In light of the rapid expansion of the offshore wind farm (OWF) sector, there is increasing concern by the fishing industry of the effects of spatial squeeze and displacement of fishing effort.

Where the location of OWFs cannot avoid fishing grounds, there is a need to understand potential adaptations to wind farms and to fishing gears and techniques which can help minimise displacement of fishing and enable co-location.

The factors influencing fishing and OWF co-location are complex and site-specific. Both industries agree on its importance, and there has been progress on both sides. However, there is not a unifying strategy; further collaboration, research and knowledge is required.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) contracted ABPmer, with support from Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG), to provide an assessment of future offshore wind farms and fishing methodologies to enable co-location.

We assessed existing literature on potential adaptations and drew on the expertise and experience of industry and technical experts, to identify and assess the ‘real-world’ feasibility of implementing any potential adaptations that could facilitate co-location.

The resulting report encompassed adaptations that can be adopted after the leasing process and site selection has taken place. Hence, the focus was on potential adaptations that may be considered during the consenting phase, which can facilitate continued fishing within arrays during the operational lifespan of an OWF.

A number of adaptations considered most likely to support co-location were identified. However, there were differences between the adaptations considered most likely to support co-location, and those perceived as being most feasible and viable. Potential adaptations were measured against perceived variability and feasibility variables, resulting in the following top adaptations:

1. Regular monitoring for cable exposure
2. Improved cable mapping
3. Fishing-friendly external cable protection
4. Improved lighting, navigation and alarm technology on wind turbine generators

All four adaptations had a level of support from both the OWF and fisheries sectors.

The proposed adaptations are intended to inform and guide the potential co-location of fishing activities within OWFs. It will enable policymakers, developers and the fishing industry to better understand what is possible, and aid future discussions.

Download the full report, “Adaptations to Offshore Wind Farms and Fishing Methods to Enable Co-location” at the Defra website

ABPmer supports policy-makers, regulators and the fisheries and aquaculture industry on marine environmental policy matters, assessment and management, including interactions between fisheries, marine protected areas (MPAs) and other marine developments.

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