Advisory Councils advise that the fishing industry are urging fair offshore renewable energy planning, warning of economic risks and calling for stakeholder inclusion
Advisory Councils Urge Inclusion in Marine Energy Policy Decisions
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) have raised concerns over the impact of offshore renewable energy (ORE) developments on fisheries, urging greater stakeholder involvement in planning processes.
The advisory bodies, which represent the interests of the European fishing industry, have called for a balanced approach that considers environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
The councils highlighted the increasing “spatial squeeze” facing fisheries due to the expansion of offshore wind farms, alongside EU biodiversity targets that could further restrict access to traditional fishing grounds. The fishing sector has long voiced concerns that rapid ORE development is being prioritised without fully assessing its impact on coastal communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
Under the Revised Renewable Energy Directive, EU Member States must designate Renewables Acceleration Areas (RAAs) by February 2026, streamlining the approval process for wind and solar projects. However, the fishing industry argues that these designations should be subject to thorough consultation with fisheries representatives. The advisory councils stress that early stakeholder engagement is essential to avoid conflicts and ensure fair resource allocation.
The letter addressed to Ramón de la Figuera, Director General of Sustainable Fisheries in Spain, emphasises that renewable energy planning must include a socio-economic impact assessment. The councils warn that without proper evaluation, offshore wind projects could lead to job losses, economic instability, and harm to Europe’s seafood sector.
The fishing industry is calling on EU governments to recognise fisheries as a key stakeholder in marine planning, ensuring a fair transition towards renewable energy without compromising the future of Europe’s fishing communities.