A Cromer crab processing company has called for compensation after a sharp fall in supply, which it links to offshore wind farm activity off the north Norfolk coast.
Jonas Seafood, according to a BBC news report, said its seasonal crab catch fell by almost 25% in 2025, putting its year-round business at risk. Managing director Kevin Jonas said processors should be included in wind farm compensation schemes already available to fishermen, arguing that the firm was “part of the industry”.
Supply drop threatens year-round operation
The company processes about 500 tonnes of locally caught shellfish each spring and summer, sourced from around 35 fishermen along the coast between Brancaster and Eccles. Jonas said the 2025 quota was down by 120 tonnes, which threatened freezing and dressing operations.
He linked recent declines to cable works linked to offshore wind projects, adding that similar drops were seen during earlier developments, followed by recoveries once construction ended.
Wind sector rejects claim
RenewableUK disputed the link. It said independent studies found no significant impact on local commercial fisheries and argued effects on processors were outside current guidance.
The group said turbines can act as artificial reefs and that fishing continues in almost all wind farm areas once projects are operational.