ICES Roadmap for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE)

The rapid pace of expansion of the ORE sector will lead to increasing conflict with other human uses of the ocean, and the socio-ecological effects of such expansion are uncertain. This expansion will affect components of the ecosystem directly, cause indirect changes to ecosystem processes, structure, and function, affect the species that inhabit these ecosystems, and affect the provision of ecosystem services that benefit humans both directly and indirectly. While ICES has addressed knowledge gaps through topical expert groups, a coordinated approach to the data acquisition, engagement, prioritization, and capacity-building required for an ecosystem-based approach to ORE developments is needed (ICES, 2023).

To achieve its Vision and Mission and meet the need for scientifically informed decision-making, ICES will take a leadership role and fully incorporate ORE considerations into its activities. ICES provision of science-based fisheries management advice has continually improved and expanded through the organization’s role in data collection, data management, and science to understand the marine ecosystem.

However, because of the rapid evolution of the offshore renewable energy industry, ICES will need to take an accelerated adaptive approach to build up the scientific infrastructure to understand and advise on the ecosystem-based management of multiple human uses of the marine space.
This approach will position ICES to lead the development of scientific evidence and advice in support of multisectoral ecosystem-based management in the ocean.