Offshore Power Creating Artificial Reefs
With all the worry and debate about the effect offshore wind and wave power might have on the wildlife there is some good news. The foundations that are used in these projects can increase the abundance of local fish and crab species by becoming a artificial reef.
With solid structures being scarce in the water, the hard foundations that hold energy structures can function as artificial reefs. And, it’s possible to increase the wildlife population by altering the structural design of the foundations.
Dan Wilhelmsson, from the Department of Zoology at Stockholm University recently published his findings in a dissertation. Wilhelmsson studied how offshore wind turbines could literally constitute habitats for crabs, lobsters, plants, fish and bottom dwellers. You can read more about Dr. Wilhelmsson’s findings at ScienceDaily.