Turbine Foundations as an Opportunity for Marine Biodiversity
In view of the negative effects wind farms may have on the environment, especially during construction, the reef and reserve effects of turbine foundations (or their capacity to host diverse marine species) are often put forward as a sign of a project’s positive long-term footprint. Taking a closer look at the underlying ecological processes, there is more than meets the eye, and the potential ecological benefits of offshore wind farms go far beyond what could simply be considered as a few fish swimming around a monopile.
By Martin Perrot and Matthieu Lapinski, Seaboost, France
Extensive scientific studies carried out on offshore oil and gas infrastructures indicate that the extent of ecological benefits of offshore wind farms on marine ecosystems could be significantly improved by gaining a clearer understanding of their ecological functionalities. It is time to consider the opportunities brought by offshore wind farms for the development of marine biodiversity. It is time to build with nature.
