European fishermen are deeply concerned about the impact of the ‘gigantic rollout of wind farms in the North Sea and adjacent waters.
Fisheries organizations from Belgium, France, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands have sent an urgent letter to Members of the European Parliament on the initiative of the activist group EMK.
The activist group believes that the establishment of nature reserves as compensation for the farms cannot prevent damage to the environment and fisheries. Furthermore, the group points to other “serious threats” to the environment and fisheries, such as noise during the installation of wind turbines that can damage the hearing of fish and marine mammals.
Also, the installation of underwater power cables for the wind turbines can disrupt the migration of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. The group further fears for jobs in the fishing industry if fish populations threaten to disappear due to the placement of the parks.
The group holds the energy sector “particularly to blame” for many wind farms being built at locations known as spawning grounds. In addition, according to the group, the required environmental impact assessments (so-called EIAs) have not been conducted, so the wind farms do not comply with the applicable European regulations.
To prevent further damage, the group calls for, among other things, a ban on the planned construction of wind farms, more research, greater say in the matter, and protection of the fish population in the North Sea.
Dutch fisheries organizations VisNed and the Dutch Fishermen's Association support the protest letter. Fisheries organizations from Portugal, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have also signed the letter.
The Dutch Wind Energy Association (NWEA), the industry association of the wind sector, responded that the Ministry of Economic Affairs is conducting the EIA reports. Furthermore, the reports are “continuously subjected” to the latest scientific insights, according to the association.