The expansion of offshore wind farms (OWF) has given rise to increased concerns about potential use conflicts with ocean and coastal users and attempts to mitigate these conflicts through marine spatial planning. Whereas scholars and managers often focus on the impacts of OWF on commercial fishing, members of the public also raise concerns about impacts on recreational fishing. Despite these concerns, relatively few empirical studies have been conducted to assess the impact of OWFs on recreational anglers. This study fills this gap. We conducted a mixed-methods study, comprising interviews and a survey, to assess the impacts of the United States’ first OWF on recreational anglers’ experiences. Interview findings revealed anglers’ enjoyment of the OWF as an enhanced fishing location, due to catch and non-related aspects of the experience. Anglers also reported concerns about increased crowding around the OWF and raised concerns about potential fishing access restrictions around this and future projects. Survey data confirms that anglers, particularly those who fished at the wind farm, believe the wind farm has benefitted fishing. Respondents also value the wind farm as symbolic of progress towards green energy. Overall, results suggest that wind farms do not necessarily conflict with angling; to the contrary, our research shows that this OWF is viewed as an enhanced fishing destination. Results underscore the importance of understanding angler behavior and experiences in managing conflicts with OWF and other ocean uses. Recommendations include conducting social science research to enhance understanding of ocean users, managing issues like crowding and access, and considering the benefits of nearshore OWFs for anglers and other stakeholders.

海上风电场（OWF）的扩展引起了人们对与海洋和沿海使用者的潜在使用冲突的担忧，并试图通过海洋空间规划减轻这些冲突。尽管学者和管理人员通常关注OWF对商业捕鱼的影响，但公众也对休闲捕鱼的影响表示关注。尽管存在这些担忧，但为评估OWF对休闲垂钓者的影响而进行的实证研究相对较少。这项研究填补了这一空白。我们进行了混合方法研究，包括访谈和调查，以评估美国首个OWF对休闲垂钓者体验的影响。访谈的结果表明，钓鱼者由于体验和不相关的方面而喜欢将OWF作为增加捕鱼的场所。钓鱼者还报告了对OWF周围人群增加的担忧，并对该项目和未来项目的潜在捕捞限制感到担忧。调查数据证实，垂钓者，尤其是那些在风电场捕鱼的人，认为风电场使捕鱼受益。受访者还认为风电场是向绿色能源迈进的象征。总体而言，结果表明，风电场不一定与钓鱼冲突。相反，我们的研究表明，这种OWF被视为增强的捕鱼目的地。结果强调了解钓鱼者的行为和经验以管理与OWF和其他海洋用途的冲突的重要性。建议包括进行社会科学研究，以增进对海洋使用者的了解，管理拥挤和进入等问题，