The development of offshore windfarms across the world contributes drastically to the net-zero emissions target set to accomplish in the year 2050, but do offshore wind farms align with the preservation of biodiversity?  

As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources to combat climate change, the offshore wind farms play a crucial role in achieving the net-zero emissions target. However, it is essential to consider their effects on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. 

Here are four key impacts of offshore wind farms on biodiversity: 

Creation of Artificial Reefs:

Submerged offshore structures attract marine species such as mussels, anemone, sea urchins, crabs, and fish. The structure will act as artificial reefs attracting these species, as they will use it as their habitat. This leads to enrichment of the ecosystem biodiversity. 

Food Source for Marine Mammals:

The windfarms can support seashells, which benefits sea mammals such as seals and porpoises due to the increase of food. 

Habitat Conservation:

Once windfarms are built, their sites remain untouched for many years. This benefits our biodiversity by conservation of the ecosystem and habitats. The reduction of absence of fishing around windfarms boosts our marina fauna as result. 

Protection of the Seabed:

Offshore windfarms assist in the preservation of our seabed, as no trawling or dredging can take place. 

While offshore wind farms contribute to the net-zero emissions target, their impact on biodiversity should not be overlooked. Offshore wind farms play a role in preservation of our biodiversity by providing artificial reefs which marine species use as their habitat, food source for marine mammals, helps with the conservation of the ecosystem and assists in the preservation of our seabed. As we continue to shift towards reaching our net-zero goal, it is important to keep making sure that offshore wind farms benefit both the environment and our marine ecosystems and biodiversity.