PelAC urges EU to protect marine habitats from offshore wind impacts and follow ICES science in renewable planning. Photo: SFPO
Council warns of major risks to spawning grounds and biodiversity from renewable energy expansion
The Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) has called on the European Commission to urgently reassess its current approach to offshore renewable energy (ORE) development, warning that it threatens critical marine ecosystems, spawning grounds, and the principles of sustainable fisheries management.
In a detailed letter addressed to DG MARE Director-General Charlina Vitcheva, PelAC Chair Esben Sverdrup-Jensen raised concerns over the environmental impacts of rapid offshore wind farm expansion under the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), which mandates a 42.5% renewable energy target by 2030.
“Spawning habitats for species such as herring must be exempt from all anthropogenic pressures,” wrote Sverdrup-Jensen. “Development of offshore renewables in or near these areas contradicts ICES advice and violates the precautionary principle.”
The letter highlights a lack of robust environmental assessments prior to site designations across Europe. In Denmark, for example, a government investigation revealed that environmental assessments had been improperly conducted for oil and gas developments, raising fears of similar failures for wind energy. In Ireland, the government’s Ecological Sensitivity Analysis showed overlap between proposed wind zones and key spawning habitats.
The PelAC criticises the EU’s Renewables Acceleration Areas (RAAs) concept, stating it risks sidelining environmental impact considerations in favour of speed. “This approach neglects the cumulative impacts on biodiversity, sediment dynamics, and food web structures,” the letter states, referencing research from the Netherlands (Wozep) and the European Parliament.
PelAC urges that the designation of new wind zones exclude Natura 2000 sites and marine protected areas and prioritise ICES guidelines for non-fisheries conservation. It recommends a full Sustainability Impact Assessment before approval of any ORE project, with baseline ecological data, ongoing monitoring, and independent oversight throughout a project’s life cycle.
“ICES is the EU’s recognised scientific authority in marine management, yet its expertise is underused by other blue economy sectors,” said Sverdrup-Jensen. “Ignoring ICES advice on conservation contradicts the Common Fisheries Policy and Better Regulation Guidelines.”
The Council also flagged the growing tension between wind development and fishers’ access to traditional grounds. With expanding maritime spatial planning and rising competition for sea space, PelAC warns that the cumulative socio-economic impacts on fisheries are being overlooked.
“We request that designated and industry-led ORE areas avoid known spawning areas for herring, as well as other essential habitats for pelagic species,” the letter concludes.
PelAC now seeks a meeting with Commission officials to further discuss these urgent concerns and ensure that renewable energy ambitions do not compromise marine sustainability and food security.