Statistical basis for seabed benthic monitoring as a tool for environmental management in the offshore windfarm industry

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Wind Energy)

Basic and strategic applied research

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Politics and International Studies)
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation)

Project Contact
DTI

Standard

DEFRA

01 March 2007

30 July 2007

4 months

£33,318

No relevance to Underpinning Sectors

London

Project Contact, DTI

Project Contact, University of Hull

Objectives not supplied

Objectives The study aims are to: · review and evaluate the ability of currently applied or recommended benthic survey strategies to detect and monitor the anticipated diffuse and subtle effects of windfarm construction and operation in shallow water area with high natural variability in sediment and biological conditions. · develop guidance for government and developers on suitable benthic biological effects monitoring strategies for offshore windfarms. Key Customer Purpose Offshore windfarm developments represent a new industry and therefore have a limited track record of understanding actual environmental effects. Such understanding is essential for robust government consenting processes.

16/12/11