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Attitudes and perceptions of fishermen on the island of Ireland towards the development of marine renewable energy projects

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  • Reilly, Kieran
  • O’Hagan, Anne Marie
  • Dalton, Gordon

Abstract

The expansion of the marine renewable energy (MRE) sector will increase pressure on sea space and existing maritime users which could potentially lead to conflict. Commercial fishing has been identified by many as the industry most likely to be affected by the development of MRE. In order to reduce the risk of spatial conflict and to enable decision-making based on the co-existence of the two sectors, it is important to gain a better understanding of the attitudes of fishermen towards the development of MRE projects in their locality. A survey was designed to provide quantitative information on fishermen׳s attitudes to marine renewable energy and the perceived impacts and opportunities. Three MRE developments which have been proposed around the island of Ireland (comprising Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) were chosen as case study sites in which to carry out the survey. The sites represent offshore wind, wave and tidal energy respectively and are in differing stages of development. In total, 104 complete surveys were conducted with fishermen located at ports in the vicinity of the case study sites. 40% of those surveyed agreed that it is important to develop marine renewable energy in their locality. A further 15% were neutral on this matter. It is encouraging for developers and policy makers that the majority of respondents (70%) were of the opinion that fisheries and MRE projects can co-exist.

Suggested Citation

  • Reilly, Kieran & O’Hagan, Anne Marie & Dalton, Gordon, 2015. "Attitudes and perceptions of fishermen on the island of Ireland towards the development of marine renewable energy projects," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 88-97.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:marpol:v:58:y:2015:i:c:p:88-97
    DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2015.04.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Reilly, Kieran & O’Hagan, Anne Marie & Dalton, Gordon, 2016. "Developing benefit schemes and financial compensation measures for fishermen impacted by marine renewable energy projects," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 161-170.
    2. Daniel Icaza & David Vallejo-Ramirez & Carlos Guerrero Granda & Edwin Marín, 2024. "Challenges, Roadmaps and Smart Energy Transition towards 100% Renewable Energy Markets in American Islands: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-27, February.
    3. Gonzalo Rodríguez-Rodríguez & Hugo M. Ballesteros & Helena Martínez-Cabrera & Raúl Vilela & María Grazia Pennino & José María Bellido, 2021. "On the Role of Perception: Understanding Stakeholders’ Collaboration in Natural Resources Management through the Evolutionary Theory of Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-11, March.
    4. Hooper, Tara & Ashley, Matthew & Austen, Melanie, 2015. "Perceptions of fishers and developers on the co-location of offshore wind farms and decapod fisheries in the UK," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 16-22.
    5. Azreen Rozainee Abdullah, 2024. "Natural or Reclaimed Coastal Areas? The Role of Environmental Awareness in Supporting Coastal Ecotourism," GATR Journals jber245, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    6. Ruano-Chamorro, Cristina & Castilla, Juan Carlos & Gelcich, Stefan, 2018. "Human dimensions of marine hydrokinetic energies: Current knowledge and research gaps," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 1979-1989.
    7. Caballero, Mariah D. & Gunda, Thushara & McDonald, Yolanda J., 2023. "Energy justice & coastal communities: The case for Meaningful Marine Renewable Energy Development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    8. Segura, E. & Morales, R. & Somolinos, J.A., 2018. "A strategic analysis of tidal current energy conversion systems in the European Union," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 527-551.
    9. Hideki Shimada & Kenji Asano & Yu Nagai & Akito Ozawa, 2022. "Assessing the Impact of Offshore Wind Power Deployment on Fishery: A Synthetic Control Approach," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 83(3), pages 791-829, November.
    10. Takvor H. Soukissian & Dimitra Denaxa & Flora Karathanasi & Aristides Prospathopoulos & Konstantinos Sarantakos & Athanasia Iona & Konstantinos Georgantas & Spyridon Mavrakos, 2017. "Marine Renewable Energy in the Mediterranean Sea: Status and Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-56, September.
    11. Szostek, C.L. & Watson, S.C.L. & Trifonova, N. & Beaumont, N.J. & Scott, B.E., 2025. "Spatial conflict in offshore wind farms: Challenges and solutions for the commercial fishing industry," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).

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