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Offshore Wind: Understanding the influence of man-made structures in the marine environment

Report

Title: Offshore Wind: Understanding the influence of man-made structures in the marine environment
Author:
Howell Marine Consulting
Publication Date:
Pages:
8
Sponsoring Organization:
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)
Technology:
Wind Energy
Stressor:
Habitat Change
Receptor:
Ecosystem Processes
Language:
English

Document Access

Website:
External Link
Attachment:
Access File

Citation

Howell Marine Consulting (2023). Offshore Wind: Understanding the influence of man-made structures in the marine environment. Report for Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
TY - RPRT
TI - Offshore Wind: Understanding the influence of man-made structures in the marine environment
AU - Howell Marine Consulting
AB - This document summarises the key findings from the ‘INSITEs Into: Offshore Wind’ webinar held on 25 May 2023 as part of the INSITE programme. The scientific evidence presented in these projects demonstrates that MMS, specifically offshore wind structures, create opportunities for biodiversity enhancement. CHASANS highlights the increase in biomass associated with the transition to hard substrates and the creation of offshore intertidal habitats. FISHSPAMMS reveals elevated densities of fish at greater distances than previously found around most but not all MMS, while EcoSTAR demonstrates the potential impact on marine mammal behaviour, encompassing both negative and positive outcomes. Importantly, all the projects recognise the importance of considering the wider ecological community and ecosystem shifts. While biodiversity gains and Marine Net Gain (MNG) are important targets, it is crucial to understand the specific biodiversity gains we aim to achieve alongside the conservation of essential ecological functions. As such, all the projects focus on exploring the intricate ecological relationships associated with MMS and their impact on the overall ecosystem.
DA - 2023/05//
PY - 2023
SP - 8
UR - https://insitenorthsea.org/webinars/
LA - English
KW - Wind Energy
KW - Habitat Change
KW - Ecosystem Processes
ER -
Export Citation to RIS

Abstract

This document summarises the key findings from the ‘INSITEs Into: Offshore Wind’ webinar held on 25 May 2023 as part of the INSITE programme. The scientific evidence presented in these projects demonstrates that MMS, specifically offshore wind structures, create opportunities for biodiversity enhancement. CHASANS highlights the increase in biomass associated with the transition to hard substrates and the creation of offshore intertidal habitats. FISHSPAMMS reveals elevated densities of fish at greater distances than previously found around most but not all MMS, while EcoSTAR demonstrates the potential impact on marine mammal behaviour, encompassing both negative and positive outcomes. Importantly, all the projects recognise the importance of considering the wider ecological community and ecosystem shifts. While biodiversity gains and Marine Net Gain (MNG) are important targets, it is crucial to understand the specific biodiversity gains we aim to achieve alongside the conservation of essential ecological functions. As such, all the projects focus on exploring the intricate ecological relationships associated with MMS and their impact on the overall ecosystem.