Abstract
Key findings and conclusions
- Detailed quantitative evidence of spatial overlap between static and towed-gear fisheries and 88 offshore wind farms (OWF) is provided over a twelve-year period in European waters.
- There were small reductions in static-gear effort in countries where such fishing is permitted e.g. 15% reduction in the UK and Netherlands.
- Study results suggest there is scope for coexistence between current OWF designs and static-gear fisheries although uncertainties remain over small vessel activities and effects on commercial fish species and landings.
- There were substantial reductions in towed-gear fishing effort across all countries including those where no mandatory exclusions occur e.g. 76% reduction in the UK.
- Study results are broadly in line with two recent peer reviewed publications.
- Codesign initiatives and early planning will be critical determinants of coexistence outcomes.
- Ongoing research in the US and France on codesign initiatives that aim to optimise coexistence potential can inform Irish OWF development.
- Minimising sectoral overlap at the outset is also key to avoiding significant impacts on fishing.