Regulatory and policy frameworks for offshore wind projects: spatial and temporal considerations in light of fisheries sustainability amid climate change

This article explores the interplay between offshore wind projects (OWPs) and fisheries within a climate change context. There is scant literature reviewing the interaction and regulatory framework that applies or ought to apply to these two uses of the sea. We attempt to fill the gap by critically examining the relationship between OWPs, fisheries and climate change to then identify the key challenges arising from their interaction and co-existence. These issues not only slow down the deployment of offshore wind projects but also put in perspective the consequences of such projects. Advancing the state of the art, we put forward broad regulatory suggestions based on science-policy interfaces and marine planning concerning the spatial and temporal factors of OWPs to achieve the peaceful and sustainable co-existence of two essential resources - offshore wind and fisheries.