On Wednesday 17 March, the MEPs on the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries were divided over the negative impact of offshore wind farms on fishing. A number of the MEPs felt that wind farms are compatible with marine protected areas.
Peter van Dalen (EPP, Netherlands) presented his draft report, which points to “the negative long-term impact that offshore wind turbines have on ecosystems, fish stocks and biodiversity, and consequently on fisheries”.
Giuseppe Ferrandino (S&D, Italy) called for a comprehensive approach, as otherwise there is a risk that in the Mediterranean “the negative impact will be greater than the benefit” from the wind farms.
Søren Gade (Renew Europe, Denmark) felt that wind farms should be built outside fishing areas.
François-Xavier Bellamy (EPP, France) spoke of fishermen’s concerns about the proliferation of offshore wind farms. “We need a fishing industry that is capable of evolving and becoming involved in the energy challenge”, said Pierre Karleskind (Renew Europe, France), the committee’s chair.
Grace O'Sullivan (Greens/EFA, Ireland) disagreed with the arguments used by the rapporteur to prevent wind farms from being built. She complained that the report was not progressive.
The European Parliament committee vote on this own-initiative report (https://bit.ly/3vzrctk ) will take place in May. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)