Animal displacement from marine energy development: Mechanisms and consequences

Area of Science:

• Marine renewable energy
• Marine ecology
• Environmental impact assessment

Background:

• Marine energy expansion requires large-scale arrays, posing new environmental risks.
• Animal displacement from habitats and migration routes is a key concern for large marine energy projects.
• Current research is limited by unclear definitions and methodologies for studying displacement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define "displacement" in the marine energy context.
• To identify marine animal groups susceptible to displacement and their potential responses.
• To outline methods for investigating and monitoring displacement effects.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and lessons from other offshore industries.
• Development of a framework for defining and understanding animal displacement.
• Identification of research pathways using modeling and monitoring.

Main Results:

• Displacement is defined as attraction, avoidance, or exclusion responses to stressors.
• Various marine animals, from migratory to benthic species, may be affected.
• Consequences of displacement range from individual to population levels.

Conclusions:

• A clear definition and framework are crucial for studying marine animal displacement.
• Further research using modeling and monitoring is needed to assess and mitigate impacts.
• Addressing knowledge gaps will support sustainable marine energy development and conservation.