Offshore wind farms significantly alter fish community structure - Aggregation of Atlantic cod and pouting
Reubens, J.; Degraer, S.; Vincx, M. (2013). Offshore wind farms significantly alter fish community structure - Aggregation of Atlantic cod and pouting, in: Degraer, S. et al. (Ed.) Environmental impacts of offshore wind farms in the Belgian part of the North Sea: Learning from the past to optimise future monitoring programmes. pp. 115-121
In: Degraer, S.; Brabant, R.; Rumes, B. (Ed.) (2013). Environmental impacts of offshore wind farms in the Belgian part of the North Sea: Learning from the past to optimise future monitoring programmes. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management Section: Brussels. ISBN 978-90-9027-928-2. 239 pp., more
The numerous wind turbine foundations being constructed in the North Sea influence the ecosystem functioning and local biodiversity. Interactions within and between these artificial hard substrates and the surrounding soft substrate occur. In this study we assess the anticipated environmental impact on benthopelagic fish species. Catch per unit effort data was combined with length-frequency distributions to gain insights in the fish community structure near wind turbine artificial reefs. Atlantic cod and pouting dominate the community structure and show clear seasonal patterns in presence. Specific age groups are attracted to the wind turbine foundations.
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