UK consultancy Natural Power, EDF Renewables and nature specialist NatureMetrics are conducting a research project on the use of fish environmental DNA (eDNA) to help improve survey methods for offshore wind farm environmental impact assessments.
eDNA is a non-invasive innovative sampling technique which uses samples that can be collected from a wide range of vessels and has the potential to deliver auditable, robust data, potentially replacing more destructive methods, the partners said.
The technique involves the analysis of seawater containing fish waste product, skin and tissue cells, which allows to identify the various species present.
This method can help to reduce the costs of offshore wind developments whilst also minimising the environmental impact.
As part of the research, EDF Renewables is providing access to its Blyth offshore wind demonstrator.
The project will commence in March and will last 18 months.
Surveys will be conducted using traditional fish trawling methods as well as eDNA sampling around the Blyth site.
Comparison of the eDNA results with concurrent trawl data and with historical fish community data will be undertaken providing a robust assessment and validation of the technique.
Natural Power senior environmental consultant Michelle Elliott said: “There is significant evidence for eDNA providing robust data on fish diversity in nearshore environments, but very few studies exist further offshore, and to our knowledge, there has been no work investigating eDNA methods for fish ecology assessment near commercial offshore wind farms.
“We believe this research has huge potential benefits and will lead to marketable opportunities within the marine energy sector.”
EDF Renewables head of offshore Scott Sutherland said: “We believe that eDNA techniques have the potential to reduce barriers in consenting for offshore wind farm projects in the future through more targeted baseline data collection, mitigation, and monitoring measures.”
The outcome of this research will form a scientific paper and formal public presentation of findings alongside recommendations for future commercial use.
The project has received an innovation grant of £33,918 from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership.
The grant covers 50% of the total project cost with additional in-kind contributions from Natural Power and NatureMetrics as well as monetary funding from EDF Renewables.