A government study on identifying marine protected areas off the east coast has said there would be “significant spatial squeeze” if both offshore wind farms and commercial fishing are excluded from sensitive habitats. The group was asked to focus on the sea area extending from Carlingford Lough to Carnsore Point, where a number of offshore wind farms will be built. Wind Energy Ireland has said at least seven offshore wind farms will have to be in operation off the Irish coast by 2030 if climate-related renewable energy targets are to be achieved. Native or European flat oysters, which were fished to extinction in the Irish Sea, are listed as being “suitable for restoration”. Irish South and East Fish Producers’ Organisation chief executive John Lynch, who has warned of potential conflict between fishing and offshore wind farms, welcomed the report as being very comprehensive.

Source: Irish Independent June 25, 2023 07:19 UTC