At the same time as applications for 24 offshore wind farms, including in the Bothnian Sea, are currently being processed, the Swedish Maritime Administration, together with the Swedish Energy Agency, has been commissioned to investigate the question of how to use wind farms for fishing and aquaculture.
- This is a way to ensure that we get both the fish we need and the electricity we need.
I think that many will think that it is not wrong, says Minister of Rural Affairs Anna-Caren Sätherberg (S) who is the initiator of the investigation.
Boat corridors between the works
Goncalo Carneiro at the Swedish Maritime Administration is one of those who will investigate the possibilities.
He sees above all three opportunities to adapt wind farms to fishing.
- Geographical location, distance between the works and the possibility of having corridors where fishing boats can drive through, are the main adaptations that are in question.
Cultivation and improved fishing
The government also hopes that the foundations of wind turbines will make sea areas more attractive to different species by acting as an artificial reef and thereby improving fishing in the area.
- Fishing for species that gather at the foundations could benefit, says Goncalo Carneiro.
The inquiry will also look at whether it is possible to conduct aquaculture in connection with wind turbines, for example different types of offshore cultivations in the water.