ELWIND has commissioned a comprehensive marine mammal study across the joint Estonia–Latvia offshore wind development zones in the Baltic Sea.
The state-run cross-border project said it has signed a contract with Murmurat (3Bird OÜ) to carry out the work as part of the environmental impact assessment process.
The study will review existing scientific research and historic monitoring data and assess the presence and behaviour of grey seals, ringed seals and, where relevant, harbour porpoise.
It will also examine species abundance, distribution patterns and year-round habitat use.
ELWIND said the scope includes assessment of installation-related underwater noise, including cross-border impacts, and evaluation of cumulative effects alongside other regional marine activities.
The findings will provide an environmental baseline to assess potential impacts and identify mitigation measures where needed to safeguard marine mammal populations.