Build it and they will come — fish, that is. Sink just about any big structure in the ocean and fish, crustaceans, and other marine life will flock to it. That rule seems to apply to wind-power turbines as well. Several studies in Europe show that reef systems develop on the bases of submerged turbines in a hurry.
Several wind farms are in development stages in the United States. Credit: Bureau of Ocean Energy ManagementThe United States hasn’t built any offshore wind farms yet, although several are in the early stages of development. A government study said that offshore wind farms could provide as much electricity as all our current energy sources combined.
But some have questioned the effect of offshore wind turbines on marine life. And, in fact, studies have found that the construction phase can be traumatic, scattering fish and keeping them away for a while.
After the turbines are finished, though, it’s just the opposite. Like oil rigs and other submerged structures, they attract all kinds of life. There hasn’t been an increase in every species — some show an upturn, while others stay about the same. And in some cases, the wind farms are like safe havens for the marine life, providing protection in areas that are abuzz with fishing fleets, cargo ships, and other human activities.
Marine scientists are still studying the areas around the turbines to determine long-term effects. They’re also looking at whether underwater transmission lines can harm or scare away creatures that are sensitive to electromagnetic fields. But so far, offshore wind farms seem to be a plus for life in the surrounding seas.
