Michael Sutherland brings extensive, long-standing experience bridging the fisheries and offshore renewable energy sectors. He currently advises on fisheries engagement and marine strategy for offshore wind projects across Scotland, the UK, and several proposed floating and fixed wind farms. Notably, Michael played a key role in developing the Kincardine Floating Offshore Windfarm—a 50 MW project off northeast Scotland, operational since October 2021 and the world’s largest floating wind farm. From project inception, he guided KOWL on fisheries liaison, license conditions, and community engagement throughout installation and operation.
Previously, Michael spent 26 years as Director of Policy and Operations at the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), the lead trade body for Scotland’s fishing industry. There, he shaped policy on submarine power cables and offshore renewables and established SFF Services Limited, providing guard vessels and fisheries liaison services to the offshore energy sector.
He has also participated in fisheries and offshore energy discussions in Yarmouth and Halifax, Nova Scotia, including around potential offshore oil and gas development in the Bay of Fundy.