The need for industry collaboration on baseline surveys for offshore wind

At the moment, Australia has general information about many marine species. What we often lack is the detailed data needed to assess what an offshore wind development might mean for those species.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) for offshore wind projects requires scientifically rigorous, detailed, time series data about how and where these animals spend their time. This is currently lacking for many of the areas that will be declared for future offshore wind development.

Baseline surveys must run for long enough to capture and describe seasonal variability and the complex migratory patterns of marine species in relation to license areas. These patterns may change from year to year so multi-year surveys are generally required

Collecting good data over multiple years adds confidence to the patterns we detail, and to the assessment of impacts on the environment. This is particularly the case in areas where no consistent research has been done and we are establishing baseline information for the very first time.

The spectres of climate change and global energy instability are hanging over our heads. Baseline environmental studies for offshore wind will be vital for solving these challenges as they will enable an offshore clean energy industry to flourish. But with the way we are currently going about them as an industry may be holding us back…

It’s a problem of time and resources. It’s a question of efficiency. It requires collaboration!

Marine studies are often done to support individual developments. But that means every project is essentially starting from scratch and may repeat work already undertaken by an adjacent developer. Smarter resourcing through working together would yield a better outcome.

Working independently doesn’t mean proponents won’t get the data they need for good project and environmental outcomes. But through collaboration we could generate better and more consistent data, and give greater confidence to the community and regulators that the industry can be effectively managed. We can avoid duplication of effort in the same or adjacent areas, and provide a solution that will benefit everyone’s EIA.

Related read: How partnerships will help us address the offshore wind industry's challenges