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Unravelling the ecological impacts of large-scale offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean Sea

Science of The Total Environment

Abstract:

The need for alternative energy systems like offshore wind power to move towards the Green Deal objectives is undeniable. However, it is also increasingly clear that biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected issues that must be tackled in unison. In this paper we highlight that offshore wind farms (OWF) in the Mediterranean Sea (MS) pose serious environmental risks to the seabed and the biodiversity of many areas due to the particular ecological and socioeconomic characteristics and vulnerability of this semi-enclosed sea. The MS hosts a high diversity of species and habitats, many of which are threatened. Furthermore, valuable species, habitats, and seascapes for citizens' health and well-being coexist with compounding effects of other economic activities (cruises, maritime transport, tourism activities, fisheries and aquaculture) in a busy space on a narrower continental shelf than in other European seas. We argue that simply importing the OWF models from the northern European seas, which are mostly based on large scale projects, to other seas like the Mediterranean is not straightforward. The risks of implementing these wind farms in the MS have not yet been well evaluated and, considering the Precautionary Principle incorporated into the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, they should not be ignored. We propose that OWF development in the MS should be excluded from high biodiversity areas containing sensitive and threatened species and habitats, particularly those situated inside or in the vicinity of Marine Protected Areas or areas with valuable seascapes. In the absence of a clearer and comprehensive EU planning of wind farms in the MS, the trade-off between the benefits (climate goals) and risks (environmental and socioeconomic impacts) of OWF could be unbalanced in favor of the risks.

Application in MSP:
Type of Issue:
Type of practice:
Stage of MSP cycle:
Cross-border / trans-national aspect:
Yes
Coherence with other processes:
Key words:

Questions this practice may help answer:

  • What could be the ecological impacts of large-scale offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean Sea?

Implementation Context:

The offshore wind farming (OWF) sector has been expanding in Northern Europe since the 1990s. This sector is considered as a key lever to achieve the European Green Deal Objectives for climate change mitigation. Offshore wind farming is experiencing a significant increase in the North Sea, North Atlantic and Baltic Sea, currently accounting for more than 85% of all offshore wind capacity in European waters. As the EU is aiming to become climate neutral by 2050, OWF must provide 30% of EU MS electricity demand by then, increasing the current production of 12 GW to a target of over 300 GW. However, OWF installation comes with ecological impacts, which this paper explores.

Aspects / Objectives:

This study presents the risks of implementing OWF in the Mediterranean Sea which has not yet been evaluated, considering the Precautionary Principle incorporated into the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive; and consequently, recommendations on OWF implementation.

Method:

This study views, the risks and the recommendations presented are all based on the existing knowledge on OWF ecological impacts in Northern Europe, and the specificities of the Mediterranean Sea.

Main Outputs / Results:

This study highlights the following:

  • Offshore wind farms (OWF) pose serious environmental risks to the Mediterranean Sea.
  • OWF models cannot be simply imported from the northern European seas to other seas.
  • OWF should be excluded from areas of high biodiversity and/or high valuable seascape.
  • OWF development should be forbidden in, or in the vicinity of, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
  • Biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected and must be tackled simultaneously.

Transferability:

This approach can be replicated In other sea basins if enough knowledge and literature is available on the targeted sea basin.

Responsible Entity:

Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain

Costs / Funding Source:

Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain

Contact person:

Josep Lloret - josep.lloretatudg.edu (josep[dot]lloret[at]udg[dot]edu)
Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain