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Acoustic telemetry suggests the lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula stays and uses habitats within a French offshore wind farm
Labourgade, P.; Couturier, L.I.E.; Bourjea, J.; Woillez, M.; Feunteun, E.; Reubens, J.T.; Trancart, T. (2024). Acoustic telemetry suggests the lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula stays and uses habitats within a French offshore wind farm. Mar. Environ. Res. 202: 106802. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106802
In: Marine Environmental Research. Applied Science Publishers: Barking. ISSN 0141-1136; e-ISSN 1879-0291
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open access 409952 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Behaviour
    Measurement > Telemetry > Acoustic telemetry
    Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Offshore wind farm; Shark; Site fidelity; Residency
Authors  Top 
  • Labourgade, P.
  • Couturier, L.I.E.
  • Bourjea, J.
  • Woillez, M.
  • Feunteun, E.
  • Reubens, J.T.
  • Trancart, T.
Abstract
    Offshore wind farms (OWF) are a rapidly expanding renewable energy source, but their effects on marine wildlife need further investigation. These infrastructures form new artificial habitats that may modify the behaviour and spatial distribution of fish species. Among the species likely to be affected, benthic sharks occupying coastal habitats are particularly exposed to the development of OWF, especially as electrosensitive species. This study used passive acoustic telemetry to investigate the behaviour of a benthic shark, the lesser-spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula, within France's first operational OWF. Most tagged sharks remained in the vicinity of the OWF post-release, exhibiting site fidelity and seasonal residency with reduced presence during winter when water temperatures are the lowest. The primary site frequented is a monopile with scour protection on soft substrate, offering potential shelters and food sources. This study provides new insights into the species' ecology and contributes to improving our understanding of how anthropogenic structure installation in the marine environment affects the behaviour of S. canicula.
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