Greening Blue Energy - BioTools For Business

considerations of other marine users. General
technical aspects of development, spatial planning
and current research status are summarised.
Potential impacts on the marine environment
typically associated with the construction, operation
and decommissioning of offshore wind farms are
presented in section 4. Mitigation measures are
suggested, and a way forward in addressing areas
of uncertainty and governance issues is presented
in Section 5.
A synthesis of the most current research on impacts
on the marine environment, is presented in Annexe
1. The present understanding of potential impacts
on receptors and the receiving environment is
highlighted, in relation to the extent of impacts
Further legislative context is provided in Annexe
2, with links provided for further information.
Moreover, a brief overview of technology
development and potential marine environmental
impacts of wave, tidal and current power is provided
in Annexe 3.
The document reviews existing knowledge and
expertise on the marine environmental as of
December 2009. This document is printed in limited
numbers, and the publication is meant to be used
on-line, which allows the document to keep “live”
when significant information becomes available in
this fast moving industry.
It is intended to present a generic framework for
key issues to consider, and is illustrated by specific
examples where relevant.
While the focus of this document is on the
environmental impacts of offshore wind farms;
environmental issues cannot be addressed without
considering associated economic, technical,
political, legal and social values associated. In this
regard, this document can only provide initial
1.5 Glossary of key terms and acronyms
guidance and should not replace comprehensive
impact assessments as well as effective stakeholder
engagement.
Biodiversity The number and variety of species
Benthos Organisms that live on the seabed, from the highest water mark to the
deepest trenches
Decommissioning A general term for a formal process to remove something from active
status
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
Mitigation Alleviation/lessening of impacts
Onshore wind farms Wind farms located on land, whether on the beach or inland
Offshore wind farms Wind farms located in the sea, which could be in shallow coastal
waters or on a bank far out at sea.
Life-cycle assessment Analysis of the overall environmental impact of a particular economic
activity
SEA Strategic environmental assessment
Spatial planning Refers to the methods used to influence the distribution of people and
activities in spaces of various scales, including e.g. urban planning, regional
planning, environmental planning
Identifying and managing biodiversity risks and opportunities of offshore renewable energy - GREENING BLUE ENERGY 3
Introduction