Can offshore wind farms help depleted fish stocks?

Climate change and the need for increased electrification have led to a growing need for space to produce renewable energy in coastal areas, which has resulted in conflicts with the fishing industry. In her master's thesis, Cecilia Axelsson Örberg has investigated whether offshore wind farms can contribute to the recovery of fish stocks, focusing on their potential as "no-take zones" and whether coexistence with commercial fishing is possible. In this talk, she presents the results of this study. She will talk about the impact of wind turbines on fish stocks, modeled results for the development of fish stocks in no-take zones, and results from interviews with fishermen that give their views on future opportunities.

Cecilia Axelsson Örberg has studied the Sea & Society master's program at the University of Gothenburg. In June 2024, she presented her master's thesis evaluating the long-term effects on fishing opportunities of three planned offshore wind power projects in the Skagerrak. Cecilia's thesis has since been recognized by several organizations and research projects working on offshore wind farms, fisheries and marine planning. She is also one of the winners of this year's GUSTA (Gothenburg University Sustainability Award), an award that recognizes outstanding papers on sustainable development.

The presentation will be in Swedish