess of $75,000, including punitive damages.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions between offshore wind development and traditional fishing communities in the New York Bight. It could shape how compensation for gear loss and fishing disruption is handled as large wind projects advance.
The plaintiffs estimate a $3.466 million economic loss, while Empire Wind offered $10,438 per vessel over seven years and denied $59,776 in gear-loss claims. Lobster and blackfish landings have reportedly dropped from 500 to 600 pounds per trip to under 75 pounds since construction began; the causal link has not been established.
The players
Empire Wind
Offshore wind project off Long Island's South Shore, consisting of 54 foundations, cables and an offshore substation, and located 14 miles from Jones Beach.
Equinor Wind US
U.S. arm of Norwegian energy company Equinor, which is a named defendant alongside Empire Wind in the suit.
The details
The suit alleges Empire Wind removed wrecks and artificial reefs from the seabed and raked the seabed to remove rock formations, then paved parts of it with gravel. It further claims the project's turbine operations create noise and vibration that stress American lobsters.
Timeline
- 2025: Empire Wind construction work began.
- October 30: Fishermen filed suit in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.
- Early next year: Empire Wind expects to begin tower, turbine and blade installation.
Market Landscape
New York's offshore wind buildout, including Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind, represents about $13 billion in combined construction cost. The fishermen's suit places the expansion's impact on the state's commercial fishing grounds in the New York Bight at the center of that buildout.
Commercial fishing households in the New York Bight face uncertain catch volumes and gear costs while the suit proceeds. Coastal residents may see offshore wind construction continue as installation of towers, turbines and blades begins next year.
The takeaway
Offshore wind projects can affect working fishing grounds, and disputes over gear loss and seabed work are likely to shape how developers compensate affected fishermen. Watching how the Brooklyn court handles the damages claims will show how these conflicts are resolved.
What happens next
Empire Wind expects to begin tower, turbine and blade installation early next year.
Further reading
Explore more New York utilities coverage for context on the state's energy infrastructure projects.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newsday.
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