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Marine renewable energy and Scottish west coast fishers: exploring impacts, opportunities and potential mitigation
Citation
Alexander, KA and Potts, T and Wilding, TA, Marine renewable energy and Scottish west coast fishers: exploring impacts, opportunities and potential mitigation, Ocean & Coastal Management, 75 pp. 1-10. ISSN 0964-5691 (2013) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2013 Elsevier
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2013.01.005
Abstract
There is currently a strong political drive for the development of the marine renewable energy industry
in Europe, particularly in Scotland. However, little is known regarding the potential impacts upon and
opportunities for the fishing industry. Furthermore, there has been little discussion of potential mitigation
measures. In depth interviews were conducted with fishers based on the west coast of Scotland to
address the gap in knowledge of the potential conflict between offshore renewable energy development
and commercial fishers. The key aim of this study was to ascertain the underlying needs of fishers. Three
key issues were identified: i) A potential loss of livelihood is of largest concern to fishers; ii) Skills
shortages are a potential problem should a loss of livelihood occur; iii) Fishers have varied opinions
regarding the potential benefits arising from offshore renewable energy induced changes to the ecosystem.
The key needs of fishers were determined to be continued security of employment and income,
and control of one’s own life through decision-making based on fact. However, further research is
required to answer the question: how can these basic needs be satisfied?
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | fishers, inshore fisheries, attitudes, perceptions, offshore energy, Scotland |
Research Division: | Human Society |
Research Group: | Human geography |
Research Field: | Human geography not elsewhere classified |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Coastal and estuarine systems and management |
Objective Field: | Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems |
UTAS Author: | Alexander, KA (Dr Karen Alexander) |
ID Code: | 107750 |
Year Published: | 2013 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 28 |
Deposited By: | IMAS Research and Education Centre |
Deposited On: | 2016-03-23 |
Last Modified: | 2017-12-06 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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