Offshore wind farms can enhance the structural composition and functional dynamics of coastal waters

Liwei Si; Longfei Xu; Zhilin Wang; James R. Tweedley; Neil R. Loneragan; Yi Li; Hang Liu; Tao Tian; Zhongxin Wu

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03982

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Offshore wind farms can enhance the structural composition and functional dynamics of coastal waters

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Offshore wind farms can enhance the structural composition and functional dynamics of coastal waters

Liwei Si, Longfei Xu, Zhilin Wang, James R. Tweedley, Neil R. Loneragan, Yi Li, Hang Liu, Tao Tian and Zhongxin Wu

Global ecology and conservation, Vol.64, e03982

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03982

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Abstract

Ecopath model

Ecosystem function

Renewable energy

Trophic flow

Trophic structure

Yellow Sea

Offshore wind farms (OWF) are rapidly emerging as essential infrastructure for transitioning to renewable energy, and this has been particularly important in the waters of China. To evaluate the impact of OWF construction, Ecopath models were developed for an OWF area and, separately, for a nearby control area, using biological and environmental survey data collected in 2022 and 2023. Functional groups were initially categorized into soft-substrate and hard-substrate (turbine monopiles) communities. The results showed that the colonization of turbine monopiles by sessile organisms significantly increased the productivity of most fish functional groups in the OWF area compared to the control. The OWF ecosystem exhibited higher trophic levels, especially for macroinvertebrates and fish, and a more complex food web with enhanced detritus flow than the control area. Mixed trophic impact analysis indicated a shift from a pelagic to a benthic-dominated system following OWF construction. Notably, detritus accounted for 52 % of total system throughput in the OWF area, compared to 38 % in the control area, highlighting a transition toward detritus-based energy flow. Furthermore, the OWF system showed significantly higher values for total system throughput, omnivory index, connectivity, Finn’s cycling index, and ascendency. Overall, the presence of the OWF resulted in significant changes in the trophic flow and system structure, creating a more complex, mature, and stable benthic-dominated ecosystem. These findings indicate that the establishment of OWF enhances both the structural composition and functional dynamics of surrounding marine ecosystems.

Details

Title: Offshore wind farms can enhance the structural composition and functional dynamics of coastal waters
Authors/Creators: Liwei Si - Dalian Ocean University
Longfei Xu - Dalian Ocean University
Zhilin Wang - Dalian Ocean University
James R. Tweedley - Murdoch University
Neil R. Loneragan - Murdoch University
Yi Li - Dalian Ocean University
Hang Liu - Dalian Ocean University
Tao Tian - Dalian Ocean University
Zhongxin Wu - Dalian Ocean University
Publication Details: Global ecology and conservation, Vol.64, e03982
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Identifiers: 991005831735807891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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