SCA Calls for Inclusive Planning to Protect Seafood Access and Consumer Confidence
The Seafood Consumers Association (SCA) welcomes the energy sector’s ambition and collaboration demonstrated over the two days of the 2025 Australian Wind Energy Conference (17 & 18 July at MCEC, Melbourne) . As offshore wind projects move from vision to implementation in Australian waters, SCA calls for stronger integration between renewable energy development, marine resource access, and seafood system sustainability.
Australia’s oceans are home to both world-class wind energy potential and culturally, economically, and nutritionally vital seafood resources. As these sectors converge, it is critical that seafood consumers and fishing communities are not left behind in the clean energy transition.
“Our oceans are entering a new era. But as turbines rise on the horizon, we must ensure seafood remains on the table—affordable, accessible, and responsibly/sustainably sourced,” said SCA CEO, Roy Palmer.
Key issues raised during the conference—marine spatial planning, port infrastructure, biodiversity protections, and community engagement—directly affect seafood ecosystems and supply chains. These developments have the potential to either strengthen or compromise seafood security and consumer trust, depending on how they are implemented. Potential of joint energy/seafood activities seemingly were not discussed over the 2 day event. There was a lack of discussion about the integration of offshore wind energy with aquaculture and fishing which is rapidly advancing with several pioneering joint ventures and pilot projects emerging globally. These collaborations aim to maximize marine space use, enhance sustainability, and diversify both the renewable energy and seafood sectors.
Summary Table: Notable Wind–Aquaculture/Fishing Collaborations
| Project/Region | Partners | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mareld (Sweden) | Freja Offshore, Sub farm, research | Fish farming in wind farm | Development |
| AquaWind (Atlantic EU) | GOBCAN, EU partners | Wind and aquaculture platform | Pilot/2025 |
| OffWoff (Nordics) | Freja Offshore, Sub farm, DHI, Blue Maritime Cluster | Co-location R&D | Early Pilot |
| Nanri Island (China) | Longyuan Power, Shanghai Electric | Wind/solar & aquaculture | Operational |
| U.S. Sector Task Force | Orsted, RODA | Fishing & wind coexistence | Ongoing |
| UNITED (Europe) | Various EU partners | Offshore wind–aquaculture pilots | Pilot |
SCA is calling for:
- Representation of seafood stakeholders (including consumers) in offshore wind decision-making frameworks.
- Transparent, publicly accessible ocean monitoring data from offshore wind zones, including impacts on marine biodiversity and fisheries.
- Co-benefit models that include investment in seafood logistics, cold chain infrastructure, and climate-smart supply chains.
- Public assurance that seafood habitats, traditional fishing areas and potential aquaculture areas will be protected or compensated where impacted.
SCA also recognises the potential for alignment between wind-powered ports and sustainable seafood processing, and encourages industry partnerships to help Australia lead in low-emissions seafood innovation.
As consumers increasingly demand trusted, traceable and climate-conscious seafood, offshore energy and seafood must not compete—they must collaborate.
SCA stands ready to work with government, energy developers, First Nations groups, and seafood industry leaders to ensure that a cleaner energy future also protects the future of seafood.
Media Contacts:
SCA Media Contact: CEO, Roy Palmer +61 492825012 or seafoodsdg@outlook.com