WLH x Hull University

Dr. Krysia Mazik and Dr. Jordan Burgess have been working to better understand how offshore wind farm development may affect juvenile lobster behaviour and development.

When offshore wind farms are installed, their foundations are hammered deep into the seabed. This process generates powerful impulsive vibrations that travel across the seafloor, sometimes extending for hundreds of kilometres. While this is a necessary step in creating renewable energy infrastructure, there is still much to learn about how this level of disturbance affects the marine environment.

Jordan said "We are looking at understanding the impacts of offshore wind farm development on juvenile lobster behaviour and development. During installation, offshore wind farms are hammered into the seabed which generates impulsive vibration that spreads along the seafloor and can extend for hundreds of kilometers. For economically important species, such as the European lobster, understanding how these installations impact lobster development and survival is now increasingly important. The expansion of offshore wind is essential to reduce carbon emissions and achieve our climate goals, however, understanding the ecological impacts is crucial, which is what our project aims to do. This work is undertaken as a part of the BOWIE project under ECOWind, funded by NERC and the Crown Estate. See more about our work here BOWIE - ECOWind  and Home - ECOWind"

For species of high ecological and economic importance—such as the European lobster—this research is particularly urgent. Lobsters play a vital role in healthy marine ecosystems and also support coastal fishing communities. If early stages of lobster growth and behaviour are disrupted by underwater noise or seabed vibration, it could have long-term consequences for survival, local fisheries, and the wider marine food web.

Our work forms part of the BOWIE Project under the ECOWind Programme, which brings together researchers, industry, and conservationists to explore how offshore renewable energy can develop in harmony with marine life. By studying these interactions, we aim to provide clear, science-based insights that can inform future offshore wind farm development and ensure the sustainability of our seas.