Fondation OPEN-C

Mooring lines of floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) provide a substrate for diverse biofouling species, thus ultimately influencing both ecological dynamics and their own structural performance. This study presents an analysis of spatial and temporal variations in community composition, coverage and thickness from the surface to the seabed through a four-year monitoring of biofouling development on two mooring lines of the FLOATGEN prototype. Along these lines, three distinct biofouling zones were identified with hard-bodied species dominating the water surface , mobile organisms prevalent at intermediate depths and soft-bodied species in deeper regions. Over time, biofouling coverage and thickness increased in deeper sections of the mooring lines, reflecting a progressive shift in community structure. A significant association was observed between fouling class (hard or soft), coverage and thickness, particularly in relation to depth. These results contribute to a better understanding of biofouling dynamics on floating offshore structures and underscore the need for reliable and standardized monitoring methods.

Anthropogenic noise has become a widespread pollutant in the world’s oceans, having an impact on the biology and ecology of various marine species. However, due to the challenges of reproducing realistic conditions in experimental setups, behavioral effects of continuous anthropogenic noise remain poorly studied. The aim of this study was to develop a laboratory-based experimental protocol to evaluate the behavioral responses of juvenile European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ) to representative and realistic playback of offshore wind turbine noise. The acoustic exposure simulated the gradual approach of fish swimming toward an operating turbine, using field recordings collected in situ sea conditions. Acoustic calibrations were conducted prior to testing to ensure the spectral and spatial realism of the sound within the experimental environment.

International audience

The development of marine renewable energies and wave energy (WE) in particular, are vital components of sustainable ocean governance and the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In a new industry like marine renewable energy (MRE), and Wave Energy (WE) in particular, time-consuming procedures linked to uncertainty about project environmental impacts, the need to consult with numerous stakeholders and potential conflicts with other marine users appear to be the main obstacles to consenting WE projects. These are considered as non-technological barriers that could hinder the future development of WE in EU. Through three different strategies (environmental demonstration strategy, consenting and planning strategy and education and public engagement strategy), the aim of the SafeWAVE project has been to contribute to overcome these barriers through the knowledge and tools developed during the project life.

International audience