PelAC critiques Eklipse offshore wind report, warns of weak science, poor fisheries engagement, and overlooked marine data gaps.
Pelagic Advisory Council Highlights Gaps in Eklipse Offshore Wind Impact Report
The Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) has raised serious concerns over the lack of robust scientific evidence and insufficient fisheries stakeholder involvement in a draft report by Eklipse assessing the cumulative environmental impacts of offshore wind energy (ORE) expansion across European marine waters.
In a detailed open letter dated 27 June 2025, PelAC responded to the review call for the Eklipse report titled “Cumulative impacts of offshore wind farm expansions: consequences & solutions for achieving GES (Good Environmental Status) across European marine waters.” PelAC acknowledged the importance of the topic and the need for comprehensive marine policy integration, but warned that significant shortcomings in the report undermine its credibility.
Poor Scientific Foundation Undermines Conclusions
While PelAC commended the methodology behind the report, it strongly criticised the uneven quality of evidence. “The main issue seems to be the lack of robust science,” the council noted, adding that “significant gaps in knowledge persist” and require new standardised methodologies, better monitoring, and adaptive policy frameworks.
PelAC particularly objected to inconsistencies in the report’s conclusions, warning that its optimistic tone contradicts its own admission of data scarcity. “A credible assessment of the ecological effects of offshore wind projects can only be based on ecological monitoring that includes baseline data prior to installation and continuous monitoring after installation,” the response stated.
Fisheries Concerns Remain Underrepresented
The council reiterated its long-standing involvement with the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) in addressing ORE concerns. This includes numerous joint advisories, workshops and stakeholder consultations since 2020, all focused on noise pollution, spatial conflict, and the socio-economic consequences of wind farm developments.
PelAC warned that the fishing sector’s role in achieving GES targets is being marginalised. It called for a “harmonised and equal approach” to impact monitoring across all marine activities, with each sector held accountable according to its ecological footprint and societal value. “Fishing activity in European waters is extensively monitored,” it noted, in contrast to the treatment of other maritime industries.
Criticism of Positive Spin on Reef Effect
The draft report suggested wind turbine foundations might function as artificial reefs that could benefit marine life. However, PelAC rejected this conclusion as speculative. “Local food webs are affected, but production is not necessarily increased,” the council warned. “Species might only aggregate near the new hard structures.”
PelAC also raised the issue of underwater noise pollution, particularly during the piling phase of turbine installation, as a serious stressor for marine life. Any ecological benefits must be weighed against these initial disturbances. “Without a trade-off analysis, the claim of net benefit is premature,” they argued.
Strategic Engagement Still Lacking
PelAC expressed disappointment that the Advisory Councils were not directly engaged as key stakeholders by DG Environment or Eklipse. It reminded the Commission that Advisory Councils are legally recognised under the CFP and represent both environmental and fisheries stakeholders. The response calls for “direct communication regarding relevant work carried out in the marine space” and for PelAC to be treated as a strategic partner in shaping ORE policy.
“The commercial fishing sector plays an important role in achieving GES for several descriptors,” the letter concluded. “Its inclusion is not optional—it is essential.”
PelAC’s response underscores rising tensions between EU renewable energy ambitions and the long-term viability of fisheries. It is demanding stronger governance, improved science, and real stakeholder participation to avoid compromising marine ecosystems and fishing communities.
Source: PelAC