ICYMI: Offshore Wind Environmental Impact Study Shows Creation of Artificial Reef & Positive Impact

In a recent offshore wind environmental impact study in the ICES Journal of Marine Science, researchers found offshore wind has a positive effect on marine life. 

Over the course of seven years, every month the same vessel, captain, crew and scientists studied and gathered research on the designated sites, observing data such as the number of fish caught per unit effort (CPUE). It was concluded that the “CPUE of several fish species were higher near the wind farm…providing evidence for an artificial reef effect.”

Many fish, including sea bass and Atlantic cod were found congregating near the base of these wind turbines and feeding off the mussels that began growing on the turbines.

The results of this study will shed some light on positive impact that offshore wind is having on marine life and, “has the potential to help remove obstacles for the young offshore wind industry in the United States.”

As clean energy and climate change continue to be a topic of discussion in Virginia and around the world, offshore wind helps address these issues and grow our economy, while also improving the ecosystems of marine life.

Read the full study HERE.

About Virginians For Offshore Wind: Virginias for Offshore Wind is a group of citizens and local organizations dedicated to promoting offshore wind in Virginia, including the clean energy transformation and economic opportunities that come with it. To learn more, visit www.virginiaosw.org.