Fishing industry input is ‘vital’ in marine energy planning
The government is looking at new ways of producing power.
Last updated 20th Jan 2025
Devon’s fishing industry has a vital role to play in harnessing billions of pounds worth of renewable energy from the sea, it’s been claimed.
The government is looking at ways of producing power through offshore wind farms and new technologies which can create electricity from waves and currents.
But fishing industry leaders have warned that careless creation of energy projects could devastate vulnerable fishing grounds off the Devon coast.
Last year the Crown Estate, which owns the sea bed, published a map of potential development zones which includes thousands of square miles off Land’s End and the Isles of Scilly and an expanded zone off the north Devon coast.
Industry leaders said that while they were not completely against harvesting energy from the sea, they wanted their views on conserving valuable fishing grounds to be heard.
South Devon MP Caroline Voaden raised the issue during a Westminster debate, saying: “The waters surrounding our islands hold enormous potential. Living on wet, windy islands, would it not be great if we could put some of that weather to good use?”
She said investing in so-called marine renewables was a huge economic opportunity for the UK, she said, but the fishing industry must not be overlooked.
“Brixham, one of the UK’s most productive fishing ports, landed a record breaking £43.6million worth of seafood last year,” she said. “That is not just an economic statistic – it represents the hard work of the fishing community and their contribution to our food security. As we navigate the transition to renewable energy, it is essential that the voices of our fishermen are heard and their expertise is valued.”
She said energy projects must be carefully planned to avoid disrupting fishing grounds and marine ecosystems, and added: “Consultation with the fishing community must be a fundamental part of the development process, not an afterthought. Fishermen know the waters better than anyone and can provide invaluable insights into where installations can co-exist happily with fishing activities.
“This approach is not just a matter of fairness. It is also a matter of practicality. Energy security and food security are two sides of the same coin. As we strive to achieve net zero and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, we must also ensure that we are protecting our ability to feed the nation.
“The sea can provide both energy and food, but only if we manage it wisely and sustainably.”