NORTH WESTERN AND NORTH WALES SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE
OFFICER’S REPORT
WINDFARM CONSULTATIONS
Report by the Chief Executive
A. Purpose of Report
To update members on windfarm developments in the District
B. Recommendation
1. That the Witness statement for the Barrow windfarm be approved
2. That the objection to the Shell Flats proposal be approved
1. Barrow offshore windfarm
1.1 Fishermen from Fleetwood and Barrow have engaged legal advisors to assist them in seeking compensation for the loss of fishing grounds in the Barrow area as a result of this windfarm development.
1.2 The Chief Executive with the assistance of SFO Steve Brown has compiled a witness statement (Annex A) of evidence from the Committee’s records showing the extent to which this area was a valuable fishing ground for fishermen from Fleetwood and Barrow before this windfarm was constructed. The fishing records of Mr Brown who fished the area commercially prior to becoming a Fishery Officer together with the boarding and sighting records from FPV ‘Aegis’ were valuable in putting the case together.
1.3 The Committee requests that this action will result in some compensation to fishermen which may come in the form of assistance to the industry to diversify into fishing sectors which are more compatible with wind farms.
2. Cirrus Shell flats windfarm
2.1 The proposed location of this windfarm has changed following objections from Natural England based on possible impacts on the population of Scoter Duck in Liverpool Bay. The new location shown at Annex B is further north, closer to Fleetwood and situated on much more important fishing ground than was the previous location. The ground which would be lost is particularly important to Fleetwood boats using short weather windows. The loss of this ground would have a significant impact on incomes of boats which have already been made marginal through many other factors including the increasing development of other windfarms in the area.
2.2 The new location is currently under consultation with interested parties. If members agree, Officers propose that the Committee should object to the development (Annex C) and indicate that compensation will be sought if it goes ahead.
STEPHEN ATKINS
Chief Executive
22nd February 200
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) ACT, 1985
List of Background Papers
There are no background papers to this report.