Commenting on the announcement by the UK Government that it will cut support for onshore wind power, but will give more subsidies for offshore wind energy projects, Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “We look at this news with considerable anxiety, indicating as it does that offshore wind development is now regarded as the preferred option. It may be in inshore areas where significant parts of this new wind development will in the end be placed, which creates the very real likelihood of displacing local fishing activity.
“This applies also to planned developments further offshore and if the cumulative effect is considered, then this impact could be very considerable indeed and will have the potential to affect the livelihoods of many across the industry and its infrastructure. Balance in the future planning process will be essential if sustainable harvesting of another renewable resource – seafood – is to be properly maintained.
“We have given a robust response during the Scottish Government’s consultation process for their Marine Energy Sectoral Plan, and have pointed out that the Marine Act (Scotland) that governs such issues states that there should be prevention of interference with legitimate users of the sea – such as our hardworking fishermen.”
