Offshore wind turbines appear to be a humanised innovation to meet global energy needs for a better and greener environment; however, something more intriguing is transpiring beneath the surface. Scientists and marine experts have identified something interesting and unexpected and that is the change in the behaviour of marine species in the coastal seas of the eastern United States. An unusual number of fish are nearing the offshore wind turbines. The truth of the matter is that when these turbines were developed, it was not the objective; however, this activity has drawn the attention of researchers in marine biology.
In a research article by The Nature Conservancy, Carl LoBue, The Nature Conservancy’s New York Oceans program director, who is involved in this collaboration, explained and said,
“As we buildout offshore wind energy, there is great potential to enhance and create new fish habitat. With intentional design and material selection, these new structures could support entire communities of marine life.”
The unexpected but intriguing side of offshore wind turbines: Where clean energy and marine life collide
Wind turbines over the sea cause unexpected effects in America. Offshore wind turbines are developed to capture ocean breezes and convert them to power, energy or electricity and because they are commonly known for that, it looks like clean energy and marine life are colliding, not in a bad way though. These wind farms are unexpectedly becoming a hub, home or habitat for these marine species.
These underwater refuges are attracting Strange fish behaviour and species such as tautog, flounder, and black sea bass. Why? Because, in an otherwise exposed seabed, the robust turbine bases provide a unique combination of feeding territory, breeding grounds, and refuge. Fish trying to avoid predators or find food benefit from it, as do ecosystems that have suffered from decades of overfishing or habitat loss.
The creation of offshore wind turbines has been based mostly on innovation, energy generation and profits, and the thought of sea creatures making it a home never came to mind. What engineers were careful of was ensuring that their developments did not harm marine life. Chris McGuire, The Nature Conservancy’s Massachusetts ocean programme director, says they are now intentional about creating for nature as well, according to The Nature Conservancy.
Scientists and fishermen come together to support the ocean’s new neighbours
Better catches have been observed by fishermen in New Jersey and Rhode Island in the vicinity of wind farms, particularly in the vicinity of turbine foundations. Previously cautiously enthusiastic, marine biologists are now aggressively investigating the possibility of designing wind infrastructure to serve as marine sanctuaries. This is a unique time when local livelihoods, industry, and science might be coming together.
The Nature Conservancy and Stony Brook University are doing research on how different innovations for offshore wind turbines can be suitable to provide fish-friendly structures and monitoring methods that do not harm marine ecosystems too. The main objective of this study that has brought scientists and fishermen together is to enlighten each other on how to draw fish towards artificial reefs.
Can some fish benefit from offshore wind? More and more research supports this. Shipwrecks first, and Oil rigs come next. According to Canary Media, offshore wind turbines are now transforming into artificial reefs for animals like haddock and lobster. Offshore wind turbines are great for stimulating clean energy, and that was the first goal when they were initiated; however, who knew that the same developments would benefit marine life too? And that is exactly what this invention has managed to do. Brendan Runde, a marine ecologist, expressed that “for many species of fish, this wind foundation is a really big deal.”