Ecology and Environment
The Ecology and Environmental section of the OWEZ Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (NSW-MEP) focuses on the local environmental impact of the wind farm. The programme will involve collecting data on the environmental impact on:
- Benthic fauna: organisms in and on the seabed
- Birds
- Fish
- Landscape: public opinion of how the coastal population feels about the wind farm
- Marine mammals
- Shipping
- Baseline studies
Prior to the construction of the wind farm, the Dutch government carried out baseline studies on ecology and environmental factors. In order to evaluate the environmental impacts of an offshore wind farm it is necessary to make a thorough description of the present ecological reference situation. The baseline studies were conducted by several consultancy bureaus during the period from late 2002 – late 2004. For every environmental aspect a detailed report has been published describing the methods used, the results, conclusions and recommendations for (further) monitoring of possible effects.
Monitoring studies
After the wind farm began operation in late 2006, NoordzeeWind continued to carry out research on the impact of the wind farm on the local environment. NoordzeeWind conducted this NSW-MEP Monitoring and Evaluation Programme in cooperation with leading research institutes. The total research programme began during the construction period in 2006 and will continue until 2012.
Results
The results of both the baseline and the monitoring studies will be published on this website under the specific environmental aspects.
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