Introduction of New Offshore Wind Farm Structures: Effects on Fish Ecology

Summary

Title: Introduction of New Offshore Wind Farm Structures: Effects on Fish Ecology

Author:

SEER

Publication Date:

February 28, 2022

Technology:

Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind

Stressor:

Habitat Change

Receptor:

Fish

Citation

This Educational Research Brief summarizes the potential effects on fish ecology of introducing new substrate into the marine environment from offshore wind farm development, including introduction of foundations, anchors, and cables. Consideration is given to international and U.S. offshore wind research related to the effects on habitat, colonization of introduced substrates, and trophic web structure and functioning. Consideration is given to the potential artificial reef effects of turbine foundations, referring to their ability in some cases to mimic characteristics of a natural reef and associated attraction of fish and invertebrates.

The Brief was reviewed by external subject matter experts (Dr. Drew Carey, INSPIRE Environmental; Dr. Steven Degraer, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences) and the SEER Science and Technical (S&T) Advisory Committee. These subject matter experts also participated in a panel discussion during the SEER Webinar on Effects of Offshore Wind Farm Structures on Fish Ecology & Benthic Disturbance.

Introduction of New Offshore Wind Farm Structures: Effects on Fish Ecology

View a Spanish translation of all SEER Educational Research Briefs here.

Title	Author	Date Sort ascending	Content Type	Technology	Stressor	Receptor
Regulatory Framework and Guidelines	US Department of the Interior	April 2014	Website	Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind
Standard Investigation of the Impacts of Offshore Wind Turbines on the Marine Environment (StUK4)	German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH)	October 2013	Report	Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind		Human Dimensions, Legal & Policy
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Science Review of Artificial Reefs	Broughton, K.	August 2012	Report		Habitat Change
Offshore Wind Farms in the Belgian Part of the North Sea: Heading for an Understanding of Environmental Impacts	Degraer, S., Brabant, R., Rumes, B.	January 2012	Report	Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind	Attraction, Avoidance, Habitat Change, Noise	Birds, Seabirds, Fish, Invertebrates, Physical Environment
Offshore Wind Farms in the Belgian Part of the North Sea: Selected findings from the baseline and targeted monitoring	Degraer, S., Brabant, R., Rumes, B.	January 2011	Report	Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind	Habitat Change, Noise	Birds, Seabirds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Physical Environment, Human Dimensions, Fisheries
Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm Extension Environmental Scoping Study	Royal Haskoning	October 2010	Report	Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind
Residence Time and Behaviour of Sole and Cod in the Offshore Wind Farm Egmond aan Zee	Winter, H., Aarts, G., van Keeken, O.	September 2010	Report	Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind		Fish, Demersal Fish
U.S. West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey	NOAA Fisheries	January 2003	Website			Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals