Emotion Recognition and Artificial Intelligence

Dec 7, 2023 ·

The article, “Environmental Impacts of Marine Renewable Energy on Benthic Ecosystems: A Review” by L. Torrealba and B.E. Sanz-Rodriguez, examines the environmental impacts of marine renewable energy (MRE) on benthic ecosystems. MRE is a relatively new, renewable energy source with significant potential for providing clean energy to the world. The authors review studies related to the effects of MRE on benthic ecosystems, focusing on wave energy converters, offshore wind turbines, in-stream tidal turbines, and ocean thermal energy converters.

In terms of wave energy, the authors found that there is a potential for physical damage to the seabed due to the installation of wave energy converters (WECs). This could include destruction of habitats and displacement of species. WECs can also affect hydrodynamic patterns, which could lead to changes in sediment deposition, water flow, and food availability for benthic organisms. In addition, they may be responsible for noise pollution, which could disrupt the behavior of marine animals.

For offshore wind turbines, the authors found that there is a potential for direct habitat loss, displacement of species, and changes in turbine wakes and flows due to the construction and operation of the turbines. These changes may cause increased sedimentation rates or changes in the availability of food sources for benthic species. In addition, offshore wind turbines may result in collisions with birds and other flying wildlife.

In terms of in-stream tidal turbines, the authors found that there is a potential for physical damage to the seabed, changes in the flow pattern of the water, and changes in sedimentation rates. These changes can lead to changes in the abundance of certain species, as well as changes in their behavior. In addition, in-stream tidal turbines may be responsible for noise pollution, which could disrupt the behavior of marine animals.

Lastly, ocean thermal energy converters (OTECs) have a potential for physical damage to the seabed due to their installation and operation, as well as changes in temperature and salinity of the surrounding waters. These changes can lead to decreased oxygen concentrations and changes in available food sources for benthic communities. There is also a potential for OTECs to reduce light availability at lower depths, thereby affecting photosynthesis-based communities.

Overall, the authors conclude that MRE has the potential to cause a variety of environmental impacts on benthic ecosystems. However, they emphasize the importance of conducting further research to better understand the potential consequences of MRE and to develop appropriate mitigation measures to reduce their negative impacts.