Offshore wind energy is an important development for countries wishing to limit their reliance on natural gas, bring down energy prices, and move away from fossil fuel use. Objectives set out by the European Blue Economy and other sustainability goals will be dependent on clean energy transitions such as offshore wind farms. Estonia is planning for the development of a wind turbine farm, however, managing the risks to fisheries is proving difficult. Risk assessments have shown that wind turbines can cause large amounts of underwater noise and permanent electromagnetic fields, both of which may be harmful to fish. In original negotiations the Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications proposed a €700,000 compensation the fisheries sector contingent on a proof of impact of wind farms on fisheries. The latest proposal has drastically decreased this number and now the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications is suggesting a €100,000-150,000 compensation for fishermen. This new proposal is being contested by the Ministry of Rural Affairs as it is seen as unfair to the fishermen. Regardless, the Estonian impact assessment for the effects of wind turbines on fisheries is yet to be completed. If the impact assessment finds that the wind turbines are in areas that will not impact fishing yields or there is limited overall impact, a significant payment will not be required. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is hopeful and optimistic that this will be the case. Wind turbine farm permits and proposals are still being negotiated and the first wind turbine farm will not be built until at least 2028. With the significant potential for Estonian wind turbine farms and large number of pending proposals, negotiations with fish producers will remain ongoing.
