New Bedford Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Acknowledgments This report was prepared for the City of New Bedford, New Bedford Port Authority, and the New Bedford Economic Development Council by Utile, Inc. April 2019
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Contents 01 New Bedford: A Port City 7 Context 7 The City of New Bedford 10 The Port of New Bedford 12
02 What We Do Now 16
05 NBOC Economic Development Strategy 49 Building Brand Awareness Creating Unique Infrastructure Supporting Homegrown Business and Talent
54 56 60
Credits 63
Commercial Fishing 17 Seafood Processing 20 Offshore Wind 22 Research and Technology 24 Cargo 26 Aquaculture 28
03 The New Bedford Ocean Cluster 30 Industry Focus Areas Marine Data Bank/Exchange
34 35
04 A Great Place To Do Business 36 Talent and Expertise Robust Supply Ecosystem Economic Infrastructure Supportive Public Partners Opportunities for Development
38 39 40 41 42
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Executive Summary
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ew Bedford is the world’s most famous whaling era seaport and the number one commercial fishing port in America. While our history is rich both on land and at sea, it is our city’s future that excites leaders in business, development, government, and education.
A recent partnership with the Iceland Ocean Cluster Network out of Iceland officially made the New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) a part of a global network of Ocean Clusters, a partnership committed to sharing knowledge and developing business opportunities for their member organizations. This initiative has put New Bedford on the global stage, highlighting the tremendous progress New Bedford has already made and continues to make in commercial fishing and the marine sciences. The NBOC exemplifies the City’s commitment to pushing forward innovative new business ventures on- and off-shore.
New Bedford is experiencing a revival—a new era of innovation and discovery. Traditional maritime industries are transforming, building upon existing strengths in order to set itself apart from national and international competition. Sophisticated planning initiatives, support from local government, and collaboration amongst maritime-related We welcome you to join us on this journey as we businesses are fostering new and innovative ways chart the course in marine innovation. of doing business, integrating traditional maritime industries with emerging marine science and technology, to make new and existing businesses and operations more productive, sustainable, and profitable.
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Regional Context
01 New Bedford: A Port City New Bedford is a port city like no other. We have always been a city that thinks big and embraces change. Our success is driven by a firm belief in cross-sector collaboration and industry transparency, enabled by cooperation, innovation, and entrepreneurship in traditional maritime industries and beyond. Context Located within a thriving regional maritime network, New Bedford has long positioned itself as the long-standing center of commercial fishing on the East Coast. Port activities have historically served as the lifeblood of this coastal community. However, growth in emerging sectors such as offshore wind and research and technology introduce other opportunities to capitalize on the City’s strategic location along Buzzard’s Bay. Situated along the SouthCoast Blue Economy Corridor stretching from Rhode Island to Cape Cod, New Bedford is at pivotal location at a pivotal moment in time.
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South Coast Blue Economy Corridor
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Academic Industry
Port of New Bedford
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01. NEW BEDFORD: A PORT CITY
The City of New Bedford New Bedford is the world’s most famous whalingera seaport and the top commercial fishing port by value in America. However, the Port and its maritime history are only on aspect of our vibrant City. A diverse community, high quality of life, breadth of cultural and recreational activities, and a thriving economy make New Bedford the perfect place to call live, work, and play. »»
The city has a diverse, vibrant year-round population of almost 100,000, including the largest Portuguese-American community in the United States.
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New Bedford draws visitors from around the world to celebrate its rich history and thriving arts scene. There are over 20 galleries and museums downtown, including the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the National Historical Park.
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The City remains committed to providing recreational opportunities for its residents, as evident in its six major parks; 24 neighborhood parks; 12+ miles of trails and bikeways; 26 acres of beaches; and numerous baseball, football, and soccer fields. Most residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
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New Bedford was named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations in the U.S. in 2011 and ranked as the most creative city in the Commonwealth by the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2017.
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New Bedford’s location provides access to roadways, regional rail corridors, airports, and its proximity to other metropolitan hubs and regional assets makes it a further advantageous location.
New Bedford has a vibrant year-round population with a rich history and dynamic culture.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
The City
Employment
Activity
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20 square miles with 3 miles of coastline
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$3,300,000,000 of direct business revenue is generated from the Port of New Bedford
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Growing population of 94,958 (2015 census)
44,504 jobs and 3,272 businesses; more than 5,400 jobs have been created in New Bedford since 2010
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38% Portuguese ancestry
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The Port supports 6,225 direct jobs with annual wages of $320 million
The Port’s $9.8 billion of economic impact represents 2% of Massachusetts’ GDP
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$38,364 median household income
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Manufacturing represents 14% of total employment
The City hosts over a dozen cultural festivals throughout the year
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129% increase in marine science employment in the region since 2000
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38% increase in attendance at cultural attractions since 1999
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59% increase in culture and tourism related employment in the region since 2000
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150 artists working throughout the city that draw collectors and buyers from Boston, Providence and Cape Cod
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75% of residents have a commute time less than 30 minutes
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More than 70 parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas New Bedford Regional Airport year round service to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Florida and Fast Ferry service providing 125,000 annual trips to the islands
QUEST CENTER
seafood Seafood
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01. NEW BEDFORD: A PORT CITY
The Port of New Bedford The Port of New Bedford is a self-sufficient international port with a full spectrum of marine services across industries, including fishing, fish processing, cargo, recreation, ferry service, marine tech, offshore wind, ship repair, and more. Located within a thriving regional maritime network, New Bedford has already positioned itself as the longstanding center of commercial fishing on the East Coast. »»
The Port of New Bedford is integral to the global seafood supply chain, home to 45+ seafood processors that collectively handled and processed 390 million pounds of domestic and foreign seafood in 2014, 35% of which was landed locally. All seafood that enters the port is distributed and consumed locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
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While committed to its thriving commercial fishing industry, the City is experiencing an industrial revival on its waterfront, building off of its existing strengths to cultivate new businesses in new and emerging industries within the blue economy. These new opportunities leverage the city’s existing assets through collaboration and innovation.
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New Bedford is paving the way for new approaches in integrating traditional maritime industries with emerging marine sciences and technology, making new and existing businesses and operations more productive, more sustainable, and more profitable.
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Initiatives like the New Bedford Ocean Cluster exemplify New Bedford’s enthusiasm to enter new markets and industries outside of commercial fishing.
The Port is a self-sufficient international port with infrastructure in place to support current and future operations.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Between 2015 and 2018, the total economic value of the Port of New Bedford grew by $1.4 billion, a remarkable growth driven attributed to an increase in the seafood industry and the ship repair business.
2018 Port of New Bedford Economic Impact Year after year, the port of New Bedford ranks as the number one commercial fishing port by value of catch in the United States with five times the annual landings of the next largest port. The fiscal impact of the Port of New Bedford is immense. A 2018 economic impact study found that New Bedford’s maritime economy generates $11.1 billion in annual economic value for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, employing over 40,000 individuals and generating over $1.9 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
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02. WHAT WE DO NOW
In 2018, commercial fishing/seafood processing activity in the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor generated 6,808 direct jobs including jobs with local shipyards, chandlers, repair shops, retail stores, suppliers of fishing gear, insurance brokers, restaurants, retail stores, and fish processing and cold storage operations
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
What We Do Now
02 New Bedford is leading the way in innovative and collaborative thinking around maritime industries, accelerating the development of new industries and emerging technologies. 16
NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
A longstanding leader in commercial fishing, New Bedford has a rich history of fishing and port activities. Year after year, New Bedford ranks as the highest grossing commercial fishing port in the United States.
Key Industries in the Port of New Bedford
However, fishing is only part of the story; knowledgeable experts, a skilled workforce, and experienced organizations in the maritime industry are pushing New Bedford forward
Commercial Fishing
Research and Technology
Seafood Processing
Aquaculture
Offshore Wind
Cargo
in industries such as seafood processing, research and technology, offshore wind, and more. New Bedford is paving the way for new approaches in integrating traditional maritime industries with emerging marine science and technology, making new and existing businesses and operations more productive, more sustainable, and more profitable.
While commercial fishing grounds the success of the Port of New Bedford, existing and emerging industries are shaping the waterfront today.
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02. WHAT WE DO NOW
Commercial Fishing New Bedford has positioned itself as a national leader in the commercial fishing industry with 169.9 million pounds of fish and shellfish moving through the port each year. For the 18th consecutive year, the Port of New Bedford is the top U.S port in value of commercial fishery landings. »»
The Port of New Bedford is the number one commercial fishing port by catch value in the U.S. with five times the annual landings of the next largest port. New Bedford’s success elevates Massachusetts as the third highest state by value of catch.
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Harvested species include scallops, groundfish, monkfish, surf clams, ocean quahog, lobster, skate, mackerel, butterfish, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and more.
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New Bedford’s proximity to renowned fishing locations such as Georges Bank, the Great South Channel, and Nantucket Shoals makes it an ideal location for a commercial fishery.
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Commercial fishermen from Maine, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida call on the Port of New Bedford for offloading, servicing and repair.
Over 4,400 people are employed by New Bedford’s commercial fishing industry.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Promoting Transparency within the Industry The Port of New Bedford and its partners is committed to fostering transparency within the commercial fishing industry. Over the past year, the Buyers and Sellers Exchange (BASE) has been working with LegitFish, a private technology firm, to develop traceability software for all seafood that is bought and sold through the auction. Seafood traceability has long been a complex issue within the seafood industry, and BASE’s investment in this technology will allow consumers and regulatory bodies the ability to trace seafood from harvest to sale at one of the highest volume seafood dealers in the country’s most valuable commercial fishing port.
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Integrating Technology Dr. Kevin Stokesbury, a fisheries scientist from UMass Dartmouth’s School of Marine Science and Technology has partnered for several years with Danny Eilertsen, a long-time scalloper, on video trawl surveying of George’s Bank and the Gulf of Maine to study the number and species of fish in each area. Their work is one example of many in New Bedford where the commercial fishing industry works hand-inhand with scientists and other professionals from UMass Dartmouth SMAST to perform cooperative science that furthers research while advancing the bottom line.
consecutive year as
HIGHEST VALUE PORT
Catch Value | $389 million Catch Volume | 110 million pounds
2017 Commercial Fishery Landings by U.S. Port Ranked by Dollars 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
New Bedford, MA…………………............... $389.5 million Dutch Harbor, AK…………………….................... $173.0 million Naknek, AK……………………………....................... $154.0 million Kodiak, AK……………………………........................ $152.0 million Alaska Peninsula (Other), AK……….......... $111.5 million
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02. WHAT WE DO NOW
Seafood Processing The Port of New Bedford supports fishing economies across the Eastern Seaboard. We are home to over 44 fish wholesale companies, 75 seafood processors, and 20 seafood production, preparation, and packaging companies. All seafood that enters the port domestically or from abroad is distributed and consumed locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. »»
Commercial fishing and processing supported $11.0 billion of total economic activity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Seafood processing operations in the New Bedford area alone represented $6.9 billion of this figure.
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In 2018 seafood valued at approximately $427.0 million was landed in New Bedford Harbor and an additional 275.3 million pounds of domestic and international seafood were processed.
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Sea scallops accounted for the largest seafood type processed and landed in New Bedford, accounting for more than 30% of the landed catch in 2018. At the height of the season, over 500,000 pounds of scallop meat may cross New Bedford docks in a single day.
Seafood processing is a massive industry in New Bedford, even separate from commercial fishing.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Seafood Landings at the Port of New Bedford 2014
Out of state and foreign landings 250 million pounds
Local Landings 140 million pounds
390 million pounds of domestic and foreign seafood landings in 2014
100% Fish Out-of-State Fishing Vessels Utilizing Municipal Docks 2017 Rhode Island 13
New York/Connecticut 2 Virginia 32
100% Fish Utilization The Port of New Bedford is currently investigating opportunities to increase fish utilization, exploring a 100% Fish model based on similar approaches in countries like Iceland. Alternative uses for fish-by products in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals create added value. It is estimated that at least 1.5 million metric tons of fish by-products are discarded in the U.S. per annum, resulting in a value loss of potential $655 million. New Bedford is committed to exploring these alternative uses, decreasing waste and increasing overall value.
New Jersey 39
132 total out-of-state vessels Maine 10
North Carolina 36 21
02. WHAT WE DO NOW
Offshore Wind New Bedford is poised to become the center of the Massachusetts Offshore Wind industry due its proximity to existing wind farms, infrastructure, and supportive state and local policy. We are in the process of securing leases for a number of sites and are facilitating workforce training and education programs to meet the demands of this booming industry. Potential Impact of Massachusetts Wind The Massachusetts clean energy sector is an $11.4 billion industry in Massachusetts and represents 2.3% of the overall Massachusetts economy. It employs over 109,000 workers across the Commonwealth, an 81 % since 2010. Massachusetts waters have the largest technical offshore wind potential of any state in the contiguous U.S., with a net technical resource of over 1,000,000,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) per year. New Bedford is poised to tap into this potential, helping the Commonwealth meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandate, addressing the retirement of aging power plants, providing economic development opportunities for Massachusetts and New Bedford businesses, and creating thousands of jobs for residents. New Bedford Wind Energy Center The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that there will be 43,000 jobs in offshore wind by 2030. The City of New Bedford’s Wind Energy Center has partnered with Bristol Community College (BCC), located in the heart of downtown New Bedford. The university is conducting customized research into offshore wind workforce requirements and economic impact, working with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management leaseholders. Furthermore, the university offers classroom-based instruction and hands-on experience with assembly, installation, operation, and maintenance and has offered a core wind technician curriculum since 2013. The Marine Commerce Terminal, located along the Port of New Bedford, is the first purpose-built wind facility in the U.S.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
New Bedford
Fairhaven N
Ocean Lease Areas New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal The Marine Commerce Terminal, a 29-acre facility managed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, is a multi-purpose facility designed to support the construction, assembly, and deployment of offshore wind projects. The first purpose-built wind facility in U.S. and the highest load capacity terminal in the East Coast, the terminal features 28 acres of land for assembly and lay-down, heavy lift capabilities, 25,000 SF of office and warehouse space, and access to utilities, fire protection, potable water, and wastewater disposal.
Lease OCS-A 0486 (Deepwater Wind) Lease OCS-A 0487 (Deepwater Wind) Lease OCS-A 0500 (Bay State Wind) Lease OCS-A 0501 (Vineyard Wind) Lease OCS-A 0520 (Equinor Wind US) Lease OCS-A 0521 (Mayflower Wind) Lease OCS-A 0522 (Vineyard Wind)
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02. WHAT WE DO NOW
Research and Technology New Bedford is at the center of a thriving marine science and technology industry cluster on Buzzards Bay, offering partnership and collaboration opportunities for research, technology, and product development. »»
New Bedford is a critical node within a historically strong cluster of marine science firms based in New England. Of the 500 marine technology firms located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine—which employ over 55,000 people and generate $7.7 billion in annual sales—60% of are located within an hour’s drive of New Bedford.
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The city is home to a productive and highly skilled maritime workforce with access to 50,000 college graduates annually. The city is also situated within a regional maritime research hub centered around Buzzard’s Bay and anchored by major research institutions, offering an even larger pool of expertise and talent from which to draw from.
UMass Dartmouth opened its $55 million School for Marine Science and Technology building, dubbed SMAST East, in 2017.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
South Coast Blue Economy Corridor In the last ten years, the South Coast region has seen significant employment growth in the Marine Science & Technology sector and the area is poised to become a vibrant ecosystem of blue economyrelated businesses. New Bedford is a natural and well-established center of this evolving Marine-Tech cluster. In fact, UMass Dartmouth was recently awarded a $600,000 EDA Grant to develop research around the SouthCoast Blue Economy Corridor and is creating a “Future of Work Academy and Boot Camp” to prepare traditional and non-traditional SouthCoast workforce for emerging technologies in the maritime sector. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Blue Technology The Port of New Bedford is actively collaborating with partners in the burgeoning sectors of IoT (The Internet of Things) and Blue Tech (networked technology focused on maritime uses and ocean health), with the goal of transforming New Bedford’s existing strengths in the commercial fishing industry and its growing aquaculture and offshore wind industries. Current IoT applications include advances in port security, fish stock monitoring, catch quota and management, shipping logistics and more. Education, Training, and Research Institutions Local universities and institutions including UMass SMAST, Bristol Community College, and the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute are accelerating education and training programs that have direct applications to emerging industries including fisheries science, offshore wind, marine renewable energy, and ocean observing/remote sensing. These and other regional institutions are accelerating education and training programs that have direct applications to emerging industries including advanced research into fisheries science,
Buzzards Bay Watershed Offshore Boundary
02. WHAT WE DO NOW
Cargo The Port of New Bedford is a major intermodal shipping center with numerous local and regional opportunities for the staging and storage of shipped goods and commodities.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
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Strategically positioned to support import and export trade, the Port of New Bedford is just 20 nautical miles (32 km) from the Cape Cod shipping canal, 83 nautical miles (134 km) south of Boston and 166 nautical miles (267 km) north of New York.
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In 2018, a total of 312,000 tons of cargo moved through the marine facilities owned by the Port of New Bedford. These 312,000 tons included petroleum, aggregates, and imported fruits. Aggregates handled at the Port of New Bedford are often shipped to Cape Cod for construction projects. Clementines from Morocco are the largest imported fruit at the port.
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In 2018, 1,231 jobs were generated by the marine cargo, ferry and marina activity within the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor: 571 directly employed individuals, 400 induced jobs supported by the purchase of the 571 directly employed individuals, and 259 direct jobs as a result of the $43 million of local purchases by firms directly dependent on non-seafood activity at the marine cargo and marina facilities.
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Cargo generated $89 million in business revenue in 2018. A total of $11.0 million of state and local taxes were also generated by the marine cargo, ferry, and marina activity in the Harbor with an additional $21.0 million of federal taxes.
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Staging areas in all three of the major marine terminal areas in the Port and at the adjacent New Bedford Rail Yard are all supported by port, truck, rail, and air transportation
New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal The Marine Commerce Terminal, located in the Port, has a high capacity quayside that is supported by a complex system of cofferdams, a pile-supported marginal wharf and geotechnicallycompetent, dense aggregate that allows for heavy uniform and concentrated loads. Whereas many ports have a small quayside area specifically designated as the single hard point, over 21 acres of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal’s main Terminal site has the ability to sustain uniform loads of 4,100 pounds per square foot (20 metric tons per square meter) and concentrated loads of up to 20,485 pounds per square foot (100 metric tons per square meter). This loading capacity allows for cranes of all sizes to be mobile throughout the site, increasing the efficiency of the work and providing logistical flexibility. The highest uniform load capacity cargo facility quayside on the East Coast, the Terminal is capable of supporting a 1,350 metric ton crane lifting a 500 metric ton load at a 30 meter radius along the entire 1,000-foot (305-meter) new bulkhead and throughout the more than 21-acre main facility.
1,231 jobs
generated by the marine cargo, ferry and marina activity in the Harbor in 2018
571 direct jobs 400 induced jobs 259 indirect jobs
Landside Connectivity In addition to the Port’s proximity by sea, the Port of New Bedford offers tremendous landside connectivity. It is easily accessible via Interstates I-95 and I-93, Mass Route 128, Route 140, Route I-195, and Route 24, and the active rail-yard offers direct rail access.
A total of $11.0 million of state and local taxes were generated by the marine cargo, ferry and marina activity in the Harbor plus $21.0 million in federal taxes.
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02. WHAT WE DO NOW
Aquaculture Aquaculture has become a massive industry in Massachusetts, with a 526% growth between 2005 and 2015. The City of New Bedford presents the greatest opportunity for commercial scale aquaculture in the South Coast given its location, political support, and extensive seafood infrastructure already in place. »»
Over 15 species of fish and shellfish are cultivated along the Massachusetts coast for food, research, biomedical, sport, and ornamental purposes. Interest in new species such as sugar kelp is growing as permit holders explore alternative uses ranging from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics.
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A 2018 report funded by Coastal Enterprises, Inc. of Portland, Maine indicates that aquaculture could become a significant contributor to the local economy in the South Coast, with New Bedford presenting the biggest opportunity for growth in the immediate future.
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The NBOC is creating an aquaculture-specific incubator to connected emerging aquaculture enterprises with technical assistance and training programs, and develop a network for those invested in the industry.
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The City is also exploring the potential to waive residency requirements to draw in outside growers and attract larger-scale, commercial, multiple worker farms.
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In 2018 the New Bedford Port Authority released a Request for Information to gauge interest about opening areas of the Port to aquaculture.
UMass Dartmouth opened its $55 million School for Marine Science and Technology building, dubbed SMAST East, in 2017.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Potential Growout The City of New Bedford has worked extensively with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to identify and detail potential locations for both nursery culture and grow-out operations. The Port has authorized almost 8,400 acres of water in two zones, BB13 and BB14. »»
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BB13: Clark’s Cove, on the west side of Clark’s Point, features 810 acres of water located between South Dartmouth and Southern New Bedford. Clark’s Cove is conditionally approved for shellfishing, with closures based on rainfall levels. BB13 has convenient access points and it’s relatively sheltered waters, Clark’s Cove is more ideally suited for nurseries to support growout sites in BB14, or as standalone nursery sites, supporting floating upwellers and floating pouches/bags where shellfish are kept prior to moving to another site to grow to their legal size. If utilized as nurseries, floating pouches/bags must be located in water deeper than 5 feet MLLW, to limit impact on wild harvest.
BB13
Off
BB14: BB14 contains 7,642 acres of water south of New Bedford. The area is to the west of the entrance channel into New Bedford harbor in Buzzard’s Bay. With water depths of 25-50 feet, the area is 4 nm from the West Rodney French Boat Ramp in New Bedford and 5 nm from the Hurricane Barrier protecting the Port of New Bedford. The majority of BB14 is approved for shellfishing year round and not subject to rainfall closures.
r sho eB oun y dar
Approved Conditionally Approved Restricted BB14
Conditionally Prohibited Prohibited
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The New Bedford Ocean Cluster
03 The NBOC serves as a link between traditional maritime operations and innovations in emerging technology.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Established in 2017 as a partnership between the Port Authority and Spherical Analytics, the New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) is a business, research, and entrepreneurial network focused on fostering collaborative relationships and developing start-ups and partnerships in marine sectors.
The NBOC exemplifies the City’s commitment towards cultivating an innovative, collaborative, and well-connected maritime community, and promoting a sustainable Port in which various industries can successfully coexist and tackle issues such as sustainable fisheries, ocean health, coastal resilience, and 100% Fish.
The NBOC was created to connect marine entrepreneurs and innovators with established maritime-based businesses along the waterfront to create, test, and brainstorm new ideas and technologies that increase efficiency and/or add value to the sector. The NBOC serves as a link between traditional maritime operations and emerging tech innovation, as well as an incubator that supports startups and entrepreneurs looking to work with and enter established industries.
The NBOC serves both as a connector and an incubator for new and existing businesses in New Bedford across a number of marine industries.
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03. NEW BEDFORD OCEAN CLUSTER
New Bedford is one of five international ports within the Ocean Cluster Network, a global network that expands New Bedford’s reach by providing its members access to entrepreneurs, businesses, and knowledgeable experts in the marine industries. Together, this network is leading the way in emerging industries such as information technology, biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, and aquaculture.
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NEW BEDFORD charting the Course in Marine Innovation
03. NEW BEDFORD OCEAN CLUSTER
NBOC Industry Focus Areas Through the NBOC, the Port of New Bedford is focused on enhancing the City’s existing strengths in commercial fishing, while advancing new programs, startups and technology partnerships in the following four industry areas: »»
Commercial Fishing, Processing, and Fish By-Products Leveraging New Bedford’s thriving fishing industry, the NBOC is exploring opportunities to enter new market niches that rely on utilization of the entire fish for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, a 100% Fish model promoted by the Iceland Ocean Cluster.
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Research and Technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) The NBOC is pushing New Bedford forward in deploying the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blue Technology in traditional maritime industries, enabling research into more sustainable fisheries and resiliency in coastal areas. One of the NBOC’s first major initiatives has been the development of a Marine Data Bank.
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Offshore Wind The NBOC is working to connect stakeholders in the offshore wind industry with the appropriate tools and resources to lead the way in offshore wind, while also ensuring transparency surrounding the impact of wind operations on adjacent port activities.
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Aquaculture The NBOC is taking the lead in building a formal incubator program around aquaculture, promoting an aquaculture-specific network, and developing comprehensive training programs for fishermen and youth.
The NBOC is currently focused on innovation within the following four industries: commercial fishing, research and technology, offshore wind, and aquaculture.
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NEW BEDFORD charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Marine Data Bank /Exchange Objectives: »» Create a regional advisory/stakeholder committee »»
Utilize Spherical Analytics’ platform to course, ingest, proof and blockchain-ledger applicable data sources within a defined area of operation and/or targeted supply chain
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Provide descriptive and predictive analytic models and visualizations
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Support community and market outreach and education of the power of these data/analytics
While the pilot program focuses on by-catch avoidance, regulatory compliance, and sustainable fisheries, the Marine Data Bank will be applicable and replicable to all aspects of the Blue Economy, including:
Commercial Fishing & Seafood Processing
Marine Research & Technology
Cargo, Freight, Shipping & Trade
Expected Outcomes: »» Streamline compliance with existing and emerging regulations »»
Support fishermen in using their data as a financial asset
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Provide trust and transparency to the fishery supply chains
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Create pedigree/branding of product for traceability and marketing
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Create value for the larger Ocean cluster network through the NBOC
Offshore Wind
Aquaculture
Tourism/ Recreational Boating
Ocean Health & Coastal Resilience
Fish By-Products
The Marine Data Bank embodies the goal of the NBOC to bring together stakeholders to communicate, share ideas and information, and make better decisions through high quality data.
Economic Development & New Businesses
Digital Data Exchange The NBOC is collaborating with Spherical Analytics to create a Marine Data Bank that will serve as a ‘digital data exchange’ for maritime industry stakeholders in New Bedford and beyond. This central repository will ingest data, providing all participating organizations, businesses, and individuals the ability to access, share, trade or even license their data to maximize productivity and efficiency, and create commercial potential and growth within the sector. While still in development, this Marine Data Bank has the potential to help existing businesses better understand past, present, and future maritime conditions.
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A Great Place To Do Business
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The city has everything you need for your business to thrive.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
The success of the Port of New Bedford—and the city as a whole—is made possibly only through the hard and soft infrastructure that makes New Bedford unique: its talent, supply chain, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and supportive public partners. Our talented workforce, development potential, and prime location along Buzzards Bay create excellent opportunities for business relocation, growth, and development. We feel fortunate that so many unique and innovative businesses call New Bedford home.
New Bedford offers the amenities necessary to make business happen. Across sectors and within marine industries in particular, we offer unrivaled: »» Talent and Expertise Across Marine and Related Industries »» A Robust Supply Ecosystem »» Economic Infrastructure Fostering Innovation »» Support from Public Partners »» Opportunities for Development
As a successful port city, New Bedford has the state-of-the art infrastructure in place for new businesses to evolve and prosper.
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04. A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
Talent and Expertise New Bedford’s talent and expertise is its biggest asset. The local and regional community offers unparalleled expertise in traditional and emerging maritime industries. A skilled regional workforce and world-renown institutions provide an unmatched knowledge base and driving force for innovation in the 21st century. Our Talent Pool Diversity and versatility in maritime expertise including fishing, cargo, recreation, ferries, marine tech, offshore wind, ship repair, etc. Our Institutions UMass SMAST and other world-renown institutions at the local and regional level are conducting research to propel forward innovative maritime solutions Training in Emerging Industries Research institutions and other organizations are already conducting workforce training for emerging sectors within offshore wind technology, IoT marine applications, fish byproducts, and aquaculture
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Robust Supply Ecosystem Successful supply-side businesses and timetested infrastructure function like a well-oiled machine. This hard and soft infrastructure enable existing and new businesses to thrive. Port Infrastructure Infrastructure including the freight network, hurricane barrier, offloading docks, and harbor itself provide effective and efficient physical hard infrastructure on which to do business. Landside Access and Connectivity The Port provides access and connectivity via Interstates I-95 and I-93, Mass Route 128, Route 140, Route I-195, and Route 24, and direct rail access and an active rail-yard. Existing Supply Chain The City has an integrated and robust network of technical and professional landside services, which provide services and expertise that new businesses are able to tap into, including maintenance and repair facilities, shipwrights and vessel craftsman, ice houses, welders, gear manufacturers, engineers, maritime attorneys, insurance brokers, and countless other shore-side supportive services. 39
04. A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
Economic Infrastructure Innovation happens every day everywhere in New Bedford. The City works hard to facilitate and support entrepreneurship so that businesses of all sizes can thrive. Environment that Supports Innovation New Bedford is one of the most innovative places in the South Coast and always evolving to foster more innovation. Programs like the Quest Center for Innovation provide an avenue for new connections and new ventures to take shape. Entrepreneurship There is tremendous support for entrepreneurial enterprises and small-scale businesses in New Bedford through programs like Entrepreneurship for All and Groundwork, an affordable and inspiring coworking space for creatives, startups, and freelancers alike. Potential for Business Scalability Support exists not only for new businesses but for existing ones as well. There are a plethora of initiatives to help you scale your business model, including professional networks and programs offered by the Economic Development Council.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Supportive Public Partners
Our institutions understand how important marine-based businesses are to our City’s economy. The City of New Bedford, Port Authority, Economic Development Council, and other actors are working diligently with new and existing businesses to foster crosssector collaboration and integrate the Port into citywide planning efforts. Sophisticated Planning Efforts Citywide planning efforts provide the framework for a sustainable and resilient future, both on land and on water. Careful consideration of the Port, a major economic driver for the City, is a critical part of this future. Recent planning efforts including the 2016 Waterfront Framework Plan and 2018 Port Authority Strategic Plan integrate and build off of these citywide planning efforts.
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04. A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
Opportunities for Development Unlike New Bedford’s competition, the Port of New Bedford has something unique: developable land along the waterfront. Recent initiatives like the 2016 Waterfront Framework Plan have identified two areas along the New Bedford Port for targeted development and new businesses: »» Focus Area North: the Hicks-Logan-Sawyer (HLS) area to the north of New Bedford »» Focus Area South: Sprague/Eversource parcels just south of Leonard’s Wharf in the South Four census tracts along the waterfront were recently designated as Opportunity Zones, or areas eligible for incentives under the Opportunity Zone Program created in 2017 through the U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 A new 76,000 research facility for UMass Dartmouth SMAST has funneled investment along South Rodney French Boulevard, another area for potential redevelopment
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Focus Area South (FAS) in the 2016 Waterfront Framework Plan This site, situated along the central waterfront, emerged in the 2016 Waterfront Framework Plan planning process as a key redevelopment area. This area will support the existing water-dependent commercial and industrial businesses that form the backbone of New Bedford’s waterfront economy. These businesses include traditional business, such as fishing, cargo handling, and boat repair, and emerging industries, such as off-shore wind. In addition to providing room for existing businesses to expand and new businesses to establish themselves, this redevelopment area will provide a critical connection between New Bedford’s historic downtown and the vibrant working waterfront. 43
04. A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
Focus Area South
Fostering a Connection to the Downtown through a Marine Innovation District Focus Area South also presents an opportunity for public access to the working waterfront through municipal piers, including a new public walkway adjacent to the southern edge of Leonard’s Wharf, A rendering from the 2016 Plan illustrates this potential through a A new seafood offloading facility or other active use will act as a draw to visitors, providing additional services to the fishing industry while supporting New Bedford’s tourism industry. Redevelopment in this area could be viewed through the lens of a “marine innovation district,” creating a node of activity for marine industries while encouraging the public to appreciate the fishing industry that defines the New Bedford waterfront. 44
NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Public Access and Connection to the Downtown Connection to Port and Existing Infrastructure
JFK Memorial Highway
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04. A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
New Bedford has everything your business needs to call the city home: a successful port, vibrant community, thriving downtown, supportive public partners, and opportunities for growth. We welcome you to join us as we chart the course in maritime innovation!
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
NBOC Economic Development Strategy
NBOC ECONOMIC STRATEGY
The Blue Economy
The global blue economy is a $1.5 trillion industry with many market segments. New Bedford is strategically located to seize several immediate opportunities and begin laying foundations to take advantage of emerging opportunities Immediate Opportunities »»
Offshore Wind Energy
»»
Aquaculture and Fisheries
»»
Tourism
Emerging Opportunities
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
»»
Hydrokinetic Energy
»»
Biotechnology
»»
Ocean Monitoring and Surveillance
New Bedford Development Opportunities
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NBOC ECONOMIC STRATEGY
The Goal Leverage New Bedford’s coastal position, marine knowledge base, and landside capacity to drive employment and wealth creation for New Bedford residents through a dynamic approach to targeted business recruitment, creation of unique economic infrastructure, skill development, and support for homegrown ocean economy companies
1 Continue building “brand” awareness to ensure New Bedford becomes home to new businesses and talent.
2 Continue creating unique infrastructure that draws research and business interest.
3 Continue supporting the development of homegrown businesses and talent.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
»» Create a “Pitch Book”
»» Build out web and social media presence »» Create target call list (wind, fish byproduct, marine tech, and aquaculture)
»» BUILD Grant
»» Build out a coastal zone test bed and aquaculture areas »» Support the expansion of the Marine Data Bank
»» Evaluate the potential for the Cable Access Building to serve as a “Marine Tech Work Shed”
Underway
6-12 Months
»» Get resources for New Bedford presence at 2-3 global oceanology-type conferences
»» Investigate the potential for hosting an ocean-focused innovation conference or festival
»» Identify interest and potential partners for a bioprocess byproduct test facility/co-lab space
»» Create vision for marine innovation campus along the waterfront
»» Continue developing plans for a Seafood/Local Food Incubator & Hub
»» Find partners and launch a plan for the Marine Business Accelerator
9-18 Months
»» Continue conversations with potential partners for enhanced ocean economy training and education
24-30 Months
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BUILDING BRAND AWARENESS
Create marketing materials and increase points of presence and outreach New Bedford is a key location for ocean economy businesses. New Bedford needs to ensure that it comes top of mind for companies, particularly overseas businesses, interested in North American and North Atlantic operation hubs. One area of emphasis should be outreach through a presence at global ocean
2 Continue building “brand” awareness to
tech conferences such as Oceanology, mirroring the state’s efforts at BIO and other leading life science conferences. The City/NBEDC/Port should work agencies such as Mass Office of Business Development for support. New Bedford may want to consider a regional approach including Falmouth, Newport, or other key institutions. It is important to note that this effort needs to be as focused on talent recruitment as business recruitment.
ensure New Bedford becomes home to new businesses and talent.
EXAMPLES
TO DO LIST
»» Milwaukee Water Council: www.thewatercouncil.com
»» Create a “Pitch Book”
»» Ag+Bio+Science Indiana: www.agrinovusindiana.com
»» Build out web and social media presence »» Create a target call list (wind, fish byproduct, marine tech, and aquaculture) »» Get resources for presence at 2-3 global oceanologytype conferences
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Investigate potential for SXSW style ocean focused innovation conference / festival Industry conferences with interesting events can be an effective way to highlight a technology sector and draw investors and companies that might otherwise not come to the region. This can also benefit the region by raising its profile through a well-executed conference.
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This could potentially build upon the MTS Tech Surge conference hosted by UMASS Dartmouth.
Continue building “brand” awareness to ensure New Bedford becomes home to new businesses and talent.
EXAMPLES
»» Drone Focus Fargo: www.dronefocuscon.com »» Subsea Valley Conference (Bergen, Norway): www. svconference.com »» WaterCouncil (Milwaukee): www.thewatercouncil. com/events/water-summit
TO DO LIST
»» Identify potential partners such as a regional tourism council and MOTT (among others) »» Host concept discussion with potential partners, providing examples to focus discussion »» Based on interest, organize a working team to organize conference / event
»» Medical Capital Innovation Competition: www.mcic. bioenterprise.com 55
CREATING UNIQUE INFRASTRUCTURE
Create a Marine Innovation Campus A Marine Innovation Campus can serve as the hub for the continued development and growth of an ocean innovation sector building on the innovation district concepts articulated by Brookings. Among the considerations are the relative balance between a research-intensive/employment-intensive campus versus a mixed-use environment that can support research and development activities alongside
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residential and entertainment options.
Continue creating unique infrastructure that draws research and business interest.
EXAMPLES
TO DO LIST
»» AltaSea: www.altasea.org
»» Create vision for campus including key anchor facilities such as a bioprocessing/by-product facility
»» ORIC: www.marineenergy.biz/2018/03/19/orkneymarine-renewables-research-campus-set-forbuildout
»» Host discussions with potential partners such as MassDevelopment, MLSC, etc. »» Site control, land entitlements, secure funding, etc.
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Coastal Zone Test Bed and Aquaculture Areas The New Bedford coastal zone has miles of coastline and access to town-owned watersheet. The coastal zone has several areas that can be utilized for potential economic development opportunities related to the broader ocean economy.
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Over time this concept, particularly the test bed, could be extended in partnership with other communities on Buzzards Bay.
Continue creating unique infrastructure that draws research and business interest.
EXAMPLES
TO DO LIST
»» HavLab: www.core-marine.com/havlab
»» Begin regulatory process
»» One Sea: www.oneseaecosystem.net/test-area/testapplication
»» Finalize regulations and “zones” »» Market potential test bed opportunities »» Develop lease templates »» RFP/Q lease up
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CREATING UNIQUE INFRASTRUCTURE
Bioprocessing/By-Product/Co-Lab Space This initiative builds upon New Bedford’s leading position as a seafood processing center, its relationship with the Iceland Ocean Cluster 100% fish use model and the largest bioscience cluster one hour away. Unique test facilities that are hard to replicate in the private sector can serve as an attractor for corporate
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research team as well as a launch pad for technology start-ups.
Continue creating unique infrastructure that draws research and business interest.
EXAMPLES
»» Marine BioProcess Facility: www.mi.mun.ca/departments/ centreforaquacultureandseafooddevelopment/ marinebioprocessingfacility »» Complex Carbohydrates: www.ccrc.uga.edu/
TO DO LIST
»» Develop concept paper »» Discuss with Iceland Ocean Cluster and fish processing businesses to gauge interest »» Initiate discussion with MLSC & UMASS system »» Identify potential location
»» Nanotech Complex: www.sunypoly.edu/research/ albany-nanotech-complex.html 58
NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
»» Revise concept paper and development material required for a grant application
Support Marine Data Bank The New Bedford fishing fleet offers the potential for in-depth data collection. All of these businesses located in and around New Bedford have been tracking, and continue to track, hundreds of individual data points for a variety of purposes; these data points are sitting in a number of physical and digital spaces, which creates a highly underutilized data environment.
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The Marine Data Bank, a central platform that will ingest data from participating organizations, businesses, and individuals will provide participants with the ability to access, share, trade or even license
Continue creating
their data to maximize productivity and efficiency, and create commercial potential and growth. While
unique infrastructure
the pilot program focuses on by-catch avoidance, regulatory compliance, and sustainable fisheries, the
that draws research
system will also collect huge amounts of other data.
and business interest.
EXAMPLES
»» REV Ocean: www.revocean.org
TO DO LIST
»» Finalize business model »» Identify customers and potential partnerships »» Begin marketing service
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HOMEGROWN BUSINESS AND TALENT
“Marine Tech Workshed” at Cable Access Building The city-owned Cable Access building is strategically located adjacent to UMass SMAST. The nature of the building lends itself to serving as a “workshed” for businesses that need fabrication and assembly space but also want access to UMass SMAST expertise. This space could also serve as UMass SMAST swing space to support research projects.
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A balance will need to exist between it serving as an equipped “makerspace” versus flexible open space designed for businesses that manufacture their products.
Continue supporting the development of homegrown businesses and talent.
EXAMPLES
»» MHub: www.mhubchicago.com
»» Feasibility study including relocation options for Cable Access studio
»» Saratoga Energy Park: www.nyserda.ny.gov/
»» Identify resources for fit-outs
Partners-and-Investors/Saratoga-Technologyand-Energy-Park/Available-Space/107Hermes-Road
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TO DO LIST
NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
»» Identify potential early tenants
Marine Business Accelerator Business accelerators with cash awards or funding at the end of the program can serve as a business attractor for start-up businesses. New Bedford has the opportunity to “sell” the entrepreneurs on remaining in the area after graduation.
3 Continue supporting the development of homegrown businesses and talent.
EXAMPLES
»» Sea Ahead: www.sea-ahead.com »» NELHA: www.hsdc.hawaii.gov/aquacultureaccelerator-and-investment-fund-request-forinterest
TO DO LIST
»» Identify potential partners for funding and/or sponsorship opportunities »» Identify potential operator »» Finalize program
»» Tallahassee Community College: www.tcc.fl.edu/ about/locations/wakulla-environmental-institute/ wei-programs/oyster-aquaculture
»» Launch first class (preferably as part of a conference and/or event)
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HOMEGROWN BUSINESS AND TALENT
Enhanced Ocean Economy Education and Training Training and education can serve as a competitive advantage for New Bedford by providing the talent pool necessary to work in the varied industry segments that make up the local Ocean Economy. A twofold effort should take place that meets the needs of current and future employers (like offshore wind) as well as builds a future pipeline through a secondary school linkage.
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This provides the best opportunity for New Bedford’s residents to have the opportunity to participate in the city’s emerging blue economy sectors.
Continue supporting the development of homegrown businesses and talent.
EXAMPLES
»» Sound School: www.sound.school »» CW Wind: www.cwind-training.co.uk/locations
TO DO LIST
»» Initiate conversations regarding a potential high school/ community college option that enhances the current SeaLab program »» Identify needed training for various market segments such as offshore wind operations and potential physical facility needs »» Identify site as necessary that fits requirements
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NEW BEDFORD Charting the Course in Marine Innovation
Credits Image Credits Cover Page 4 Page 10 (top left) Page 10 (center left) Page 10 (bottom left) Page 10 (top right) Page 10 (center right) Page 10 (bottom right) Page 12 (top left) Page 12 (center left) Page 12 (bottom left) Page 12 (top right) Page 12 (center right) Page 12 (bottom right) Page 16 Page 18 Page 20
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Page 26 Page 28 Page 30 Page 36 Page 38 (top) Page 38 (bottom)
Page 39 (top) Page 39 (bottom) Page 40 (top)
Page 40 (bottom) NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin NBEDC NBEDC NBEDC Victor Simas NBEDC Victor Simas John Robson & Destination New Bedford John Robson & Destination New Bedford NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin https://www.masscec.com/about NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin NBEDC NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin https://www.southcoasttoday.com/ news/20180524/50-people-who-met-at-smastbelieve-they-can-change-fishing-industry NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin https://www.bondbrothers.com/project/umassdartmouth-school-marine-science-technology-smastexpansion NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin NBEDC MassInc https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/11/us/commercialfishing-regulation-codfather.html https://www.ellenzweig.com/work/university-ofmassachusetts-dartmouth-school-for-marine-scienceand-technology-smast-research-building/ NBEDC http://newbedfordwindenergycenter.org/a-full-serviceport/access-to-supply-chain/ https://www.facebook.com/IoTImpactLABS/photos/a.13 29887647070835/1533020040090927/?type=3&th eater
Page 43 Page 44 Page 47 Page 49
https://www.newbedfordguide.com/event/free-fridayhappy-hour-at-groundwork Sasaki Sasaki NBEDC courtesy of Destination New Bedford NBOC courtesy of Ed Pepin
Map and Data Sources Page 8 Page 13 Page 15 Page 19 Page 21 Page 21 Page 23 Page 23 Page 29
Page 27 Page 31 Page 45
Map adapted from the South Coast Blue Economy White Paper, August 2018. The 2018 Economic Impact of the Port of New Bedford and the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor, 2019 Map and data adapted from the New Bedford Waterfront Framework Plan, 2016. NOAA, 2017 (https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/pls/webpls/ MF_LPORT_YEARD.RESULTS) Economic Impact Study of the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor, 2017 MassIntelligence 2918: Connecting the Nation’s Top Fishing Port (presentation) Map adapted from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, 2018 (https://www.masscec.com/capabilities). Map adapted from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, 2018 (https://www.masscec.com/offshore-wind). Map adapted from New Bedford Aquaculture Request for Information, 2019 and mass.gov (https://www.mass.gov/ service-details/shellfish-classification-areas). The 2018 Economic Impact of the Port of New Bedford and the New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor, 2019 New Bedford Ocean Cluster/Strategic Plan, 2018 Map adapted from the New Bedford Waterfront Framework Plan, 2016.