Fisheries Spatial Information Layers to Support Strategic Siting of Offshore Wind Farms

ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) has been awarded a contract to develop spatial information layers on the location and economic value of commercial fishing and shellfishing activities in UK waters. The work, funded by COWRIE (Collaborative Offshore Wind Research Into The Environment), will primarily be used to support strategic siting assessments for Round 3 Offshore Wind Farms but will also be of relevance for other marine renewable energy projects.

In 2007, ABPmer, supported by CEFAS, developed and applied a methodology for assigning estimates of the spatial value of benthic fisheries and shellfisheries to the seabed around England and Wales. This work was undertaken as part of a wider study for Defra exploring the potential cost impacts on various marine uses stemming from Marine Bill proposals to introduce Marine Conservation Zones.

The GIS layers will be developed, in association with CEFAS and FRS, using demersal, pelagic, dredge fisheries data and information for English, Welsh & Scottish territorial waters and UK offshore waters; landing statistics and in consultation with the various Sea Fisheries Committees, National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, the Regional Advisory Councils and possibly individual Fish Producer Organisations.

All of these derived information layers will be made available on the COWRIE website: www.offshorewind.co.uk in January 2009.

Bill Cooper, Managing Director, ABPmer said:

“ABPmer is delighted to be leading this project. We have been actively involved in marine spatial planning research and development for Defra in support of the Marine Bill, and with the Crown Estate in relation to offshore wind development for a few years now. We understand both the value of strategic planning in the marine environment and the information needed to make sustainable decisions. The creation of GIS layers on the location and economic value of commercial fishing and shellfishing activities in UK waters provides an opportunity to steer Offshore Windfarm developments away from economically important fishing grounds at the planning stage. This is in the interests of both the Offshore Wind Farm developers and fishermen.”

Enquiries:

Bill Cooper
Managing Director, ABPmer
Tel: 02380 711840