The wind farm and fishing
The distribution of space between the wind farm and fishing
On the Breton coast, fishing is a very important activity which has existed for several centuries. By establishing itself in the bay of Saint-Brieuc, the wind farm must therefore meet new challenges to establish itself in harmony with the environment. Ailes Marines consulted the professional fishermen concerned and made significant changes to the layout of the park and its implementation. The aim is to optimize its integration into the bay and facilitate its coexistence with fishing activities.
The bay of Saint-Brieuc is a hotspot for scallop fishing. To preserve this activity, the wind farm is therefore located outside the main source of scallops. It was also moved 6 km north to move away from the main scallop fishing area.
sequencing of works aimed at reducing the impact of the project on fishing activity
Monitoring of orders temporarily regulating maritime activities in the bay during wind farm construction work
Open part of the concession
- R Navigation authorized
- R Fishing authorized
Work zone
- R Navigation authorized subject to compliance with the ban on staying less than 500 m from shipyard vessels
- Q Fishing and underwater activities prohibited
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Information measures
- R Consultation
Upstream, Ailes Marines set up consultation with the various professional fishing organizations.
This ongoing consultation, thanks in particular to a Wind Project Manager within the CDPMEM22 (see below), has made it possible to jointly define the locations and periods of the scientific and environmental campaigns.
- R Transparency
Ailes Marines wishes to be transparent about the implementation of the project. She therefore wishes to involve fishermen in scientific campaigns at sea.
The company also implemented regulatory monitoring during the investigation phase as well as additional measures requested by the scientific council and the management and monitoring committee (see below). The goal is to ensure the conditions for maintaining fishing within the future park.
- R Management and monitoring committee
Ailes Marines informed and participated in the Management and Monitoring Committee as well as the Scientific Council under the aegis of the Prefect of Côtes d'Armor.
Finally, more than 120 official consultation meetings, but also more than 1000 informal meetings have been organized by Ailes Marines since the start of the project.
- R Additional studies
In addition, to meet the expectations of the committees, Ailes Marines has carried out numerous studies and additional notes.
The results of the various studies carried out were then transmitted and/or faithfully reproduced during specific meetings with fishing professionals or during management and monitoring committees (see below). The CDPMEM22 also participates in scientific studies on fishery resources by identifying fishing boats in the bay which have scientists on board.
Technical measures
- R Dirty cables
Finally, an ambitious objective to bury 100% of installed cables (i.e. 100% of ferry cables and 100% of inter-wind turbine cables) was taken in 2020, for maximum maritime safety for all users. of the sea and fishing activities.
For these burial operations, Ailes Marines has set aside a budget of 10 million euros and developed specific tools.
- R Reduced number of wind turbines
The number of wind turbines installed has also been reduced, from 100 wind turbines planned at the start of the project, to 62 currently.
This makes it possible to increase the spacing between the wind turbines (1300 meters instead of 1000 initially planned). This makes it easier for ships to navigate within the park.
- R Minimizing the impact on fishing
To minimize the impact of the wind farm on fishing, the wind turbine lines are oriented at a heading of 314°.
They therefore follow the axis of the tidal currents and provide the possibility of fishing with towed gear (with a trawl for example) in the park. It is also possible to fish there using traps or nets for example.
- R Jacket type foundations
At the underwater level, jacket-type foundations were preferred to gravity foundations, despite the geotechnical difficulties of the site.
Financial measures
- R Support
Ailes Marines offers its support to sustainable fishing projects.
Ailes Marines has financed scallop reseeding and crepidula eradication campaigns.
It also offers a contribution for the promotion of professions and seafood products. Likewise, Ailes Marines has financed studies linked to the fishing economy.
- R Fishing authorities in the region
To carry out this project, Ailes Marines works in close collaboration with the region's fishing authorities.
Thus, since 2012, it has financed a Wind Project Manager position dedicated to the project within the Departmental Fisheries Committee (CDPMEM22).
- R Compensation
During the construction period of the wind farm, Ailes Marines provides compensation for professionals impacted by the progress of the construction site.
It will also pay the regulatory wind tax which will benefit professional fishing organizations. This sum will be paid each year, for 20 years, from the commissioning of the park. It will be distributed as follows:
1.2 million euros per year for the National Committee for Maritime Fisheries and Marine Farming (CNPMEM)
€800,000 per year for the Brittany Regional Committee for Maritime Fisheries and Marine Farming (CRPMEM Bretagne)
€800,000 per year to the Côtes d’Armor Departmental Committee for Maritime Fisheries and Marine Farming (CDPMEM 22)