GreyCo - Connectivité en eaux anthropisées : les champs d’éoliennes en mer tissent-ils des trames grises de connectivité ?
Does the introduction of artificial reefs associated with offshore wind farms modify natural and anthropogenic connectivity networks of benthic populations along the Channel-Atlantic coast?
Assessing the role of marine wind turbines in larval dispersal and recruitment
The introduction of artificial structures to the marine environment, such as fixed or floating wind turbines, creates new potential reef habitat for sessile benthic fauna to colonise through the processes of larval dispersal and recruitment. These structures may act as a bridge between populations of distant organisms (‘stepping stone’ effect), and consequently impact the equilibrium of coastal ecosystems. To better understand the influence of wind farms on marine connectivity, the GreyCo project aims to assess existing connections between natural benthic communities, ports and offshore wind farms areas along the French Channel-Atlantic coast, and to anticipate changes in these connections as offshore windfarms develop. The project is based on both larval dispersal modelling and direct monitoring of biodiversity in the vicinity of existing wind farms. Using population genetics, it will characterise connectivity for two species typically found on artificial structures, mussels and sea squirt.
Climate projections and marine connectivity: guiding decisions on wind farms
The project also involves modelling larval dispersal using the CROCO hydrodynamic code and the Lagragian transport tool Ichthyop. The impact of climate change on connectivity patterns will be assessed using projections of climate-driven changes in ocean currents up to 2050. The results of the project will then be used to guide public authorities' decisions on possible future offshore wind farms position, by establishing scenarios and assessing their impact on connectivity networks, particularly in the context of climate change.
Scientific contact: Philippe Cugier (Lebco), Florentine Riquet (Ifremer ASIM, La Tremblade)
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