Project Descriptions

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Oceanvest was engaged by the New England Fishery Management Council to conduct outreach and facilitate six workshops/listening sessions in various northeast fishing ports to introduce and discuss Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management, or EBFM. These sessions: confirmed some of the benefits of an EBFM approach, in lieu of single species fishery management; identified environmental factors that could be considered under such an approach; validated concerns held by fishermen and other stakeholders that were identified previously during outreach activities; and provided chances for the public and interested parties to identify new factors, such as disagreement with the current, draft delineation of the Georges Bank Ecological Production Unit and perceptions of potential winners and losers if a Fisheries Ecosystem Plan (FEP) option were implemented. fisheries on Georges Bank.

Oceanvest assisted the largest commercial shipyard in Rhode Island in developing and submitting a large federal MARAD grant for the 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Small Shipyard Grants. The grant request included 5 capital projects to enhance their efficiency, competitiveness, and capabilities to meet emerging clean energy markets.  The shipyard is currently constructing two Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) serving the offshore wind industry and two hybrid ferries contracted by the State of Maine. 

Oceanvest worked with the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund in 2019/2020to (a) develop a background report that details the mission of the GFCPF, its operations, and impact; and (b) facilitate focus group meetings with various key stakeholders (i.e., lenders/investors, fishermen, shoreside businesses, community members) to explore how to seize fishing opportunities and leverage the GFCPF’s 56 permits, valued at more than $11 million. We are now working with the Executive Director and Board to develop a strategic plan that will serve as the organization’s navigational chart for the next ten years. 

Oceanvest's work includes:: (a) the development of a strategic plan for the company; (b) leading interactions with BPDA and CZM regarding "Designated Port" issues in East Boston; (c) studying the coastal resiliency “economy” and developing strategies for positioning the firm to offer relevant services to meet a changing climate and a changing energy future; and (d) managing a consultant team to develop a master plan and development feasibility analysis of the active BTT site in East Boston.