Mapping the global co-location potential of offshore wind energy and aquaculture production

Co-location of offshore industries mitigates the growing congestion in the oceans and supports international goals for a sustainable blue economy. Despite the benefits, questions remain over the feasibility of co-location. Here, we combine existing data on aquaculture production potential with constrained wind energy production to map the global potential for co-located offshore wind and aquaculture. We identify countries with the conditions, resources, and feasibility to co-locate offshore wind and aquaculture, as well as those where social equity, economic viability, and environmental sustainability hinder opportunities for co-location. We then use a regional-scale assessment to show how our approach can inform jurisdiction focused marine spatial plans. Our research identifies locations with the potential to facilitate blue economy growth and serves as an initial phase in site selection.