Co-existence in practice: a collaborative study of the effects of the Westermost Rough offshore wind development on the size distribution and catch rates of a commercially important lobster (<i>Homarus gammarus</i>) population

Abstract The global expansion of offshore windfarms (OWF), whilst seen as a tool to combat climate change, can often be concern fishing communities already challenged by spatial restrictions. Static gear fisheries, due their strong fidelity specific sites, particularly affected conflict with OWF. Here we investigate, using four sampling efforts over six-year period, the effects development Westermost Rough OWF (UK) on commercially important European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) population. A collaborative study was developed and conducted local fishery developer. baseline potting survey ∼ every 4 days summer months 2013 (pre-construction) post-construction surveys were in 2015, 2017, 2019. Size, catch, landings per unit effort (CPUE &amp; LPUE) all lobsters recorded compared between sites years. Size structure catch rates differed years, however differences not observed comparisons windfarm export cable associated control within each year, although there compounding factors proximity treatment sites. There short-term increase size construction phase site, but this during subsequent operational surveys. Although impacts fisheries will vary case-by-case basis, has implications for wind developments other static crustacean fisheries.