Scotland’s fishing leaders are demanding an immediate moratorium on offshore wind farm consents, warning ministers they are “gambling away” seas, jobs and coastal heritage.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) said the government’s plan to install up to 40GW of offshore wind by 2040 is “far too high” and would cause irreversible environmental damage while displacing fleets from traditional grounds.
The call is set out in SFF’s responses to consultations on the Offshore Wind Policy Statement and draft Sectoral Marine Plan. The body warned of “significant and long-term negative impacts” on fishing from both.
SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “This isn’t a plan – it’s a stampede. The government is charging ahead without the faintest idea how to protect the people and places that will be trampled in the rush.”
She added: “Until they can prove our industry and our seas will be safeguarded, the only responsible choice is to slam on the brakes.”
The federation accused ministers of “reverse engineering” marine plans to match ScotWind leasing outcomes, and described the INTOG seabed process as “sketchy” and rushed.
It also criticised the government for focusing on economic benefits in its updated Offshore Wind Policy Statement while failing to mention the climate crisis.
“Fishing is one of Scotland’s original green industries,” Macdonald said. “Renewable food cannot be the price to be paid for renewable energy.”
SFF argued mitigation measures are “non-existent” and warned of serious environmental consequences, citing studies highlighting risks to protected habitats and species.
The group said the cumulative burden of marine policies, renewables expansion and expectations on fishing to offset offshore wind impacts is leaving the industry at “breaking point”.