How are wind farms impacting Shetland's fishing industry?

Wind farms, conservation zones, and cables are reducing the available sea space for fishing fleets, creating a "spatial squeeze" that threatens their viability.

What economic concerns do Shetland fishermen have about wind projects?

Fishermen are concerned that the ownership of new wind projects lies outside Shetland, causing economic benefits to shift away from local hands.

What is the Scottish Government doing about marine space competition?

The Scottish Government plans to address competition for marine space through its National Marine Plan 2 and a specific regional plan for Shetland.

Home / Environment / Shetland Fishermen Face "Spatial Squeeze" from Wind Farms

Shetland Fishermen Face "Spatial Squeeze" from Wind Farms

2 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Offshore wind farm expansion is reducing crucial fishing grounds in Shetland.
The Shetland Fishermen's Association warns of economic peril for local fleets.
Ownership of new wind projects lies outside Shetland, shifting economic benefits.

Shetland Fishermen Face "Spatial Squeeze" from Wind Farms

The growing number of offshore wind farms in Shetland's waters is causing a severe "spatial squeeze," jeopardizing the region's vital fishing fleets. A recent report by the Shetland Fishermen's Association (SFA) and consultants Voar details how wind farms, alongside conservation zones and transmission cables, are significantly reducing the sea areas traditionally used for fishing.

This encroachment poses disproportionate consequences for the Shetland fishing economy, particularly impacting whitefish and pelagic fisheries. The SFA warns that the cumulative effect of proposed developments could shrink the fishable area to a point where catch yields diminish, threatening the viability of numerous fishing businesses. Compounding these concerns is the fact that the ownership of these expansive wind projects lies outside Shetland, meaning crucial economic benefits will flow to external interests.