New ScotWind projects could 'destroy' fishing grounds
The warnings come only a day after Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the plans
There are fears that the new Shetland ScotWind projects could prove detrimental to Scotland's fishing industry.
The Shetland Fishermen's Association (SFA) are warning that fishing grounds could be "destroyed", unless there's more research into the projects.
Daniel Lawson, Executive Officer at SFA, says, "The impact of these projects on nursery grounds and spawning sites is unknown, and research is urgently needed before productive and pristine fishing grounds are destroyed in this offshore windrush."
The project was only announced on Monday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on a visit to Aberdeen.
Ms Sturgeon said the projects would be "crucial" to securing the North East's title of net-zero capital of Europe.
But despite acknowledging that more renewable energy is needed, Mr Lawson says the plans could have a detrimental impact on ecosystems in the North Sea.
"It is clear to everyone that more renewable energy is needed, however fish is a low carbon source of nutritious protein food – displacing legitimate fishing activity is environmental madness.
"These and other wind farm developments will have an impact on ecosystems and therefore on fish stocks and fisheries in the area.
"Unlike the offshore windfarm sector, fishing relies entirely on the good state of marine ecosystems for its survival.
“The Scottish Government is effectively privatising areas of seabed which are critical to our local economy here in Shetland, for the benefit of Irish, Norwegian and French/Spanish multinationals."
In response, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We are committed to preserving and enhancing the health of Scotland’s marine and coastal ecosystem while supporting the sustainable contribution of ocean resources to economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and a just transition to net zero.
"Plan Options for the future development of sustainable commercial-scale offshore wind energy in Scotland were identified in our Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy, published in 2020, following a detailed Sustainability Appraisal and engagement process, which directly involved the fishing industry who also formed part of the plan steering group.
"The Plan was also developed in combination with a series of environmental and socio-economic assessments to identify the potential impacts of offshore wind on the marine environment, communities and protected species.
"This included assessment of spawning and nursery grounds.
"Each ScotWind project will be subject to a further, robust consenting process, and project-level consultation, to determine any negative impacts and appropriate mitigation. we encourage the fishing sector to continue to actively engage with those processes to ensure all views are considered."