Norway’s fishing industry warns it is being pushed aside as the country moves forward with large-scale offshore wind planning.
A new strategic impact assessment from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) assigns a low socio-economic value to fisheries in several offshore areas, raising concerns that core fishing grounds may be opened for wind development.
Fiskebåt, the organisation representing the Norwegian ocean-going fleet, says this contradicts political promises that fisheries will not be displaced.
The group argues that the assessment makes the fishing sector appear marginal, which in turn makes it easier for the government to prioritise energy development over food production and coastal jobs.
Government Promised Protection
The Norwegian government’s ocean management plan states that spawning grounds, migration routes and established fishing areas must receive special consideration in all spatial planning at sea. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has stated that fisheries should not be displaced by wind power.
The new assessment raises doubt about whether this will be followed in practice.
Scientific Agencies Also Concerned
The Directorate of Fisheries and the Institute of Marine Research have both questioned NVE’s weighting of fisheries in the evaluation. They say fisheries remain a renewable, long-term source of food, employment and national presence at sea.
Offshore Wind Industry Shows More Caution
In a notable turn, industry organisations for offshore wind have advised against moving forward with development in areas where the fishing sector has expressed strong concerns, signalling more restraint than the state directorate.
Food Security at Stake
The Norwegian fishing fleet provides around 20 million seafood meals per day. Industry leaders warn that if access to ocean space is reduced, national food security, export value and coastal communities will weaken.