A new RSPB report finds that the UK can continue to generate renewables at sea while also strengthening efforts to protect nature, creating mutual benefits that help tackle the climate and ecological crises. As reported in Edie, BusinessGreen [paywall],  The National, and the RSPB’s own press release:

Powering Healthy Seas explores how planners and decision-makers can protect our seabird populations while expanding offshore wind. It highlights the need for more robust evidence to help inform where and how we create new developments to cause the least harm to nature. It also calls for a more strategic approach and effective planning of our seas. For the first time, it also opens up the narrative on Nature Positive offshore wind being the catalyst for change our seas drastically need.

What are the report’s conclusions? 

• Decisions on where to locate new offshore windfarms should be based on strong evidence that ensures the risks to nature are as minimal as possible.
• Marine plans for each UK nation are needed to ensure that efforts to meet offshore wind targets are coordinated. They also need to take into account the potential risk of displacing other activities like fishing.
• The cumulative impact of multiple offshore developments must be analysed and assessed.
• Innovative industry standards and policy are needed to ensure harm is minimal and nature is protected and restored.
• Measures to reduce harm must be regularly monitored and adapted as needed to continuously reduce the risk to nature.
• A strategic approach to compensation for affected species and habitats must be put in place.
• A fair marine ‘net gain’ system (where the natural environment is left in a measurably better state than it was found in) should be developed to guide developers.

Read the full report here.

The 2-page report summary can be read here.

The news release from the RSPB can be found here.