Changes in Habitat Description
Level of knowledge/uncertainties
Introducing any new structure to the marine environment can change the physical habitat, and have the potential to alter where animals live and how common they are at a particular location. Changes in habitat can be caused by installation, operation, and/ or decommissioning of MRE systems. Installation of MRE systems (including the device itself, foundations or anchors, mooring lines, and cables on the seafloor or in the water column) may lead to alteration, loss or creation of benthic and pelagic habitat, potential for introduction of non-native species, and possible changes in animal behavior or ecosystem function.
The effects of MRE on habitats are similar to those of structures involved in other well-studied marine industries, such as offshore wind turbines, navigation and observation buoys, platforms, docks, oil and gas rigs, and piers. Several studies at deployed MRE devices have shown rapid recovery from the disturbance caused by device installation. Based on existing information from analogous offshore industries and the relatively small footprint of MRE foundations, anchors, and mooring lines, this risk can be considered to be low.
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Some uncertainty still exists regarding the spatial and temporal scales of changes in habitat, but this is mainly a question for scientific researchers and not necessarily a concern to be addressed at individual MRE project sites.
Marine Renewable Energy: An Introduction to Environmental Effects
