Offshore wind energy is one of the leading means of reducing Ireland’s fossil fuel dependency and improving energy security. Ireland plans to build GW of grid-connected offshore wind by 2030 and a further 37GW by 2050. Experience with the first four projects selected as part of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1) in May 2023 has raised challenges in terms of sharing marine space with other economic activities, such as commercial fisheries. Developers seek to address the potential impacts of the construction and operation of offshore wind parks on fisheries and identify ways offshore wind and fishing industries can collaborate to ensure mutually beneficial co-existence.
On behalf of Codling Wind Park and RWE, BlueWise Marine Ltd. is collaborating with local fishers on the design of fisheries surveys. These surveys will collect data on the possible impacts Codling Wind Park and Dublin Array developments may have on the predominant commercial shellfish species in the area. The aim of the project is to develop a methodology to assess baseline catch rates of whelk (Buccinum undatum) to determine if catch rates in the vicinity of the wind farms change as the offshore wind projects progress.
Collaboration with local fishers is intrinsic to the survey design process, ensuring that their knowledge of the specific conditions in this area and expertise in fishing techniques guide identification of suitable control sites which are integrated into the survey methodology. The survey design is also informed by available literature, existing data, and stakeholder consultations, including relevant government agencies, such as the Marine Institute (MI) and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
Implementing fisheries surveys will benefit local fishing communities by providing data used to assess the impacts offshore wind farm construction may have on specific fisheries. The results will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the environmental impacts of offshore wind s. This work is part of the Environmental Assessment and Planning Service offered by BlueWise Marine in support of the sustainable development and implementation of offshore and marine renewable energy projects to help balance multi-use and co-existence of various marine activities.
