The Fisheries Sensitivity Mapping and Displacement Modelling project (FiSMaDiM) aimed to fill key evidence gaps, including identification of fishing activities on a high-spatial resolution in potential OWF (offshore windfarm) areas and improve methods to estimate fishing intensity of fishing vessels in the UK EEZ (exclusive economic zone). In addition, indicators developed under FiSMaDiM can be used to determine the sensitivity of a fishing area. We also applied agent-based models on case studies to assess the potential impact of displacement of fishing activity due to windfarm implementations. Indicators developed under FiSMaDiM can therefore be used to determine the sensitivity of a fishing area. We also applied agent based models on case studies to assess the potential impact of displacement of fishing activity due to windfarm implementations. This information will help to guide future strategic deployment of new offshore wind away from areas of high relevance to the fishing industry.
The project is of high importance for the fishing industry and the economic impact potential offshore windfarm development will have on the activity of the sector. The project is funded by The Crown Estate through its Offshore Wind Evidence and Change programme (OWEC) and led by Cefas, in collaboration with University of St Andrews and Scottish Government. The project is supported by an advisory group which includes The Crown Estate, Defra, MMO, JNCC, Natural England, and, very importantly, representatives from the fisheries and offshore renewable energy industry sectors, e.g. SWFPA, SFF, EEFPO, NFFO, Orsted, EDF Renewables or Ocean Winds.
The FiSMaDiM project is almost complete, and you can register for our final meeting where we will be giving an overview of the main results and outputs. Please follow the links from this website.