Offshore Wind Farms Blamed for Dramatic Crab Supply Downturn

A struggling crab company has blamed offshore wind farms for a “dramatic downturn” in supply. Jonas Seafood, which produces dressed Cromer crab, said its seasonal catch fell by nearly a quarter in 2025. The company, based in the Norfolk coastal town, is warning its year-round operation has now been put at risk, according to reports. Managing director Kevin Jonas has called for the company to receive compensation for the alleged impact of offshore wind farms. He said Jonas Seafood experienced a “drop off” in crab supply 17 years ago when the area’s first major offshore wind farm was built. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT READ MORE: The UK’s new £11m bridge in seaside town as 80-year-old structure demolished READ MORE: The UK seaside towns that 'could be swallowed by the sea' before 2050 Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, Mr Jonas said this was seen again during the construction of other nearby wind farms years later. He told the broadcaster: "When the operation is finished we plotted an upturn in supply once more. "In this past year, there have been cables coming in from, I think, Hornsea Three, and we've seen a drop off again, so it's pretty difficult to argue against." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT He said he also believes prime spots for crab and lobster are now occupied by turbines, with trawlers no longer able to operate there. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Mr Jonas said it would be “devastating” if the company, which reportedly processes around 500 tonnes of local Norfolk shellfish each spring and summer, was to close. The crab company boss told the BBC: “We are soldiering on at the moment, but it is cut and dried that we should be part of the [compensation] deal for the fishing industry.” Fishing firms temporarily disrupted by wind farm compensation have previously received compensation. Cromer crabs live in shallow waters of the chalk reef just off the coast of the seaside town, which gives them their famous and distinct sweet taste. They are in season and mostly available between March and October. RenewableUK has denied offshore wind farms have caused disruption to the industry, saying independent assessments found the impact of projects off Norfolk’s coast on shellfish "would either be minimal or slightly beneficial". The day's biggest headlines in UK and World news Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy Get More of Our News on Google Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value. A spokesperson told the BBC the research found there would be “no significant impact on local commercial fisheries”, adding studies showed turbines had a "positive impact on our precious marine biodiversity".