Green Oceans on Martha's Vineyard
The Impact of Offshore Wind on Martha’s Vineyard
The Epicenter
Martha’s Vineyard’s pristine Gayhead cliffs and the beautiful South Shore beaches will lie in the epicenter of the MA/RI Wind Energy lease area. The U.S. Government plans to install up to 1000 turbines, each taller than any building in Boston, just off our beaches. Learn more about the height of the turbines here.
The Wampanoag Tribe Joins the Fight
Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head speaks about the Tribe’s 10,000-year history on the Island and how offshore wind industrialization has desecrated their sacred ancestral lands and waters. Read her declaration here.
Protests
Green Oceans supporters from Martha’s Vineyard joined the rally in New Bedford on January 18th to protest the industrialization of the ocean. Watch the video of the rally here. You can also watch the protest flotilla captured on video here.
Residents Care
Charterboat Captain ‘Buddy’ Vanderhoop
Buddy’s ancestors—as fishermen, whalers, and farmers—have inhabited Martha’s Vineyard for at least 10,000 years. He, himself, has been fishing in the wind lease areas for over 65 years. He owns and operates Tomahawk Fishing Charters. He reports, from first-hand knowledge, that the fishing has collapsed since the beginning of the offshore wind construction.
The Captain Speaks Out
Buddy discusses his disillusionment with the US Government and the process that has allowed these projects to invade our coastal waters. Read Buddy’s declaration here.
Fishing
Even if you enjoy fishing amidst an industrial park, the fish have disappeared. Pile driving during construction kills and drives away the fish, the monopiles create dangerous hazards to fishing vessels, and the onslaught of industrial vessels destroys the peacefulness of the ocean. Fewer whale sitings have occurred as well. Watch the clip above or find out more about offshore wind and fishing here.
Blade Debris
Blade debris washed up on Martha’s Vineyard for weeks after the collapse off Nantucket. Blades fail at a much higher rate than anticipated. Martha’s Vineyard will be situated to receive the fallout from any blade that fails in the MA/RI lease area. Read more about blade failures and plastic pollution.
Residents Speak Out
John and Sue Zarba, the original founders of Preserve Martha’s Vineyard have now joined forces with Green Oceans.
The Flotilla
Green Oceans supporters joined fishermen to protest the industrialization of the ocean in the summer of 2024. A flotilla of vessels visited the Vineyard Wind project lease area and examined the blade failure up close. View a video of the caravan protest against the Vineyard Wind Project here.
The Industrialization of Martha’s Vineyard
Offshore Wind is neither Clean nor Green
Developers must take out special permits for the amount of pollution they emit during construction.
Light Pollution at Night
Nighttime light pollution can decrease melatonin production, increase the risk of cancer, and degrade mental health. Even residents on Cape Cod, over 35-40 miles away can easily see the Vineyard Wind lights at night.
They told us we would not see them.
Developers and politicians have been telling the public that we will not see the turbines from our shores or beaches. Clearly, they were wrong.
The Martha’s Vineyard Team
Sue Zarba
Co-Director of the Martha’s Vineyard Division
Sue Zarbo co-founded "Preserve Martha's Vineyard" with her husband John, driven by concerns about offshore wind's impact on ocean health and the island's ecosystem. Merging with Green Oceans, Sue contributes her expertise in environmental preservation and sustainable energy to the cause. Her background in Construction Engineering, with a focus on Solar Energy, underpins her commitment to eco-friendly solutions. Sue's experience in green building and Net Zero construction strengthens the organization's efforts to protect marine environments while promoting sustainable practices.
Contact: suez@green-oceans.org
Bob Sparks
Historian
Martha's Vineyard resident of 40+ years, Bob brings a historian's perspective to ocean conservation and the Green Oceans organization. This retired history professor, with a PhD from Boston College, specializes in Island and Wampanoag Tribe history. Bob's community involvement includes founding Island Group Real Estate and the Martha's Vineyard Rotary Club, plus serving on the Edgartown Planning Board. His passion for preserving the Vineyard's natural heritage led him to join PreserveMV. Bob advocates for protecting the island's waters from offshore wind industrialization, emphasizing the need to honor the Wampanoag Tribe's 10,000-year stewardship of the land and sea.
John Zarba
Co-Director of the Martha’s Vineyard Division
John, a seasoned Creative Art Director, now applies his expertise to ocean conservation. His career highlights include spearheading Staples' EcoEasy Initiative, pioneering corporate sustainability efforts. As a Martha's Vineyard resident, John's passion for fishing and boating fuels his commitment to marine preservation. He leverages his creative skills and environmental awareness to protect our oceans, striving to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.
Contact: johnz@green-oceans.org
Captain William "Buddy" Vanderhoop Jr.
Tribal Liaison
Captain William "Buddy" Vanderhoop Jr., a proud Wampanoag Tribe member, embodies Martha's Vineyard's rich maritime heritage. Descending from a 10,000-year lineage of fishermen and whalers, Buddy founded Tomahawk Charters 38 years ago, offering premier fishing and whale-watching experiences. Known as the "charter captain to the stars," he's guided celebrities like John Krasinski and Keith Richards. Buddy's deep connection to his Wampanoag roots drives his commitment to preserving native lands and heritage. He shares fishing knowledge with tribal youth and advocates for sustainable fishing practices as a member of the New England Fisheries Management Council. Buddy's storytelling and dedication to environmental stewardship reflect his tribe's philosophy of humanity's essential role in nature, inspiring others to protect Martha's Vineyard's unique ecosystem and cultural legacy.
Brian Athearn
Development Officer
Martha's Vineyard native Brian Athern balances technology and tradition as founder of MV Tech Inc. and President of the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society. His commitment to sustainability shines through the Martha's Vineyard Hunt Club's venison donation program and Runamok Farm's eco-friendly practices. A "Spirit of the Vineyard" award recipient, Brian now channels his island expertise and community leadership into ocean conservation, safeguarding the marine environment vital to Martha's Vineyard's heritage and future.
Eli Schwartz
Development Officer
Eli, a real estate developer passionate about historic preservation, specializes in sustainably renovating commercial properties in Providence and Boston. He co-founded an eco-tech startup tackling plastic waste recycling and actively supports environmental initiatives. His collaboration with the Rhode Island Audubon Society led to legislation limiting harmful pesticides, protecting birds and pollinators. Splitting time between Boston and Aquinnah, MA, Eli now applies his expertise in sustainable practices to ocean conservation efforts, safeguarding marine ecosystems alongside historic and urban environments.
Read about the effect offshore wind turbines have on property values.