The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has expressed concern that mobile fishing and floating offshore wind farms are incompatible, even after various attempts to find a solution. The head of an industry body has warned that large-scale floating wind farms planned for Scotland could potentially devastate the country’s fishing industry.
Speaking at the annual SFF event in Edinburgh, attended by First Minister John Swinney, Elspeth McDonald highlighted the existential threat these renewable energy projects pose to jobs in the fishing community. She warned the Scottish Government against unwittingly supporting the industry, which she believes could destroy Scotland’s already established food manufacturing capabilities.
Addressing those gathered at the Scotsman Hotel, MacDonald said: “Our businesses will be completely closed off from areas that have been traditionally fished for generations, and the consequences – for businesses, communities and the environment – remain uncertain. The government risks passively falling into a situation where its drive to lead in offshore wind will harm our exceptional food industry.”
While McDonald acknowledged that discussions with the Scottish Government had made progress following the Bute House deal between the SNP and the Greens, she urged ministers to take a different approach. She called for “realistic policies that recognize the complexity of the world we live in, rather than bureaucratic constraints that hinder both our efforts and those of the government.”
She went on to say: “While we have had many meetings and discussions, we now need concrete action from the Government to support and protect our sector. There is a very real danger posed by the proposed expansion of floating offshore wind farms.”
Scotland has been a pioneer in floating wind technology since the world’s first floating wind farm was inaugurated off Peterhead in Aberdeenshire in 2017. This innovation allows wind turbines to be placed further out to sea, in much deeper waters. One of the world’s largest floating wind farms is planned to be developed 52 miles off the east coast of Scotland. The Ossian project, which covers an area of 858 square miles and is a collaboration between SSE Renewables, Marubeni Corporation and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is expected to generate enough electricity to power 6 million homes annually.
Macdonald acknowledged the importance of the transition to renewable energy sources, but stressed: “We still need to eat. Fishing is one of the most efficient methods of food production when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing almost all other forms. We understand the ambition of governments across the UK to achieve net zero catch targets with renewables that will boost jobs and economic growth, but this must not undermine our historic fishing industry.”
She stressed that floating wind farms pose a significant problem for fishermen and called on the Scottish Government to do everything possible to ensure that the fishing industry does not become an unintended victim of the development of floating offshore wind farms.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for a response.