'...with proper planning, mitigation, and respect for local knowledge, both the fishing and energy industries can coexist...'

Shetland Fishing Fleet in Jeopardy from 'Spatial Squeeze' as Energy Projects Loom

UNITED KINGDOM
Wednesday, December 03, 2025, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

Urgent Report Demands Safeguards as Offshore Wind and Cables Threaten Access to Productive Grounds

A new report warns that a series of large-scale energy projects planned for the waters around Shetland could have far-reaching impacts on the fishing industry without stronger safeguards. The report, released on December 1st, 2025, calls for decisive action to prevent offshore renewables and associated transmission cabling from squeezing Shetland's fishing fleet out of vital productive grounds.

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The Scale of the Threat

The comprehensive 85-page report, co-developed by the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) and Voar, highlights the significant marine spatial demand. The footprint of the planned offshore wind farms alone is equivalent to 38% of Shetland’s land area, with cable corridors and other infrastructure set to add more, significantly contributing to the “spatial squeeze.”

• Disproportionate Impact: Although Shetland’s surrounding waters make up only 17% of the UK’s sea area, they produce around 33% of the nation’s fish catch. The report stresses that any reduction in access here would have disproportionate consequences on the Shetland fishing economy, and the UK seafood industry more broadly.

• Specific Projects Cited: The report details the marine spatial demand of projects such as the planned Arven and Stoura floating turbine wind farms to the east of Shetland. These projects cover 458km² and 100km² respectively, areas currently used by both whitefish and pelagic fisheries.

Industry Voices and Economic Concerns

Daniel Lawson, executive officer of the SFA, expressed grave concern, stating: “Shetland’s diverse, family-owned fishing fleet is being put in serious jeopardy by these projects.”

“Government and energy industry leaders need to realise that skippers cannot just move somewhere else,” said Mr. Lawson. “Wind farms of the type and scale proposed to the east of Shetland will permanently exclude vessels from some of the most productive fishing grounds in the world.”

Mr. Lawson also pointed to the economic shift: “Worst of all, unlike the fishing industry, ownership of these projects lies outwith Shetland, meaning the economic benefits derived from Shetland’s seas will shift away from local hands to outside interests.”

Daniel Gear, of Voar, emphasized the cumulative effect: “Our analysis shows that the key issue isn’t any individual project, but the way multiple developments or restrictions interact to narrow the sea space that fishermen rely on.”

Recommendations for Coexistence

While supporting renewable energy, the SFA stressed that Shetland’s future should not be a “zero-sum game.” Mr. Lawson noted that the fishing industry provides food security, skilled jobs, and one of the lowest carbon sources of protein in the world.

The report calls for key actions to ensure local prosperity is protected:

• Stricter siting rules to steer energy infrastructure away from key fishing grounds and nursery areas.

• Stronger and earlier consultation so fishermen have a real say in project design and operations.

• Fair benefit-sharing and meaningful compensation mechanisms to ensure local communities are not left worse off.

  

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The SFA concluded that with proper planning, mitigation, and respect for local knowledge, both the fishing and energy industries can coexist to support Shetland’s long-term prosperity.

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