Image description: A survey boat passing in front of a row of offshore wind turbines. Image by Bente Jønsson / Pixabay.
UK fisheries being ‘squeezed’ out
Evidence presented to the recent Environmental Audit Committee revealed increasing concern from Members of Parliament and industry observers over the cumulative impact of UK government marine policy on fisheries.
The UK fishing sector is facing competing pressure for marine space and increasingly restricted access to critical fishing grounds. Fishing Daily reports that senior representatives from the Crown Estate, Crown Estate Scotland, and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) acknowledged the government drive for the rapid expansion of offshore wind is intensifying competition for space in UK waters. At the same time, the introduction of stricter environmental protections, through marine protected areas (MPAs) and Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), is amplifying what fishing organisations have long warned is an accelerating “spatial squeeze”. These competing needs are making it increasingly difficult to balance environmental, social, and economic priorities.
Europe’s clean energy clashes with fishing sector survival
This issue has also become increasingly problematic in the European Union, as Advisory Councils similarly warn of mounting conflict between clean energy expansion and fishing sector survival. To assess the growing impacts of offshore wind on fishing activity, marine ecosystems, and spatial planning, a high-level webinar hosted by the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) brought together officials from the European Commission, ICES scientists, environmental NGOs, and fishing industry representatives.
Fisheries representatives and experts warned the rapid expansion of offshore renewable energy (ORE) developments across EU waters is threatening the viability of traditional fisheries. Their verdict: without proper coordination and representation, the fishing industry risks being squeezed out of European seas entirely.
Daily Fishing reports the webinar ended with a clear consensus: the fishing sector must be properly represented in ORE planning from the outset, rather than treated as an afterthought once permits are granted and turbines are in place.
To better equip fishers with the tools to engage in these complex discussions, the Advisory Councils intend to coordinate follow-up sessions, including a deep dive into recent ICES workshops. Meanwhile, policymakers are advised that the balance between energy and food production at sea cannot be achieved without serious cross-sector cooperation.