Our History & Sponsors

In January of 2018, leaders from the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) brought a novel idea to a group of Offshore Wind (OSW) Developers: how can the two business sectors that are most affected by and involved in OSW development coalesce to create a means of supporting and advancing rigorous science in the realm of fisheries, habitats, and OSW development?

Those industry leaders met in Providence, Rhode Island to bring forward the idea of transparency through science and developed the framework to create ROSA.

Despite potential conflicting interests, the two industry sectors, along with several federal employees, worked over many months to bring the idea to fruition. Through countless revisions of a charter, engagement with the larger stakeholder community, final intensive negotiations around purpose, and creating a balanced Board of Directors and representative Advisory Council, the foundation of the organization was created. Financial start-up contributions came from OSW developers Ørsted, Equinor, Mayflower (Shell), Vineyard Wind, and Atlantic Shores (EDF Renewables/Shell).

ROSA’s nonprofit incorporation process and subsequent 501(c)3 filing for nonprofit status in Washington, D.C. was officially launched in March of 2019. Since then, ROSA has been fulfilling its mission of advancing research, monitoring, and methods on the effects of OSW development on fisheries across US federal and state waters. ROSA is committed to serve as an objective resource for all sectors, fostering a community that will facilitate coordination of regional scientific research and increase understanding in this complex landscape.