Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

The ecology of benthopelagic fishes at offshore wind farms: a synthesis of 4 years of research
Reubens, J.T.; Degraer, S.; Vincx, M. (2014). The ecology of benthopelagic fishes at offshore wind farms: a synthesis of 4 years of research. Hydrobiologia 727(1): 121-136. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-1793-1
In: Hydrobiologia. Springer: The Hague. ISSN 0018-8158; e-ISSN 1573-5117, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors | Dataset 

Keywords
    Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]; Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]; Trisopterus luscus (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Atlantic cod; Benthopelagic fish; Offshore wind farm; Pouting; Reef effects; Windmill artificial reef

Authors  Top | Dataset 

Abstract
    In the next 10–20 years, thousands of wind turbines will be present in the North Sea. In this paper, we investigate the impact of these windmill artificial reefs (WARs) on the ecology of benthopelagic fish. More specifically we will try to resolve the attraction-ecological trap-production issue for Atlantic cod and pouting at WARs and link the information to opportunities for fisheries activities. From 2009 until 2012 the behavioural ecology of Atlantic cod and pouting was investigated at WARs in the Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS). Information on length-frequency distribution, diet, community structure and movements were combined to gain insights on the behavioural ecology and to unravel whether production occurs. We demonstrated that specific age groups of Atlantic cod and pouting are seasonally attracted towards the WARs, that they show high site fidelity and feed upon the dominant epifaunal prey species present. Growth was observed throughout the period the fishes were present. Production on a local scale can be assumed. On a regional scale however, no changes were observed yet. Based on the acquired knowledge we judged that no fisheries activities should be allowed inside the offshore wind farms in the BPNS.

Dataset
  • 2010_PHD_REUBENS: Reubens, J.; Degraer, S.; Desmet, P.; Moens, T.; Reyserhove, L.; Vincx, M.; (2020): 2010_PHD_REUBENS - Acoustic telemetry data for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the C-Power wind farm in the southern North Sea (Belgium). Marine Data Archive., more

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors | Dataset