Windfarm moratorium call widely supported

A NEW poll has found that many people living in the South Scotland want a moratorium on new offshore wind developments. They believe schemes should be paused until the impacts on fishermen are fully assessed and compensation arrangements are agreed. That’s according to a survey carried out on behalf of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF). It found that 61 per cent of people living locally agree that the Scottish Government should place a temporary pause on approving new offshore wind developments. Just over a quarter (27 per cent) strongly agree with such a moratorium, while just 15 per cent disagree. The polling also revealed overwhelming backing for safeguarding Scotland’s fishing fleet as competition for marine space intensifies. The SFF say the findings underline growing public concern about the cumulative impact of offshore renewables expansion on Scotland’s fishing industry, known as the spatial squeeze. Chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “Taken together, these findings send a clear message: the Scottish public supports renewable energy, but not at the expense of Scotland’s fishing fleet or without proper safeguards in place. “With two thirds backing a temporary pause on further offshore wind approvals, more than eight in ten calling for protection of the fleet, and strong support for mandatory compensation where harm occurs, Scots expect policymakers to strike a fair balance between energy development and food security. “Whoever forms the next Scottish Government must take these strong opinions into account before the fishing industry is squeezed out of legitimate and long-established fishing grounds forever.”