GEOM 5903 Seminar: Kelly Bates
GEOM 5903 Seminar: Kelly Bates
Title: Energizing the Future vs Preserving Traditions: Evaluating the Impact of Offshore Wind Farms on Marine Life and the Fishing Industry
Location & Time: Huggins Science Hall, Room 336, 4:00 p.m.
Abstract:
The offshore wind energy sector is witnessing unparalleled growth across Canada and the United States, undertaking ambitious projects aimed at providing clean, renewable energy to millions of homes and generating thousands of job opportunities over the next decade. Despite the optimistic forecast, the road forward is unclear. Significant opposition from the fishing sector represents a substantial obstacle, with concerns focused on the potential degradation of marine life, restricted access to fishing areas, and increased competition over dwindling fishing grounds. These critical issues have led to a series of lawsuits, public protests, and project delays, especially in areas where fishing is a fundamental part of the local economy. For example, in Nova Scotia, where the fishing industry’s exports for lobster and molluscs exceeded $173 million in 2023, there is notable resistance against the province’s vision for a cleaner energy future. Considering the immense size of these installations—with turbine blades often surpassing the length of a commercial aircraft and bases measuring more than 100 m in diameter—the apprehension among fishing communities about their livelihoods and the integrity of the marine ecosystem is well-founded. Although offshore wind technology might seem like a recent innovation in North America, Europe has been utilising this technology on a smaller scale for more than two decades. By drawing on research from these European wind farms, the insights gained can serve as a fundamental reference for assessing their long-term impact on marine ecosystems. This approach aids in addressing whether the progression of offshore renewable energy can coexist with the interests of the fishing industry.