Offshore wind power and wave energy foundations can increase local abundances of fish and crabs. The reef-like constructions also favour for example blue mussels and barnacles. What’s more, it is possible to increase or decrease the abundance of various species by altering the structural design of the foundatio
Offshore wind turbines at Barrow Offshore Wind Farm off Walney Island in the Irish Sea Unusually good weather for April!
The seabed in the vicinity of the wind turbines had higher densities of fish compared to further away from the turbines and in control areas. This was despite the fact that the natural bottoms were rich in boulders and algae. Blue mussels dominated on the wind turbines that appeared to offer good growth conditions, wrote Dan Wilhelmsson of the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, in a recently published dissertation.
“Hard surfaces are often hard currency in the ocean, and these foundations can function as artificial reefs. Rock boulders are often placed around the structures to prevent erosion (scouring) around these, and this strengthens the reef function,” says Dan Wilhelmsson.
With wind and wave energy farms, it should be possible to create large areas with biologically productive reef structures, which would moreover be protected from bottom trawling
Not only were the foundations giving a boost to marine life, but interestingly, we might be able to build in features to them in such a way as to enhance conditions to favor those species that need more protection.
“With wind and wave energy farms, it should be possible to create large areas with biologically productive reef structures, which would moreover be protected from bottom trawling. By carefully designing the foundations, it would be possible to favor and protect important species, or, conversely, to reduce the reef effects in order to minimize the impact on an area,” said Dan Wilhelmsson.
Come to think of it, this shouldn’t come as such a surprise. There are many instances of sunken boats, planes and other metal and concrete objects having been thoroughly repurposed by the creatures of the deep for their own needs. We already use artificial reefs to rebuild populations of marine life.
