The contribution coexistence: offshore wind power and sustainable fishing first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
In the Swedish offshore wind farm Lillgrund, scientists test how sustainable electricity generation and passive fishing can be combined. Initial results indicate that wind farms not only provide energy, but can also create habitat for fish stands.
The federal government’s climate goals stipulate that Germany is climate -neutral by 2045. For that should also be Offshore wind power significantly developed in the coming years become. The installed performance of offshore wind energy is to increase to at least 30 gigawatts by 2030. By 2045 it should even be 70 gigawatts.
In 2024 was offshore wind power on the Gross electricity generation in Germany only participated with 5.5 percent. A slight plus compared to 4.8 percent in 2023. But in order to achieve the federal government’s climate goals in this area, enormously will be expanded in the coming years.
Wind farms and passive fish could be combined for optimal use of the area. The common Wind4coco project The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Vattenfall shows how this can be done in the Lillgrund wind farm in the Baltic Sea.
Can sustainable fishing succeed in offshore wind farms?
Wind energy systems are used in offshore wind power, which are built on the sea and can convert particularly strong and constant winds into electricity. They are therefore an important factor for the energy transition.
But even though the oceans cover large parts of the earth, their space is limited. Because the use is diverse and often takes place in the same areas. In addition to energy generation, people also use the sea as a source of food.
Especially in the North and Baltic Sea, “human activity could continue to compress in the coming years,” explains Tim Wilms, Bioscience Expert at Vattenfall. This is realistic, especially in relatively flat and coastal areas, where the expansion of wind energy currently takes place.
“These zones are already the areas that are most intensely used, and the individual industries will not be able to afford the luxury of continuing to operate there,” said Wilms. Therefore, it is increasingly important to find ways for the simultaneous use of marine areas.
In the Wind4coco project in the Lillgrund wind farm in the Baltic Sea, Vattenfall therefore tests the combination of wind farms and passive fishing together with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Passive fishing in offshore wind farm
Inpatient fishing devices are used, which should make fishing more gentle. At the same time, areas between the turbines can be used, which in turn minimize the risk of damage to cables and equipment by using smaller boats.
“Passive fishing equipment does not move. It stays where it is used. It is therefore easier to use these fishing agents in heavily controlled areas such as an offshore wind park with security zones,” explains Peter Ljungberg, specialist for environmental impact assessments at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Falls can be a shelter: fish that the catch does not aim are simply released again. And it is easier to keep birds and marine mammals such as seals from the desired catch and away from the fishing device.
Due to the vertically used networks, fishing can also work more sustainably than when using huge towing nets. “When fishing passive, there is not nearly as much tap,” said Wilms. “These methods aim at certain species, and it is increasingly taken care of reducing the by -catching of seabirds and marine mugs to a minimum.”
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The contribution coexistence: offshore wind power and sustainable fishing first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that coexistence between offshore wind power and sustainable fishing is not only possible but essential for the future of our planet. Offshore wind power has the potential to provide clean, renewable energy that can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. However, it is important to consider the potential impacts on the fishing industry, which is also crucial for both the economy and the environment.
One way to promote coexistence between offshore wind power and sustainable fishing is through careful planning and collaboration between stakeholders. This includes conducting thorough environmental impact assessments to understand the potential effects of offshore wind farms on fish populations and their habitats. By working together, developers and fishermen can find ways to mitigate any negative impacts and ensure that both industries can thrive.
Additionally, technology can play a key role in promoting coexistence. For example, advanced monitoring systems can help track fish movements and behavior around offshore wind farms, allowing developers to adjust their operations to minimize disruption. In addition, innovative fishing techniques and gear can be developed to adapt to the presence of offshore wind farms and maintain sustainable fishing practices.
Ultimately, coexistence between offshore wind power and sustainable fishing is not only possible but necessary for a sustainable future. By working together and leveraging technology, we can ensure that both industries can coexist harmoniously and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet for future generations.
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