Even though wind power is a renewable energy source, many environmentalists have a problem with the impact of the turbines on the ocean. Turns out, it may not be so bad.
A new Scottish study shows that the offshore wind turbines actually create a favorable area for crustaceans and coral to latch onto, which can help to form a reef. This leads to a fertile environment for seals to feed. These researchers tracked seals via GPS, and found that much of their feeding time was spent around these wind farms.
Even with these benefits, the researchers noted the negative impacts to the ocean during construction of these wind farms.
Offshore wind farms are relatively common around the U.K., and they’ve been proposed much closer to home. Cape Cod and Rhode Island have seen their share of proposals in recent years.