International Expert Workshop

The main objectives of the conference were to promote international exchange on:

• Present knowledge of the impacts of offshore wind farms on marine biota
• National licensing or permit procedures, and legal framework for offshore wind energy projects
• Methods and criteria for the assessment of possible environmental impacts of offshore wind farms, which have applied for licensing in various countries
• Different approaches and criteria for the assessment of impacts of offshore wind farms
• Further development of basic principles and methods for the assessment of impacts on the marine biota due to offshore wind farms:
  • Feasibility of measuring and monitoring the impact of offshore wind farms on the marine biota and the effect on individuals and populations (e.g. habitat loss)
  • Application of population models for impact prognosis
  • Selection of suitable reference or judgement values (e.g. population size, bio-geographic area, number in national waters) as a standard for assessment
  • Methods for cumulative and trans-boundary impact assessment.