Not only is an environmental impact assessment required for the installation of new wind turbines on land, but also for the construction of new offshore wind farms. The development of large wind farms can adversely affect marine life and fishing activities.
The European Parliament issues this warning in a report by the Dutch MEP Peter van Dalen (Christian Union). His report was adopted with 512 votes in favor, 21 against, and 159 abstentions.
New offshore wind turbines must not burden the fishing industry, and fishermen should be involved in decision-making before construction begins. Moreover, EU countries must ensure that wind farms are built only at a considerable distance from fishing grounds. If fishing suffers damage due to offshore energy parks, affected fishermen must be compensated.
In 25 years, fifteen times more space at sea than now will be used for wind turbines. Eighty percent of all fishing vessels in the EU consist of small-scale fisheries, with small boats operating close to the coast. They primarily navigate coastal waters where many such new turbines are planned.
The construction of new offshore wind turbine parks can also have negative consequences for marine life. To reduce risks, more research is needed on the negative effects on the seabed, both during construction and from the operation of the wind turbines. After several decades, the turbines will need to be replaced or decommissioned. In both cases, research into the possible impacts is required.
Since 85 percent of offshore wind farms will be located in the northern seas of the European Union, good cooperation with the United Kingdom is necessary. This concerns turbines in the North Sea and the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the European Parliament wants the European Commission to make proper arrangements with London.
“Fishermen are the oldest users of the sea, and therefore there must be genuine collaboration with them if offshore wind farms are to be developed,” says Dutch MEP Peter van Dalen (Christian Union). He advocates for the fishermen. “Fishermen earn their livelihood on the water, so it is only logical that this sector has a decisive voice through participation. That is more than just ‘consultation.’”
The fishermen themselves should also consider using new forms of energy, say the MEPs. Floating wind farms, renewable hydrogen, but also wind and solar energy can be used in some fishing areas.
Additionally, consideration should be given to combining offshore wind farms with protected marine nature reserves. The European seas already host 110 wind farms with more than five thousand turbines. By 2050, fifteen times more marine space must be used for turbines than is currently the case.
The report emphasizes that fishermen must gain real influence over these developments, “more than just a bit of consultation,” Van Dalen said at a press conference in Strasbourg.