2011, Ichthys Marine, COWRIE Research, Benefits and disadvantages of co-locating windfarms and marine conservation zones series https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=015_26469d9a-08de-4d1a-b56c-0bbb9472bf7c In summer 2010, Ichthys Marine produced a report for Collaborative Offshore Wind Research Into the Environment (COWRIE) that identified options and opportunities to mitigate any adverse impacts on fishing activities that resulted from constructing and operating windfarms. One of the possible mitigation options identified was to co-locate windfarms with MCZs, so that MCZs are designated in the same areas as, or overlap with, windfarms. This mitigation option was predicated on the idea that the when MCZs are designated, conservation objectives may require that some or all fishing activities are stopped inside those sites, while fishing activities may also be constrained by or excluded from offshore windfarms. Hence, if fishing was to be affected by both windfarms and MCZs, co-locating windfarms with MCZs might reduce their combined impact on the fishing industry. In summary, more detailed information on conservation objectives for MCZs and on the management and monitoring regimes that will be imposed to meet those objectives is urgently needed in order for stakeholders to take informed decisions on co-location. The findings of this report are solely those of the author, after reviewing relevant literature and having been informed by stakeholder consultation. 20210517T13:34:02 20070101T00:00:00