Offshore wind must not disrupt our fishing industry
3 min read
For too long, the United Kingdom has relied on others for energy. But under this government we are on the verge of an energy revolution, charging forward with renewables.
At the last election, voters demonstrated that they wanted a government serious about transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, homegrown energy. With our new publicly owned GB Energy, we have the opportunity to achieve energy independence and reclaim global leadership on climate action.
Cornwall has always looked to the sea and mined the land, with hard-working, industrious communities at its heart. Our communities are ready to grasp new opportunities to increase local median incomes, which currently lag around 20 per cent behind the national average, upskill our young people, and rebuild vital infrastructure. As the first large rural authority to commit to a 2030 net-zero target, Cornwall is ready to lead the UK’s renewable energy efforts in wind, solar, or tidal power.
This transition is essential for our energy security, economy, job creation, and – crucially – for climate and nature. While renewable energy is our future, as we expand this vital industry – which Labour has advanced by successfully overturning the onshore ban – we must consider the full costs, not just financial, but also to our fishers, coastal communities, and the marine environment. Offshore wind must be developed in a way that enhances marine life recovery, restores fish populations, and supports sustainable fishing.
As an environmentalist and MP for a coastal and rural constituency, I’m committed to ensuring this transition is not only swift but also fair. Coastal communities in South East Cornwall and across the UK have long been stewards of our seas, contributing to local economies and feeding the nation. Their future must be safeguarded in the renewable transition.
We cannot allow a free-for-all in offshore wind development
If not carefully sited, offshore wind could disrupt historic fishing grounds, fragile ecosystems, and important areas for wildlife, including migratory routes and nursery habitats. This is where scientific, evidence-based research and marine spatial planning become crucial.
Marine wildlife and human activity do not exist in isolation – we must adopt a holistic approach that considers the entire marine environment and its relationships. By prioritising robust marine spatial planning, we can reduce competition for space, protecting both nature and livelihoods.
We can and must find a balance. Through careful planning, we can site renewable energy projects in areas that minimise disruption to existing activities and sensitive ecosystems.
We cannot allow a free-for-all in offshore wind development. A long-term vision for our seas, with proper consultation involving all stakeholders, is essential. This is not about pitting industries against each other, but about managing our seas as the shared asset they are. We must allow renewables and sustainable fishing to coexist, giving nature room to thrive for the betterment of both the economy and environment.
It is clear that renewables are not just about reducing emissions – they are a foundation for a sustainable and secure future. Offshore wind is a vital part of that future, but it must be developed responsibly, considering all existing uses and environmental impacts.
South East Cornwall and other communities across the country are ready to embrace this future. We have a shared vision and commitment to achieving thriving seas and the recovery of degraded marine ecosystems that support prosperous, sustainable fisheries. The recent tentative return of bluefin tuna is a testament to what can be achieved. Now we have the opportunity to demonstrate how renewable energy can drive economic growth while protecting the environment and coastal communities.
The future of energy is green, and South East Cornwall stands ready to lead. But let’s ensure we do it the right way, for the benefit of people and planet.
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