Offshore wind energy and fisheries: Sustainable development goals, enterprise practices, and fishermen's perspectives

Abstract

This study comprises two essential components: a scoping review and interviews with fishermen, both aimed at understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Offshore Wind Energy (OWE) enterprises, particularly in mitigating impacts on local fisheries. Key findings from the scoping review indicate a scarcity of research explicitly dedicated to OWE enterprises' practices concerning. The review's findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the rationale behind these decisions and to explore how OWE enterprises can optimize their practices to address SDG 2. The second part of the study involves interviews with fishermen near proposed offshore wind farm sites in Taiwan. These interviews revealed that fishermen's primary concerns revolve around SDGs 2, 8, 14, and 17. However, OWE enterprises do not prioritize SDG 2, even though fishermen express concerns related to food security, proposing the adoption of marine ranching to enhance seafood supply. Moreover, SDG 17 stands out as a priority for fishermen, while OWE enterprises overlook connections with fisheries associations and fishermen. In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of the SDG-related issues surrounding OWE enterprises and their impact on local fisheries.