BEL Lunch: A Gusty Wind or A Cool Breeze? Interplay between OWFs, Fisheries, and Climate Change

Dr Abdullah Al Arif is an internationally experienced legal researcher specialising in ocean governance and the law of the sea. Dr Arif has recently completed his tenure as a postdoctoral research fellow (2021-2023) at Yokohama City University, Japan, funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Dr Arif completed a PhD in Law at Macquarie University (NSW, Australia) in 2019. He published his first research monograph, "Sustainable Fisheries Management and International Law: Marine Fisheries in Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal," with Routledge in December 2021. Dr Arif has also published several research articles in highly regarded journals.

Abstract

This presentation explores how offshore wind farms (OWFs) and fisheries interact within a climate change context. Scientific studies reveal that OWFs have positive and negative effects on fish, fisheries, and the marine environment. The impact of climate change on fish and fisheries is making their relationship further complex. This complexity may slow down the deployment of offshore wind projects or put fisheries at risk. Therefore, examining the key challenges arising from the interaction between OWFs and fisheries is vital to ensure their peaceful and sustainable co-existence. Sophisticated marine planning considering spatial and temporal factors can help bring harmony to multiple ocean uses. Also, the regulatory framework for OWFs must incorporate scientific information, stakeholder consultation and a carefully considered policy direction.