FLOWW Best Practice Guidance for Offshore Renewables Developments: Recommendations for Fisheries Liaison.

Abstract

The offshore renewables energy sector is developing rapidly to meet the future energy needs of the nation, reduce the nation’s reliance on carbon based fuels and help secure security of supply. As the industry develops, it must continue to be aware of others who make the majority of their living from the sea, on both a local and national level. In 2007, FLOWW identified the need for best practice guidance to inform developers and the commercial fishing community on the need for effective communication at all stages in the development and operation of offshore renewable energy installations (OREI). The first “Fishing Liaison Best Practice guidance for offshore renewables developers” was published in May 2008, when the offshore renewable energy industry was still in its infancy. In the following five years there has been continued growth in the offshore renewable energy industry, in part driven by European and domestic climate change legislation, and government renewable energy targets. As a result, FLOWW has agreed to revise and update the guidance. This guidance is intended for OREI developers and the commercial fishing industry, and draws on the extensive experience gained through the development of the first three offshore wind leasing rounds (Rounds 1, 2 and 3) and the construction and operation of the first two rounds, as well as the emerging wave and tidal sector. This guidance has been compiled in a spirit of co-operation, with the intention of forming the basis for long-term co-existence between both industries. Throughout the document, key messages have been highlighted in grey boxes. In developing OREIs, there is a need for effective liaison between both industries, in order to fully understand potential impacts, co-existence opportunities and displacement considerations, and guide appropriate mitigation responses. There is a responsibility on the fishing industry to provide accurate data and information to the developer, as well as working with the developer to properly minimise the impact on the fishing sector. In turn, developers will be responsible for keeping the fishing industry properly informed of activities from the start of the planning phase into the operation and maintenance of a fully working OREI. Both industries are committed to achieving co-existence; however, both also recognise that to achieve this they have to work closely together.