Offshore wind development: library of strategic compensatory measures
Strategic compensatory measures available to offshore wind developers.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
As an offshore wind developer, you can use strategic compensatory measures (SCMs) for your derogation case when applying for:
- a development consent order
- a marine licence application
- a consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989
You must provide compensatory measures in your derogation case where:
- an adverse effect cannot be ruled out on a protected feature in a marine protected area (MPA)
- you cannot avoid, reduce or mitigate the adverse effect
- there is an overriding public interest for the development to proceed
The derogation process is set out in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Habitats Regulations). It is also set out under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (MCAA).
Compensatory measures provide ecological compensation when protected sites are adversely affected by offshore wind developments. In this guidance, ‘compensatory measures’ refers to both:
- compensatory measures under the Habitats Regulations
- measures of equivalent environmental benefit (MEEB) under MCAA
About strategic compensatory measures
SCMs can address environmental impacts at a more strategic level, across several offshore wind development projects.
SCMs can deliver compensation:
- at scale
- over extended timeframes
- across multiple offshore wind projects
- to a single project with multiple adverse effects
These measures help speed up offshore wind decisions. They also help projects in the consenting process that do not currently have compensatory options to secure ecologically meaningful compensation.
You can deliver most SCMs either yourself or through the Marine Recovery Fund (MRF). However, for some SCMs, you must use the MRF.
Check an SCM’s entry in the library below to find out if it:
- is currently available for delivery through the MRF
- can only be delivered through the MRF
Read guidance on how to apply to use the MRF.
Library of strategic compensatory measures
The development of the library of strategic compensatory measures is led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in collaboration with other stakeholders.
All measures in the library of strategic compensatory measures are:
- suitable to compensate for specific adverse effects on MPAs
- approved by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Defra will update this page when new measures are approved for the library or become available for delivery through the MRF. You can sign up to get emails when there are updates to this page.
Compensating for adverse effects on the seabed (benthic habitats)
MPA designation and/or extension
This measure is currently available for delivery through the MRF.
This measure is designed to provide strategic compensation for unavoidable damage to seabed (benthic) habitats from relevant offshore wind activities.
This SCM:
- can only be delivered through the MRF
- will designate new MPAs and/or extend existing MPAs (including adding protected features to existing sites) in English waters
Defra and their stakeholders have started a programme of work to designate the right types of habitats, while balancing the needs of marine users. This includes gathering evidence and engaging with affected industries and communities.
Defra plans to consult on potential compensatory MPAs before the end of 2026.
Defra has published information on how potential compensatory MPAs have been identified and selected.
Defra has produced an implementation and monitoring plan for MPA designation and/or extension. You can request a copy by emailing mrf@defra.gov.uk.
MRF cost: MPA designation and/or extension
The SCM charge to access this measure through the MRF is £63,131 per km2 of benthic impact per year (plus VAT). Prices will be adjusted based on inflation.
This is an interim charge for the first 3 to 5 years of your payment period. For the remainder of your contract period, the charge will be based on your offshore wind activity’s level of benthic impact. You and the MRF Operator will agree the maximum amount to be paid when you sign the MRF contract.
Defra will use the charge to recover its budgeted costs for the MPA designation and/or extension SCM.
The budget covers the cost of:
- making the designations
- getting conservation advice
- monitoring and managing the new MPA network
These activities are needed to make sure that sites designated for compensatory purposes are meeting their conservation objectives.
You must also pay an adaptive management charge and an administration fee to use the MRF. For more information on these costs, read the guidance on how to apply to use the MRF.
Compensating for adverse effects on seabirds
Predator reduction
This measure is not currently available for delivery through the MRF.
This SCM includes:
- eradication of mammalian predators from island colonies
- control and exclusion of predators from mainland nesting areas
- subsequent biosecurity monitoring and incursion response
Predator reduction has been approved for use by offshore wind activities consented in English and Welsh waters. Defra is identifying the prioritised target locations for this measure.
Defra has produced an implementation and monitoring plan for the strategic delivery of predator reduction. You can request a copy by emailing mrf@defra.gov.uk.
Offshore artificial nesting structures for kittiwakes
This measure is not currently available for delivery through the MRF.
Offshore artificial nesting structures are independent marine structures designed to house seabirds and provide nesting sites suitable for numerous breeding pairs. They can increase breeding numbers and reproductive success in areas where natural nest sites are unsuitable or unavailable.
This SCM will only be available for use by offshore wind activities:
- that compensate for adverse effects on kittiwakes
- consented in in English waters
- up to and including offshore wind leasing Round 4
Contact us
If you have any questions, email mrf@defra.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
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Updated information about using strategic compensatory measures (SCMs), including their delivery through the Marine Recovery Fund. Clarified that you can use SCMs for consents under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Added information about the implementation and monitoring plans for the SCMs ‘Predator reduction’ and ‘MPA designation and/or extension’.
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First published.