What is it about?
Little is known regarding the potential impacts and opportunities of marine renewable energy for the fishing industry. We conducted interviews with fishers on the west coast of Scotland to investigate potential conflict between offshore renewable energy development and commercial fishers. We identified three key issues: i) A potential loss of livelihood is of largest concern to fishers; ii) Skills shortages are a concern should a loss of livelihood occur; iii) Fishers are unsure about the potential benefits arising from offshore renewable energy induced changes to the ecosystem.
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Why is it important?
As we see increasing use of the marine space with new uses such as offshore renewable energy extraction, it is important to understand how traditional users of this space may be affected. This study reveals that although concerns of fishers do relate to livelihoods, there are wider concerns previously not taken into account. If we understand what the concerns of these users are, we can take steps to mitigate potential negative consequences for them.
Perspectives
I expected the issue of fisher livelihood concerns to arise in this study, but what I didn't anticipate was the importance of the ability to control one's own life. Fishers didn't believe they could transfer to alternative professions due to a lack of skills, and didn't believe that the science existed to prove the potential benefits of renewable energy installations to their industry. Both of these issues meant that fishers were unable to make sound decisions about their future. This is an issue of security, and an issue which needs addressed if conflict is to be prevented.
Dr Karen A Alexander
University of Tasmania
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Marine renewable energy and Scottish west coast fishers: Exploring impacts, opportunities and potential mitigation, Ocean & Coastal Management, April 2013, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2013.01.005.
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