Spatial conflict in offshore wind farms: Challenges and solutions for the commercial fishing industry

Abstract

The offshore wind (OW) energy industry is growing exponentially. Coastal seas provide a wealth of ecosystem services and national regulators face the challenge of managing co-location and spatial conflict between multiple marine industries. Due to its prominent position in the global OW energy market, we use the UK as a case study through which to investigate interactions between the commercial fishing industry and OWFs. This study presents views from the fishing industry gathered through a structured survey and one-on-one interviews, and reveals the major issues and concerns facing fishermen in respect of current, and future developments. The majority of fishermen surveyed feel their fishing grounds and livelihoods are threatened by OWFs, with social, wellbeing and economic impacts felt across vessel sizes (5–50m in length) and fleet sectors (represented by 11 types of fishing gear). A small minority identified potential benefits, and most suggested potential solutions and opportunities for mitigation of impacts. We summarise the findings, outline conflicts and opportunities, and converge these into policy recommendations with the aim of supporting increased collaboration and equity between commercial fishermen and energy companies in future offshore leasing rounds, and provide insight and best practice to other global nations developing offshore wind energy.