ABPmer Provides Fisheries Information to Marine Renewables Sector

ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) has recently developed the first UK-wide spatial information layers on the distribution and economic value of commercial fishing and shellfishing activities within UK waters.  The outputs, funded by COWRIE (Collaborative Offshore Wind Research Into The Environment), will primarily be used to support strategic siting assessments for Round 3 Offshore Wind Farms but will also be of relevance for other marine renewable energy projects. 

ABPmer worked with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS) and Fisheries Research Services (FRS), Scotland, to develop the GIS layers.  Consultations with the various Sea Fisheries Committees, National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations and Fish Producer Organisations have ensured that this “first” is as up-to-date as possible.

Stephen Hull, Director, ABPmer supports the importance of information in marine spatial planning.  He said “ABPmer has been involved in the development of marine spatial planning for at least 5 years.  We understand that data is critical to informed decision-making.   The creation of GIS layers on the location and economic value of commercial fishing activities in UK waters provides an opportunity to steer Offshore Windfarm developments away from economically important fishing grounds at the planning stage. This is in the interests of both the Offshore Wind Farm developers and fishermen.   We are currently preparing UK-wide data layers that will assist in the identification of marine conservation zones.”

All of the derived information layers can now be downloaded from the COWRIE website: http://data.offshorewind.co.uk

Enquiries:
Stephen Hull
Business Development Director, ABPmer
Tel: 02380 711840

Tracey Hewett
ABPmer Communications
Tel: 02380 711840