Powering healthy seas

The UK is accelerating offshore wind deployment to tackle climate change, strengthen energy security and support economic growth. At the same time, marine ecosystems remain under pressure, with seabird populations in decline and the health of our seas continuing to deteriorate. The challenge is not whether offshore wind should be built, but how it can be delivered in a way that supports nature's recovery alongside the transition to net zero.

In this webinar, the Samuel Wrobel and Zia Fikardos (Marine Policy, RSPB) will explore the vision set out in its report, Powering Healthy Seas: Turning a Vision into Reality. The session will examine the concept of a Nature Positive offshore wind transition, exploring how spatial, strategic planning, policy reform and conservation action can help deliver both thriving seas and accelerated renewable energy deployment.

The webinar will also provide insight into the RSPB's policy, advocacy and scientific work on offshore wind, including the interaction between offshore wind development and seabirds, why these issues are critical to nature's recovery, and how a more strategic approach could deliver positive outcomes for both climate and biodiversity.

Our speakers

Samuel Wrobel is Senior Marine Policy Officer at the RSPB, where he works to secure stronger protection and sustainable management of the UK’s marine environment. His work focuses on driving change for healthy, resilient seas. He has extensive experience in marine conservation and environmental policy, specialising in the interaction of seabirds and renewable energy. Samuel engages with governments, regulators, industry stakeholders, and environmental organisations to help shape evidence-based policy that supports livelihoods, renewable energy and nature recovery.

Zia Fikardos is a Marine Policy Officer at the RSPB, specialising in offshore wind policy and nature-positive energy development. With a background in marine biology and marine planning, she combines ecological and policy expertise to navigate the challenges and opportunities of managing increasingly busy seas. Zia works closely with governments, industry, regulators and environmental organisations to advocate for evidence-based solutions that support both offshore wind expansion and the recovery of vulnerable seabird populations, helping to ensure the energy transition delivers positive outcomes for nature.

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