In something of a surprise move, but following a long process of consultation, the Dutch authorities have scaled down wind farm plans to guarantee fishing space in North Sea waters.
This appears in the latest draft amendment to the North Sea Programme in which not only has the target for offshore wind energy been adjusted downwards from 50 to 21 gigawatts, but there is also a clear and deliberate move to set aside ground for fishing. The Lagelander wind energy area, located west of Texel and Vlieland, has been cancelled. A key area for the sole fisheryg, this area is no longer designated as a wind energy area.
In the new wind energy area 6/7, an open zone of 1520 to 1620 square kilometres is to be kept free of wind turbines, preserving a crucial langoustine catchment area and allowing current fishing activities in this area to continue.
This outcome has been welcomed by Dutch industry association Nederlandse Vissersbond.
‘As a sector, we have worked intensively on this and clearly presented our positions. The preservation of space for fishing in the new plans is a recognition of the values we represent and the position we have as a sector. We are pleased with this result and grateful for the constructive cooperation with the central government,’ said Ben Scholten of Nederlandse Vissersbond, commenting that this is all work that has been done in co-operation with the Urk PO.
Several sessions were held with members in 2023, resulting in a joint sector proposal. This proposal was presented to the relevant authorities and supported with an extensive note advocating the preservation of space for fishing in the development of wind area 6/7. Several consultations were also held with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W) and other involved parties.
‘The fact that this commitment is now reflected in the draft amendment to the North Sea Programme, we as a sector can regard as an important step forward,’ he said, adding that part of the previous target of 50 gigawatts of wind energy has been postponed to the next North Sea Programme in 2028.
