Protection of marine biodiversity at wind farms
Conserving marine flora and fauna at our offshore wind farms
Preserving the planet and ensuring people’s well-being are key priorities in Iberdrola's strategy. In a context of intense growth in global energy demand, we work with a clear goal: to build an energy model in harmony with nature and all living beings.
Aware of the importance of offshore wind as one of the drivers of a sustainable future, we ensure that our offshore wind farms preserve habitats, respect the natural environment where they are located and enhance the biodiversity of marine life. We aim to achieve zero net loss of biodiversity by 2030, with a net positive impact on new infrastructure developments whenever possible.
The relevance of marine biodiversity on Earth
Life arose from the oceans and seas and survives because of them. These large bodies of water, which cover more than 70% of the planet, are essential for life on Earth and constitute an incalculable source of natural resources. In their depths, the oceans are not only home to ecosystems that support the vital balance of thousands of living things, but also provide us with essential resources, from the oxygen we breathe to a wide variety of food, medicine and work for more than 3,000 people around the world. Marine protected areas are drivers of poverty reduction, increasing fisheries and, with them, people's incomes and health.
But the importance of oceans and seas goes beyond their role as a source of life: they also act as a powerful natural shield against climate change. These aquatic habitats regulate the climate and help remove pollution, while their coastal ecosystems are good buffers against storm damage. Seas and their biodiversity therefore drive the functioning of three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental.
Marine biodiversity: a world to discover
1 Carbon sink
Oceans absorb 25% of carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere. Habitats such as seagrass and mangrove forests can sequester up to four times more carbon dioxide than land forests.
2 A blue planet
More than 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and the oceans are home to about 97% of it. Moreover, this element is always in continuous movement, transforming from one state to another thanks to what is known as the water cycle, which is essential for life on Earth.
3 Blue economy
In recent years, respect for the economic development of the oceans has become particularly important. This is known as the "blue economy", which the World Bank defines as the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health".
4 The great unknown
Less than 10% of the ocean has been explored by humans. Several scientific projects are focused on exploring the secrets that these large bodies of water still hold today: an estimated 245,000 sea species are known to us and more than a third of all marine species are still undiscovered.
5 The richness of corals
Covering less than 0.1 per cent of the entire global ocean, coral reefs support more than a quarter of marine biodiversity, protect coastlines and serve as sources of medicines.
6 Key in our environment
The majority of people on Earth lives less than 320 kilometres from the sea, so saltwater bodies are a substantial part of the environment of many population centres. Their care has an impact on many people’s quality of life.
7 Life support
More than 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods as a major source of protein. In addition, marine fisheries directly or indirectly employ more than 200 million people.
8 The lungs of the Earth
The ocean generates between 50% and 85% of the oxygen we breathe. The autotrophic micro-organisms - which make organic matter from inorganic substances - that inhabit the seas and oceans release that oxygen through photosynthesis.
Main threats to marine biodiversity
- Pollution Plastic or chemical waste.
- Overfishing Significant reduction of marine species.
- Climate change Which is warming and acidifying the oceans.
Consequences:
Sea level rise
In the last 140 years, global sea levels have risen by 21 to 24 centimetres. In the next 2,000 years it will rise by 2 to 3 metres if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees.
Marine heat waves
By 2100, marine heat waves are projected to be up to 50 times more frequent and 10 times more intense than in pre-industrial times.
Extinction of coral reefs
Scientists estimate that 70-90% of coral reefs will disappear as a result of warming ocean waters, ocean acidity and pollution, with unknown consequences formarine biodiversity and coastal communities.
Loss of marine biodiversity
Overfishing has led to the disappearance of more than a third of the world's fish stocks.
Source: United Nations (UN), the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Science (2021).
Despite the vital importance of the oceans, irresponsible human exploitation over decades has led to an alarming level of degradation. Overfishing and illegal fishing have drastically reduced many marine populations, putting entire ecosystems at risk; plastic pollution, which is concentrated in floating islands, affects millions of species; and the release of toxic chemicals pollute the water, altering ecosystem health. In addition, climate change and ocean acidification from COâ‚‚ emissions raise water temperatures and destroy essential ecosystems such as coral reefs.
Iberdrola, committed to marine biodiversity
Promoting economic and social development, respect for the environment, and global biodiversity are essential corporate values for Iberdrola. Aware of our role as a leading global corporation in renewable energy, we work to build an energy model in harmony with nature and human beings. To ensure our respect for the marine environment, we base ourselves on international guidelines such as:
SDG 14: Life below water
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 seeks to conserve and use oceans, seas and marine resources sustainably. This includes preventing and reducing marine pollution of all kinds, minimising and addressing the effects of ocean acidification and regulating fisheries, among other objectives.
Global Oceans Treaty
This is a landmark agreement signed in 2023 by UN member states to protect the high seas and their biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. The aim is to create marine protected areas. It is one of the most recent and significant developments for the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas that account for almost two-thirds of the oceans.
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We also work with some of our own strategies and guidelines:
Biodiversity Plan 2030
We’ve set a clear goal: by 2030 we will have a net positive impact on biodiversity. This objective is based on our Biodiversity Plan 2030, which addresses the impact of our activities on ecosystems and species throughout our facilities’ life cycle. We have established mechanisms for identification, quantification and monitoring.
Biodiversity Policy
The starting point of the Biodiversity Plan 2030 was the approval in 2007 of our Biodiversity Policy, which forms part of Iberdrola's Governance and Sustainability System. In 2021, as part of our policies’ annual review, we substantially modified the policy to incorporate this new goal.
Our commitment to protecting biodiversity in general and marine life and ecosystems in particular is based on years of work. The importance of preserving the indigenous environment of the locations where we operate is fully integrated into our strategic planning and daily decision-making.
Actions to protect biodiversity at offshore wind farms
Offshore wind energy is one of the sources of renewable energy production that has experienced the most momentum in recent decades and has generated the most interest due to the advantages it offers in the production of clean energy. Where wind farms are located offshore is carefully chosen taking into account a series of factors to maximise activity and minimise environmental and social impact. Some basic measures used to reduce the environmental impact of these projects are:
Right location
Some variables have to be taken into account, such as the identification of areas of interest and special protection, distance from the coast, depth of the water and the presence of shipping lanes.
Floating installations
Floating infrastructures reduce impact by disturbing the seabed less, by being further from shore and are easier to remove or relocated.
Impact assessment
Thorough surveys of the marine environment before and during wind farm construction are essential to design area-specific mitigation strategies.
Constant monitoring
Implementing systems for continuous monitoring and assessment of the impact of installations on marine flora and fauna means we can take corrective or compensatory measures if unexpected effects are detected.
Noise mitigation
While the noise impact is limited to the construction phase, noise reduction techniques such as air bubble columns in the piles or installation during periods that reduce the risk to species can be employed.
Responsible removal
Reducing environmental impact also means planning from the outset for the decommissioning of facilities, ensuring that the site is restored to its original or improved state.
Vineyard Wind 1
Cable protection: bottom dweller species
We have deployed ecological cable protection mattresses that are designed to create habitats more suitable for the colonisation of benthic flora and fauna, i.e. those species that live on the seabed. These ECOncrete mattresses are composed of a chemical formulation and surface textures that can help increase species richness and in turn create a more biodiverse site than would have been achieved with standard concrete mattresses.
Underwater noise mitigation
At Vineyard Wind 1, stringent measures are applied during geophysical surveys and pile installation to minimise the impact of underwater noise on marine wildlife, particularly mammals and turtles. These mitigation measures include direct observation by experts, visual monitoring, sound field verification and observations prior to the start of work, among others.
Species collision avoidance
All vessels employed at Vineyard Wind 1 Marine Park follow prescribed mitigation measures to avoid collisions with protected species. These actions include speed restrictions, monitoring requirements, minimum separation distances, diversions and reporting.
Study of seagrasses
At Vineyard Wind 1, the extent of the seagrass beds surrounding Cape Poge was mapped before and after the installation of the export cable. A variety of methods were employed, including observation, echograms, underwater video and still images, as well as divers. The data collected will allow assessment of any changes in the distribution and density of the grass beds.
Ongoing project
Location
Coastal Massachusetts (USA)
Power
806 MW
Wind turbine diameter
220 metres
Kitty Hawk South
Underwater noise mitigation
A commitment to reducing underwater noise impact is also part of the Kitty Hawk South offshore wind farm. Mitigation measures were rolled out during environmental surveys and pile installation. Key actions include observation and monitoring during and after installation and technical reports on the impact on marine fauna.
Species collision avoidance
Vessels used at Kitty Hawk South follow prescribed mitigation measures to avoid collisions with protected species. This includes speed restrictions, monitoring requirements, minimum separation distances, diversions and reporting.
Ongoing project
Location
27 km from Outer Banks (USA)
Power
Up to 3,500 MW
New England Wind
Mitigation for marine mammals: northern right whale
To protect the critically endangered northern right whale resident in the area, mitigation measures will be implemented, such as procedures to avoid vessel collisions and speed restrictions. Marine mammal observers will also be installed on board vessels to detect any marine mammals in the vicinity of the vessels.
Bat monitoring
Bats will be acoustically tagged so that they can be detected in and around the offshore wind farm through acoustic detection stations. This project will be carried out over 20 years to study the bats' use of offshore sites and to deduce temporal behavioural patterns.
Underwater noise mitigation
At New England Wind, as at other offshore wind farms, protocols are employed to minimise the impact of underwater noise on marine wildlife, especially mammals and turtles. Actions during geophysical surveys and installation include expert supervision, visual monitoring before and during work, and reporting.
Migratory fish monitoring
Six acoustic telemetry receivers were installed within the leased area for the New England Wind's wind farm, transmitters were placed on 15 fish, and there are plans for subsequent data collection, analysis and reporting for a period of five years.
Species collision prevention
Vessels used at New England Wind follow mitigation measures prescribed to avoid collisions with protected species. These include speed restrictions, surveillance requirements, minimum separation distances, diversions and reporting.
Ongoing project
Location
Massachusetts (USA)
Power
791 MW
East Anglia ONE
Seabin: marine litter bins
In 2022, we are promoting the installation of two floating containers (seabins) to collect plastic and some of the oil, detergents and fuels floating in the vicinity of Lowestoft harbour. The seabin rises and falls with the tide while a hydraulic pump integrated into the system sucks in the surrounding water and pulls the waste into the container. The rubbish remains in a bag that can hold 20 kilos until the bin is retrieved and emptied on land. This initiative is supported by the British port operator, Associated British Ports (ABP).
Protection of marine mammals: porpoise
Prior to the start of work, a Marine Mammal Mitigation Protocol (MMMP) was designed and implemented during offshore construction to avoid or minimise the potential risk of injury or disturbance to marine mammals, especially harbour porpoises inhabiting these waters. The study used actual data from acoustic surveys and applied the data to models to determine the population-level effects of disturbance on these animals. The final reports are available under the Monitoring Reports tab on this ScottishPower page External link, opens in new window. .
These data have also been used to investigate the effect of unexploded ordnance detonations at East Anglia ONE Park on harbour porpoises and to determine the range of disturbance for this species. The results will be published shortly.
Bird conservation:  red-throated diver and black-legged kittiwake
To ensure the protection of the red-throated diver (Gavia stellata) during operation and maintenance activities at the East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm, a protocol for offshore vessel traffic during sensitive periods has been implemented. This protocol also allows for the collection of sightings data to improve understanding of the behaviour of this species.
Operating plant
Location
North Sea (UK)
Power
714 MW
Wind turbine diameter
154 metres
East Anglia TWO
Protection of birds: black-legged kittiwake
In East Anglia, two artificial structures have been built to provide new nesting sites for kittiwakes (Rissatridactyla) in Lowestoft Harbour. The structures also allow monitoring and assessment of the species.
Ongoing project
Location
North Sea (UK)
Power
960 MW
East Anglia THREE
Bird monitoring
We are working to install high-performance bird monitoring systems in offshore environments. The aim is to monitor the risk of bird collisions with East Anglia THREE wind turbines and encourage the growth of sustainable offshore energy developments.
Preservation of marine mammals: porpoise
Monitoring is being carried out in East Anglia THREE to investigate the impact of wind farm construction on the harbour porpoise population (Phocoena phocoena) External link, opens in new window. . This study will also examine the potential benefits of noise reduction techniques during turbine installation.
Ongoing project
Location
North Sea (UK)
Power
-
West of Duddon Sands
GPS monitoring: whooper swan migration
At the West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm in the East Irish Sea, GPS monitoring of swans has been carried out to determine flight lines on their migration between North West England and Iceland. The aim is to better understand their interaction with offshore wind farms. In the first year of the study (2020), ten adult female swans were fitted with tracking devices to follow their spring migration. In the spring of 2022 a further ten swans were tagged and the study was extended to cover the spring migration in 2023.
Operating plant
Location
Barrow-in-Furness (England)
Power
389 MW
Wind turbine diameter
120 metres
Saint Brieuc
Bird monitoring
We have used state-of-the-art bird-tracking technology, such as high-performance radar and high-resolution cameras, with artificial intelligence-based software to identify and track birds as they fly close to the wind farm. This tracking allows us to better understand the behaviour of these animals and the risk of collision when they get near the wind turbines in operation to develop new techniques to minimise negative impacts.
Anti-predation project: black crows
Another initiative at Saint Brieuc has been the fight against black crows encroaching on seabirds. This measure, implemented since 2012, is aimed at limiting egg stealing, especially black guillemots’ and kittiwakes’. This compensation measure has resulted in an increase in the number of breeding pairs. All high-risk species reached an all-time high at Cape Frehel during the monitored period.
Protection of marine mammals
During construction at Saint Brieuc, a marine mammal protection protocol was implemented to mitigate potential underwater noise impact through best practices or standard actions. This included an observer to monitor the presence of marine mammals in the mitigation area and to apply the necessary protection measures such as stopping activities in the event of the presence of the animals.
Study of bats
This project deals with the acoustic monitoring of bats for three years after the construction of the Saint Brieuc offshore wind farm. To this end, fixed offshore acoustic stations located on the periphery of the site are used to analyse the activity of these mammals around and inside the wind farm. This work will help fill in the information gaps on how and when bats migrate, including peak times and environmental conditions - such as wind direction - under which their seasonal journeys occur.
Eradication of invasive species
As part of an overall environmental restoration project on Tomé Island, invasive species were eradicated. The project focuses mainly on the American mink, a non-native species on the island that preys on the eggs of several colonies and prevents any nesting. This is a major problem for the islet and could eventually threaten the Seven Islands colonies if it spreads.
Operating plant
Location
Saint-Brieuc Bay (France)
Power
496 MW
Wind turbine diameter
167 metres
Baltic Eagle
Bird assessment
As with other offshore wind farms, we use advanced technology to monitor bird behaviour in marine environments. High-performance radars, surveillance cameras and artificial intelligence-based software allow us to understand and assess the movement of birds around and within the wind farm. The aim is to develop procedures that reduce the risk of bird collisions to a bare minimum.
Preservation of marine mammals
In addition, during the construction of the Baltic Eagle park we used noise attenuation systems to protect marine mammals. The systems included large double and even triple bubble rings around the piling site.
Ongoing project
Location
Island of Rugen (Baltic Sea, Germany)
Power
476 MW
Wind turbine diameter
174 metres
Other external strategic projects
NID4OCEAN
We are a NID4OCEAN partner, which works on the development of nature-friendly designs for offshore renewable energy.
Read more
PELAgIO (United Kingdom)
We provide PELAgIO, which is researching new methods of small-scale marine data collection to understand ecosystems, with financial support and expertise.
Read more
PrediCtOr
We are a partner on the PrediCtOr project, which is developing a coordinated approach to reduce bird collisions and improve bird monitoring at offshore wind farms.
Read more
OCEaN
We are a member of OCEaN, a coalition working on the sustainable deployment of offshore infrastructure.
Read moreInnovating to protect biodiversity
Innovation is a strategic priority for the Iberdrola Group and is key to ensuring our ongoing sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness. Therefore, through R&D&i we not only seek to continuously improve the energy efficiency of our facilities and the processes associated with production, but also the deployment of clean energy in a sustainable manner and the preservation of biodiversity wherever we are present.
Of particular note is our PERSEO start-up programme, which aims to facilitate access to the technologies and businesses of the future while fostering a global start-up ecosystem with a focus on sustainability.
More about biodiversity protection