NWWAC/PelAC advice on the impacts of underwater noise and offshore wind energy developments on commercial fisheries
2022.10.14
In order for the European Union to meet its climate objectives of decarbonising the entire economy and become climate neutral by 2050, there is a need to move away from fossil fuels and towards greener energy such as wind, solar and hydropower. The revised Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC took effect on 01 July 2021 and requires that at least 32% of all energy consumed in the EU is from renewable energy sources by 2030 (link).
On both the European and the international level it is yet unclear to what extent (potential cumulative) effects of offshore wind energy developments on fishing areas, for example spawning grounds, nursery areas, or important habitats for fish stocks, are taken into account in a cross-border context, as policy, research and mitigation appear not to be streamlined.
Recently, NWWAC and PelAC jointly sent their advice on the impacts of underwater noise and offshore wind energy developments on commercial fisheries to the EU Commission – read the advice here
