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Benthic effects of offshore renewables: identification of knowledge gaps and urgently needed research
Dannheim, J.; Bergström, L.; Birchenough, S.N.R.; Brzana, R.; Boon, A.R.; Coolen, J.W.P.; Dauvin, J.-C.; De Mesel, I.; Derweduwen, J.; Gill, A.B.; Hutchison, Z.L.; Jackson, A.C.; Janas, U.; Martin, G.; Raoux, A.; Reubens, J.; Rostin, L.; Vanaverbeke, J.; Wilding, T.A.; Wilhelmsson, D.; Degraer, S. (2020). Benthic effects of offshore renewables: identification of knowledge gaps and urgently needed research. ICES J. Mar. Sci./J. Cons. int. Explor. Mer 77(3): 1092-1108. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsz018
In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. Academic Press: London. ISSN 1054-3139; e-ISSN 1095-9289
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open access 344702 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Benthos
    Aquatic sciences > Marine sciences > Ecology > Marine ecology
    Environmental impact
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    knowledge gaps; Offshore wind farms; Renewable energy
Authors  Top 
  • Dannheim, J.
  • Bergström, L.
  • Birchenough, S.N.R.
  • Brzana, R.
  • Boon, A.R.
  • Coolen, J.W.P.
  • Dauvin, J.-C.
  • De Mesel, I.
  • Derweduwen, J.
  • Gill, A.B.
  • Hutchison, Z.L.
  • Jackson, A.C.
  • Janas, U.
  • Martin, G.
  • Raoux, A.
  • Reubens, J.
  • Rostin, L.
  • Vanaverbeke, J.
  • Wilding, T.A.
  • Wilhelmsson, D.
  • Degraer, S.
Abstract
    As the EU's commitment to renewable energy is projected to grow to 20% of energy generation by 2020, the use of marine renewable energy from wind, wave and tidal resources is increasing. This literature review (233 studies) (i) summarizes knowledge on how marine renewable energy devices affect benthic environments, (ii) explains how these effects could alter ecosystem processes that support major ecosystem services and (iii) provides an approach to determine urgent research needs. Conceptual diagrams were set up to structure hypothesized cause-effect relationships (i.e. paths). Paths were scored for (i) temporal and spatial scale of the effect, (ii) benthic sensitivity to these effects, (iii) the effect consistency and iv) scoring confidence, and consecutively ranked. This approach identified prominent knowledge gaps and research needs about (a) hydrodynamic changes possibly resulting in altered primary production with potential consequences for filter feeders, (b) the introduction and range expansion of non-native species (through stepping stone effects) and, (c) noise and vibration effects on benthic organisms. Our results further provide evidence that benthic sensitivity to offshore renewable effects is higher than previously indicated. Knowledge on changes of ecological functioning through cascading effects is limited and requires distinct hypothesis-driven research combined with integrative ecological modelling.
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