Advisory Councils, NWWAC and PelAC, seek inclusion in Seafood/ORE Group to protect fisheries amid Ireland’s offshore energy developments
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) have renewed their call to join Ireland’s Seafood/Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Group, citing the importance of fisheries stakeholders being actively involved in discussions about offshore energy developments in Irish waters.
In a letter dated 10 January 2025 to Mr. Rory O’Leary, Principal Officer of Ireland’s Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), the councils highlighted their shared concerns regarding the impacts of offshore wind energy projects on fisheries. The NWWAC and PelAC represent a wide array of international stakeholders with fishing rights within Ireland’s 6–12 nautical mile zone and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
A Call for Greater Inclusion
The letter stressed that despite assurances given in 2024, the councils’ request for formal inclusion in the Seafood/ORE Group remains blocked. Both organisations underscored the value they bring to the table:
“The connection to the Advisory Councils will support the stakeholder involvement on a much wider basis without any additional pressure on the Department itself,” they wrote.
The councils also detailed their extensive work on offshore energy, including policy advice to the European Commission and a 2022 workshop on seismic and wind energy impacts on fisheries. They emphasised that their participation would foster constructive dialogue between the offshore renewable energy sector and fisheries representatives, ensuring balanced and informed decision-making.
Previous Engagement and Promises
In April 2024, NWWAC Executive Secretary Mo Mathies attended a Seafood/ORE Group meeting in Galway to outline the councils’ remit and expertise. At that meeting, a senior DECC representative reportedly indicated support for the councils’ inclusion. However, despite apparent consensus among existing members by late 2024, the councils’ integration into the group has yet to materialise.
Impacts of Offshore Energy on Fisheries
The councils have long been vocal about the potential disruptions caused by offshore wind farms and seismic activities, particularly in areas critical to fisheries. “Our members are naturally concerned with offshore wind energy developments in this area and their potential impacts on fisheries,” the letter states.
A Growing Urgency
As offshore renewable energy projects accelerate, the councils argue that the exclusion of fisheries stakeholders could lead to decisions that undermine sustainable fishing practices and harm communities dependent on the sector. Their participation in the Seafood/ORE Group, they say, would ensure that fisheries’ perspectives are adequately considered.
The NWWAC and PelAC have asked the DECC to respond promptly to their renewed request, emphasising the need for a collaborative and transparent approach to Ireland’s offshore energy planning.
Conclusion
With the stakes high for both Ireland’s fishing industry and its renewable energy ambitions, the councils’ plea for inclusion represents a critical moment in fostering harmony between two vital sectors. Their expertise and advocacy, they argue, could help balance ecological, economic, and energy goals for the benefit of all stakeholders.