Work

Offshore wind farm impacts on marine fauna across taxa and ecological levels: A global review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: The expansion of offshore wind farms (OWFs) is central to global decarbonization strategies, yet their effects on marine biodiversity are only partially understood. This systematic review synthesizes 221 publications up to June 2025 to assess the ecological impacts of OWFs on marine fauna living below the sea surface. The evidence base is uneven, heavily focused on North European waters, fish, and invertebrates, while expanding OWF regions and marine mammals remain underrepresented. Most studies examine short-term, individual-level responses, limiting inference on long-term effects. Impacts vary widely by stressor, taxon, and biological outcome. Invertebrates often show positive responses linked to reef effects, though key functional traits are vulnerable. Fish responses are largely neutral except under noise, while marine mammals exhibit the most consistent negative impacts. The impact score developed here highlights taxon-specific vulnerability and offers a scalable risk-assessment tool for data-poor regions. The review calls for standardized, long-term field monitoring to support OWF expansion while safeguarding biodiversity.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.117814

Authors: Gabriella La Manna, Mariangela Moro Merella, Alessia Crobu, Arianna Pansini, Giulia Ceccherelli

Institution: University of Sassari

Language: English

Topic: Marine animal studies overview

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240