Prmess report: Federal Associationnd Windenergie Offshore on the final report of the Fisheries Future Commission
- The German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO) actively contributed to the final report as a member of the Fisheries Future Commission (ZKF).
- Offshore wind farms primarily serve to generate electricity and are considered critical infrastructure.
- Passive fishing is permitted – active fishing, especially bottom-contact fishing, is rejected by the BWO for safety and nature conservation reasons.
Berlin, April 8, 2025. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has published the final report of the Fisheries Future Commission (ZKF). The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BWO) actively supported the process as a member and provided in-depth support with a project group. The commission was prompted by the question of the possible co-use of offshore wind farms – for example, with fisheries or marine aquaculture.
Offshore wind farms are not an experimental space – but critical infrastructure
"The primary purpose of offshore wind farms is to generate electricity – and that's precisely why they are built and operated," says BWO Managing Director Stefan Thimm. "Other uses can be discussed, but they are secondary. Offshore wind turbines are critical infrastructure and serve an overriding public interest – this is explicitly stipulated in the Offshore Wind Energy Act," Thimm says.
From the BWO's perspective, the function as an energy source and safety are paramount. The operation of offshore wind farms requires the highest technical and organizational standards – any form of active fishing, especially bottom-contact trawling, poses risks to people, materials, and the environment. Passive fishing with traps and pots is already permitted in the outer safety zones of some offshore wind farms (up to 500 meters from the outermost wind turbines).
Co-use only with clarity – research takes time, safety has priority
The offshore wind energy industry is clearly committed to further scientific research: Several projects are currently addressing the ecological, technical, and operational aspects of potential co-use. The BWO explicitly supports this research – but makes it clear that the conditions for co-use are not yet in place.
The association also points to the ecological protective function of existing wind farm areas. Studies show that these areas can develop into refuges for marine species. Therefore, the Federal Compensation Ordinance stipulates that fishing activities within wind farms are generally prohibited—for good reason.
As an industry association for offshore wind energy, the BWO is contributing constructively to this dialogue. It is also clear that electricity production takes priority – this is enshrined in law and imperative for the energy industry. Participation in the ZKF does not represent a departure from this line, but rather a contribution to bringing objectivity to an increasingly emotionally charged debate.
About the BWO
The Federal Association for Offshore Wind Energy (BWO) is the political lobby for the offshore wind industry in Germany. We pool the technical expertise of companies along the entire value chain, from manufacturers to developers and operators to offshore wind energy service providers. For politicians and authorities at federal and state level, the BWO is the central contact for all questions relating to offshore wind energy.