A new study highlights the potential threat of offshore wind farms to marine wildlife, particularly seabirds and marine mammals. Researchers from multiple universities collaborated to create a predictive model that reveals a significant overlap between areas with high wind energy potential and critical feeding zones for these animals. The study emphasizes that constructing wind farms in these areas could negatively impact wildlife populations.
The model uses marine food web structures to predict feeding locations of seabirds and marine mammals.
It reveals that the richness of seabird and marine mammal species depends on the biomass of lower trophic levels, such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish.
The study found a widespread overlap between feeding zones and regions with high wind energy potential, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
Researchers recommend creating risk maps before offshore wind farm planning to avoid negative impacts on biodiversity.
They also suggest expanding marine protected areas and establishing "exclusion zones" where biodiversity conservation takes precedence over energy development.
The study underscores the importance of understanding the ecological effects of offshore wind energy to ensure sustainable development and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.