An 18-month research project looking to validate fish environmental DNA (eDNA) survey methods for offshore wind farm environmental impact assessments has been launched by U.K. renewable energy provider Natural Power, and project partners EDF Renewables, and eDNA specialist NatureMetrics.
Natural Power Senior Environmental Consultant Michelle Elliott, the project’s lead, said there is significant evidence for eDNA providing robust data on fish diversity in nearshore environments, but very few studies exist further offshore. Also, to the project team’s 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,” Elliott said.
Environmental DNA is a non-invasive sampling technique based on the knowledge that all species shed waste products, skin, and tissue cells into the seawater. Collecting and filtering seawater samples concentrates this DNA, which can then be used to identify all the different fish species present without needing to physically catch them.
“I’m looking forward to showing how eDNA methods can help companies in the marine energy sector monitor nature cheaply, quickly, repeatably, and at large scale,” NatureMetrics Global Sector Head of Marine and Energy Samuel Stanton said. “We have already successfully demonstrated that eDNA will detect more fish species than conventional net survey methods for a coastal fish survey in Sweden. I am confident our technology can help renewable energy companies better manage nature-related risks and transition to a nature positive economy.”
In support of the initiative, EDF Renewables is providing access to the Blyth Offshore Demonstrator (BOD) for the research project, saying eDNA has the potential to reduce barriers in consenting for future offshore wind farm projects.
The project has received an innovation grant of GBP 33,918 (USD 44,645, EUR 40,415) from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP), which covers 50 percent of its expected total cost.
Photo courtesy of Natural Power
