1
|
Chen Z, Cameron TC, Couce E, Garcia C, Hicks N, Thomas GE, Thompson MSA, Whitby C, O'Gorman EJ. Oil and gas platforms degrade benthic invertebrate diversity and food web structure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172536. [PMID: 38643886 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Oil and gas exploitation introduces toxic contaminants such as hydrocarbons and heavy metals to the surrounding sediment, resulting in deleterious impacts on marine benthic communities. This study combines benthic monitoring data over a 30-year period in the North Sea with dietary information on >1400 taxa to quantify the effects of active oil and gas platforms on benthic food webs using a multiple before-after control-impact experiment. Contamination from oil and gas platforms caused declines in benthic food web complexity, community abundance, and biodiversity. Fewer trophic interactions and increased connectance indicated that the community became dominated by generalists adapting to alternative resources, leading to simpler but more connected food webs in contaminated environments. Decreased mean body mass, shorter food chains, and the dominance of small detritivores such as Capitella capitata near to structures suggested a disproportionate loss of larger organisms from higher trophic levels. These patterns were associated with concentrations of hydrocarbons and heavy metals that exceed OSPAR's guideline thresholds of sediment toxicity. This study provides new evidence to better quantify and manage the environmental consequences of oil and gas exploitation at sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Tom C Cameron
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Couce
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Clement Garcia
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Hicks
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth E Thomas
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5HD, United Kingdom
| | - Murray S A Thompson
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Whitby
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Eoin J O'Gorman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lawrence JM, Speirs DC, Heath MR, Fujii T, Burns F, Fernandes PG. Elevated fish densities extend kilometres from oil and gas platforms. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302738. [PMID: 38709717 PMCID: PMC11073688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Thousands of offshore oil and gas platforms have been installed throughout the world's oceans and more structures are being installed as part of the transition to renewable energy. These structures increase the availability of ecological niches by providing hard substrate in midwater and complex 3D habitat on the seafloor. This can lead to 'hotspots' of biodiversity, or increased densities of flora and fauna, which potentially spill over into the local area. However, the distances over which these higher densities extend (the 'range of influence') can be highly variable. Fish aggregate at such structures, but the range of influence and any implications for wider fish populations, are unclear. We investigated the relationship between fish and platform areal densities using high resolution fisheries acoustic data. Data were collected in the waters surrounding the vessel exclusions zones around 16 oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, and throughout the wider area. We estimated densities of schooling fish using echo-integration, and densities of non-schooling fish using echo-counting. At 10 platforms, non-schooling fish densities were elevated near the platform relative to background levels in the equivalent wider area. The range of influence, defined here as the range to which fish densities were elevated above background, varied from 0.8 to 23 km. In areas of high platform density, fish schools were encountered more often, and non-schooling fish densities were higher, when controlling for other sources of environmental variation. This is the first time such long-range effects have been identified; previously, ranges of influence have been reported in the order of just 10s-100s of metres. These findings suggest that the environmental impact of these structures may extend further than previously thought, which may be relevant in the context of upcoming management decisions around the decommissioning of these structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Lawrence
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas C. Speirs
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Michael R. Heath
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Toyonobu Fujii
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Onagawa, Japan
| | - Finlay Burns
- Marine Laboratory, Marine Scotland Science, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul G. Fernandes
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spielmann V, Dannheim J, Brey T, Coolen JWP. Decommissioning of offshore wind farms and its impact on benthic ecology. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 347:119022. [PMID: 37776786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
At the end of their operational life time offshore wind farms need to be decommissioned. How and to what extent the removal of the underwater structures impairs the ecosystem that developed during the operational phase of the wind farm is not known. So, decision makers face a knowledge gap, making the consideration of such ecological impacts challenging when planning decommissioning. This study evaluates how complete or partial decommissioning of foundation structure and scour protection layer impacts local epibenthic macrofauna biodiversity. We assessed three decommissioning alternatives (one for complete and two for partial removal) regarding their impact on epibenthic macrofauna species richness. The results imply that leaving the scour protection layer in situ will preserve a considerable number of species while cutting of the foundation structure above seabed will be beneficial for the fauna of such foundation structures where no scour protection is installed. These results should be taken with a grain of salt, as the current data base is rather limited. Data need to be improved substantially to allow for reliable statements and sound advice regarding the ecological impact of offshore wind farm decommissioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Dannheim
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Science, Am Handeshafen 12, 27570, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 231, 26 129, Oldenburg, Germany, (HIFMB).
| | - Thomas Brey
- University of Bremen, Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany; Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Science, Am Handeshafen 12, 27570, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 231, 26 129, Oldenburg, Germany, (HIFMB).
| | - Joop W P Coolen
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG, Den Helder, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PD, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Golinia P, Nasrolahi A, Ghazilou A. Temporal variations of biofouling assemblages of a coral reef ecosystem during a monsoon period. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:1004-1014. [PMID: 38240106 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2300141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs are highly biodiverse ecosystems, enriched by a range of biofouling species. Temporal variations in biofouling can affect ecosystem stability, but these diverse coral-associated communities remain underexplored in some regions. In the present study, biofouling assemblages of coral reefs in the Chabahar Bay were investigated during a summer monsoon at three deployment periods. In total, 26 taxa were identified with barnacles and polychaetes being the dominant taxa during the whole study. The coverage percentage was driven mostly by the encrusting taxa such as bryozoans and algae while biomass was determined by the dominance of shell-forming taxa. The results of PERMANOVA showed that the effects of the submersion period were significant on the assemblage structure. Biofouling assessment plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the intricate balance and long-term health of coral reef ecosystems. For a comprehensive understanding of biofouling dynamics and interactions with coral-associated species, conducting long-term studies is vital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parissa Golinia
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Nasrolahi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ghazilou
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS), Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boutin K, Gaudron SM, Denis J, Ben Rais Lasram F. Potential marine benthic colonisers of offshore wind farms in the English channel: A functional trait-based approach. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 190:106061. [PMID: 37421705 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Offshore wind farms (OWFs) have gained attention as a promising alternative to conventional energy sources. However, their installation and operation may have multiple ecological impacts on the marine environment, including the "reef effect". The reef effect is the colonisation of wind turbines and other artificial substrates by benthic organisms, which has a major impact on marine biodiversity as it changes community assemblages and ecosystem functioning. We conducted a two-step study to predict the reef effect of a future OWF (Dunkirk, northern France). First, we explored similarities between colonisers of existing OWFs and those of other hard substrates (oil and gas platforms (O&GP) and hard substrates in the English Channel (HSEC)). We then analysed functional traits to determine a trait profile of potential colonisers of Dunkirk's OWF. Statistical analyses revealed that OWF and O&GP communities were more similar to each other than to that of HSEC. Comparing the three communities revealed that they shared 157 taxa, which could be potential colonisers of Dunkirk's future OWF. The functional profile revealed that OWF colonisers were species ranging from 10 to 100 mm in size, with gonochoric reproduction, pelagic and planktotrophic larvae, a life span of less than 2 years or 5-20 years, were sessile, and were carnivores or suspension feeders. Functional trait analysis revealed that during their intermediate stage of development, OWF benthic communities have a functional richness and diversity (0.68 and 0.53, respectively) similar to those of HSEC communities (0.54 and 0.50, respectively). However, based on using O&GP as a long-term view of the colonisation of OWFs, functional richness and diversity could decrease during the climax stage (0.07 and 0.42, respectively).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Boutin
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, Univ. Lille, CNRS, IRD, UMR 8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F 62930, Wimereux, France.
| | - Sylvie Marylene Gaudron
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, Univ. Lille, CNRS, IRD, UMR 8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F 62930, Wimereux, France; Sorbonne Univ., UFR 927, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Jérémy Denis
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, Univ. Lille, CNRS, IRD, UMR 8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F 62930, Wimereux, France
| | - Frida Ben Rais Lasram
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, Univ. Lille, CNRS, IRD, UMR 8187, LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F 62930, Wimereux, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mavraki N, Coolen JWP, Kapasakali DA, Degraer S, Vanaverbeke J, Beermann J. Small suspension-feeding amphipods play a pivotal role in carbon dynamics around offshore man-made structures. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 178:105664. [PMID: 35660219 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of artificial hard substrates (i.e. offshore wind farms and oil and gas platforms) on marine soft sediments increases the available habitat for invertebrate communities that would otherwise be restricted to natural hard bottoms. Suspension feeding invertebrates clear a significant amount of particles from the water column and release organic matter in the form of feces, influencing the basis of marine food webs and affecting surrounding environments. Artificial structures in the southern North Sea are dominated by a suspension-feeding crustacean in terms of abundance and sometimes even biomass: the amphipod Jassa herdmani. Animal densities of this tiny biofouler are known to exceed 1 million individuals per m2. Despite their small body sizes and their simple filter apparatus, we hypothesized that J. herdmani is a highly effective suspension feeder with a significant impact on neighboring communities due to its high abundances. In a feeding experiment, individuals of J. herdmani were provided with either an algal or an animal diet under two different temperature regimes. Clearance rates and fecal-pellet carbon (FPC) were measured. The results revealed high clearance rates and subsequent FPC, which were more pronounced at the higher temperature. Furthermore, clearance rates and FPC varied insignificantly with different food items. We further used the current findings for upscaling calculations to the total number of offshore windfarms and oil and gas platforms in the southern North Sea. Our calculations indicated that J. herdmani alone clears 0.33-4.71 km3 water per year in the southern North Sea. At the same time, these amphipods release 255-547 tons of carbon per year by means of defecation, thus enriching the surrounding soft sediments with organic matter. Our study highlights that tiny amphipods can mediate indirect effects of man-made structures in the North Sea, which could have a profound impact on pelagic and benthic habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ninon Mavraki
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, Ankerpark 27, 1781, AG Den Helder, the Netherlands.
| | - Joop W P Coolen
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, Ankerpark 27, 1781, AG Den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - Danae-Athena Kapasakali
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management, Vautierstraat 29, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
| | - Steven Degraer
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management, Vautierstraat 29, Brussels, 1000, Belgium; Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanaverbeke
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management, Vautierstraat 29, Brussels, 1000, Belgium; Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Jan Beermann
- Department of Functional Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Marine growth is a known problem for oceanic infrastructure and has been shown to negatively impact the reliability of bottom-fixed or floating offshore structures submitted to fatigue or extreme loading. Among other effects, it has been shown to change drag forces by increasing member diameters and modifying the roughness. Bio-colonization being highly random, the objective of this paper is to show how one-site inspection data increases reliability by decreasing uncertainties. This can be introduced in a reliability-based inspection framework for optimizing inspection and maintenance (here, cleaning). The modeling and computation are illustrated through the reliability analysis of a monopile in the European Atlantic area subjected to marine growth and according to the plastic collapse limit state. Based on surveys of structures in the North Sea, long-term stochastic modeling (space and time) of the marine growth thickness is first suggested. A Dynamic Bayesian Network is then developed for reliability updating from the inspection data. Finally, several realistic (10–20 measurements) inspection strategies are compared in terms of reliability improvement and the accuracy of reliability assessment.
Collapse
|
8
|
Torquato F, Omerspahic MH, Range P, Bach SS, Riera R, Ben-Hamadou R. Epibenthic communities from offshore platforms in the Arabian Gulf are structured by platform age and depth. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112935. [PMID: 34562849 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas platforms act as artificial habitats for a myriad of marine organisms. In this study, we used opportunistic remotely operated vehicle (ROV) data to describe fouling assemblages through the characterization of functional groups in the Al Shaheen oil field, situated in Qatari waters. The surveys showed a strong vertical stratification, with the number of functional groups increasing from the surface to the bottom. In addition, the majority of functional groups had their highest frequency of occurrence in the 35-60 m interval. In turn, multivariate analyses showed a slight structure among platforms with different ages. The lowest number of functional groups occurred in the early ages (2-3 years old), and some groups either increased or decreased their frequency and abundance along the years. A step further is now required to determine whether these platform foundations should be converted to reefs after their decommissioning (i.e., Rigs to Reefs approach).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Torquato
- Dept. Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Mustafa H Omerspahic
- Dept. Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Pedro Range
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Steffen S Bach
- Rambøll, Hannemanns Allé 53, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Riera
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación (BIOCON), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile
| | - Radhouane Ben-Hamadou
- Dept. Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Love MS, Nishimoto MM, Clark S, Kui L, Aziz A, Palandro D. A comparison of two remotely operated vehicle (ROV) survey methods used to estimate fish assemblages and densities around a California oil platform. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242017. [PMID: 33170883 PMCID: PMC7654814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Offshore oil and gas platforms have a finite life of production operations. Once production ceases, decommissioning options for the platform are assessed. The role that a platform's jacket plays as fish habitat can inform the decommissioning decision. In this study, conducted along the crossbeams of a California platform jacket and using an ROV, we compared estimates of fish diversity and densities determined from a targeted "biological" survey with those from a replicated "structural" survey. We found that the water column fish species assemblages characterized by the two methods were similar. By contrast, the two survey methods yielded different species assemblages inhabiting the crossbeam at the platform jacket base. This difference occurred because, at least off California, the platform jacket base species diversity tends to be highest where the bottom crossbeam is undercut, creating sheltering sites for many species. Because the structural method inadequately imaged the seafloor-crossbeam interface, particularly where a gap occurred between crossbeam and seafloor, substantial numbers of fishes were not visible. While we cannot extrapolate from this study to all platforms' worldwide, it is clear that routine platform structural integrity surveys may be a valuable source for opportunistic marine community surveys. Intentional planning of the structural survey to incorporate relatively minor variations (e.g., maintaining fixed ROV distance from the infrastructure and consistent 90° camera angle) coupled with a deliberate consideration of the platform ecology (e.g., positioning the ROV to capture the seafloor-crossbeam interface) can substantially improve the effects on fish assemblage assessments from routine structural surveys without compromising the integrity assessment. We suggest that these biases should be both acknowledged and, understood when using routine structural surveys to inform platform ecology assessment. Additional consideration may be given to structural surveys that incorporate incremental adjustments to provide better data applicability to biological assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milton S. Love
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Mary M. Nishimoto
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Scott Clark
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Li Kui
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Azivy Aziz
- ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Spring, Texas, United States, United States of America
| | - David Palandro
- ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Spring, Texas, United States, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Marine Biofouling: A European Database for the Marine Renewable Energy Sector. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8070495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biofouling is a major problem shared among all maritime sectors employing submerged structures where it leads to substantially increased costs and lowered operational lifespans if poorly addressed. Insight into the ongoing processes at the relevant marine locations is key to effective management of biofouling. Of specific concern for the marine renewable energy (MRE) sector is the fact that information on biofouling composition and magnitude across geographies is dispersed throughout published papers and consulting reports. To enable rapid access to relevant key biofouling events the present work describes a European biofouling database to support the MRE sector and other maritime industries. The database compiles in one document qualitative and quantitative data for challenging biofouling groups, including non-native species associated with MRE and related marine equipment, in different European Ecoregions. It provides information on the occurrence of fouling species and data on key biofouling parameters, such as biofouling thickness and weight. The database aims to aid the MRE sector and offshore industries in understanding which biofouling communities their devices are more susceptible to at a given site, to facilitate informed decisions. In addition, the biofouling mapping is useful for the development of biosecurity risk management plans as well as academic research.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mavraki N, Degraer S, Moens T, Vanaverbeke J. Functional differences in trophic structure of offshore wind farm communities: A stable isotope study. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 157:104868. [PMID: 32275504 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The proliferation of offshore wind energy installations causes a local change in biodiversity because these structures become heavily colonised by large quantities of fouling fauna, attract large mobile crustaceans and fish, and alter the macrofaunal communities in the soft sediments surrounding the wind turbines. Here, we analysed the stable isotope signals (δ13C and δ15N) of the faunal communities associated with a wind turbine, its scour protection layer (SPL) and the surrounding soft sediments. We hypothesised that structural differences in community composition would be reflected in food web complexity and that resource partitioning could be one of the mechanisms contributing to the co-existence of such dense communities. Sampling was conducted at a gravity-based foundation in the Belgian part of the North Sea, where both sessile and mobile organisms were collected along the depth gradient of the turbine, the SPL and the surrounding soft substrate. The results indicated that the structural differences of the communities are reflected in the food web complexity as indicated by the trophic niche size, the trophic diversity and the redundancy of the communities along the depth gradient. Higher food web complexity was associated with zones where high accumulation of organic matter occurs (soft substrate and SPL). Low food web complexity was observed in depth zones that are dominated by sessile suspension-feeding organisms (intertidal and Mytilus zone). The high trophic diversity and low redundancy observed within the trophic clusters of the soft substrate and the Metridium zone indicated that resource partitioning can be a mechanism allowing the co-existence of large densities of a wide variety of species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ninon Mavraki
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management, Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium; Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Steven Degraer
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management, Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium; Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Moens
- Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanaverbeke
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management, Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium; Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Coolen JWP, Boon AR, Crooijmans R, van Pelt H, Kleissen F, Gerla D, Beermann J, Birchenough SNR, Becking LE, Luttikhuizen PC. Marine stepping-stones: Connectivity of Mytilus edulis populations between offshore energy installations. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:686-703. [PMID: 31989703 PMCID: PMC7065051 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent papers have suggested that epifaunal organisms use artificial structures as stepping-stones to spread to areas that are too distant to reach in a single generation. With thousands of artificial structures present in the North Sea, we test the hypothesis that these structures are connected by water currents and act as an interconnected reef. Population genetic structure of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, was expected to follow a pattern predicted by a particle tracking model (PTM). Correlation between population genetic differentiation, based on microsatellite markers, and particle exchange was tested. Specimens of M. edulis were found at each location, although the PTM indicated that locations >85 km offshore were isolated from coastal subpopulations. The fixation coefficient FST correlated with the number of arrivals in the PTM. However, the number of effective migrants per generation as inferred from coalescent simulations did not show a strong correlation with the arriving particles. Isolation by distance analysis showed no increase in isolation with increasing distance and we did not find clear structure among the populations. The marine stepping-stone effect is obviously important for the distribution of M. edulis in the North Sea and it may influence ecologically comparable species in a similar way. In the absence of artificial shallow hard substrates, M. edulis would be unlikely to survive in offshore North Sea waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joop W. P. Coolen
- Wageningen Marine ResearchDen HelderThe Netherlands
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Arjen R. Boon
- Deltares, Marine and Coastal SystemsDelftThe Netherlands
| | - Richard Crooijmans
- Animal Breeding and Genomics CentreWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Frank Kleissen
- Deltares, Marine and Coastal SystemsDelftThe Netherlands
| | - Daan Gerla
- Wageningen Marine ResearchDen HelderThe Netherlands
| | - Jan Beermann
- Department of Functional EcologyAlfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine ResearchBremerhavenGermany
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine BiodiversityOldenburgGermany
| | | | - Leontine E. Becking
- Wageningen Marine ResearchDen HelderThe Netherlands
- Marine Animal Ecology GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Pieternella C. Luttikhuizen
- Department of Coastal SystemsNIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea ResearchUtrecht UniversityDen BurgThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rouse S, Porter JS, Wilding TA. Artificial reef design affects benthic secondary productivity and provision of functional habitat. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:2122-2130. [PMID: 32128143 PMCID: PMC7042684 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel hard substratum, introduced through offshore developments, can provide habitat for marine species and thereby function as an artificial reef. To predict the ecological consequences of deploying offshore infrastructure, and sustainably manage the installation of new structures, interactions between artificial reefs and marine ecosystem functions and services must be understood. This requires quantitative data on the relationships between secondary productivity and artificial reef design, across all trophic levels. Benthic secondary productivity is, however, one of the least studied processes on artificial reefs.In this study, we show that productivity rates of a common suspension feeder, Flustra foliacea (Linnaeus 1758), were 2.4 times higher on artificial reefs constructed from "complex" blocks than on reefs constructed from "simple" blocks, which had a smaller surface area.Productivity rates were highest on external areas of reefs. Productivity rates decreased by 1.56%, per cm distance into the reef on complex reefs and 2.93% per cm into the reef on simple block reefs. The differences in productivity rates between reefs constructed from simple and complex blocks are assumed to reflect different current regimes and food supply between the external and internal reef areas, according to reef type. Synthesis and applications. Our results show that artificial reef design can affect secondary productivity at low trophic levels. We demonstrate that the incorporation of voids into reef blocks can lead to a greater proportion of the structure serving as functional habitat for benthic species. By including such modifications into the design of artificial reefs, it may be possible to increase the overall productivity capacity of artificial structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Rouse
- Scottish Association for Marine ScienceObanUK
| | - Joanne S. Porter
- International Centre for Island TechnologyHeriot Watt University OrkneyStromnessUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Martin MV, Venkatesan R, Beyline M, Limna Mol VP, Divya L. Influence of environmental factors on macrofoulant assemblages on moored buoys in the eastern Arabian Sea. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0223560. [PMID: 31999725 PMCID: PMC6992173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors governing the distribution of organisms in the pelagic ocean are understudied. In this paper we describe environmental parameters and macrofouling assemblages on 11 buoys deployed in the Arabian Sea for an average duration of 322 days. Macrofoulants on all the mooring components extending from the sea-surface to a depth of 1800–4300 m were documented. Role of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, biological productivity and zooplankton community in governing the macrofoulant distribution are described. Species composition, vertical zonation and wet biomass exhibited significant spatial variations. Lepas anatifera constituted more than 90% of foulant wet biomass on all moorings. Assemblages in the southeastern (SEAS), east-central (ECAS) and northeast (NEAS) regions were distinct. Density of L. anatifera on surface buoys were low in SEAS (0.2±0.09 no./cm2), high in ECAS (0.32±0.11 no./cm2) and moderate in NEAS (0.23±0.04no./cm2). Macrofoulants were observed up to a depth of 75 m in SEAS, 130 m in ECAS and 120 m in NEAS. The depth profile of macrofoulant assemblages on moorings could be related to the prevalent hypoxic condition. Vertical profiles of wet biomass on all moorings exhibited subsurface maxima at depth ranging from 10 to 20 m, consequent to the abundance of L. anatifera in a thermally stable depth of water column, wherein diurnal and semidiurnal temperature variability was minimal. We attribute the observed variation in fouling assemblages to dissolved oxygen levels, salinity and diurnal variability in temperature and salinity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. V. Martin
- Ocean Observation Systems, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail: (RV); (MVM); (MB)
| | - Ramasamy Venkatesan
- Ocean Observation Systems, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail: (RV); (MVM); (MB)
| | - M. Beyline
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
- * E-mail: (RV); (MVM); (MB)
| | - V. P. Limna Mol
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kerala, India
| | - L. Divya
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schläppy M, Hobbs RJ. A triage framework for managing novel, hybrid, and designed marine ecosystems. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2019; 25:3215-3223. [PMID: 31313869 PMCID: PMC6852170 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The novel ecosystem (NE) concept has been discussed in terrestrial restoration ecology over the last 15 years but has not yet found much traction in the marine context. Against a background of unprecedented environmental change, managers of natural marine resources have portfolios full of altered systems for which restoration to a previous historical baseline may be impractical for ecological, social, or financial reasons. In these cases, the NE concept is useful for weighing options and emphasizes the risk of doing nothing by forcing questions regarding the value of novelty and how it can best be managed in the marine realm. Here, we explore how the concept fits marine ecosystems. We propose a scheme regarding how the NE concept could be used as a triage framework for use in marine environments within the context of a decision framework that explicitly considers changed ecosystems and whether restoration is the best or only option. We propose a conceptual diagram to show where marine NEs fit in the continuum of unaltered to shifted marine ecosystems. Overall, we suggest that the NE concept is of interest to marine ecologists and resource managers because it introduces a new vocabulary for considering marine systems that have been changed through human actions but have not shifted to an alternate stable state. Although it remains to be seen whether the concept of marine NEs leads to better conservation and restoration decisions, we posit that the concept may help inform management decisions in an era of unprecedented global marine change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie‐Lise Schläppy
- Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical SciencesOceans Graduate SchoolThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceIOMRC (M096)CrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Richard J. Hobbs
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sommer B, Fowler AM, Macreadie PI, Palandro DA, Aziz AC, Booth DJ. Decommissioning of offshore oil and gas structures - Environmental opportunities and challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 658:973-981. [PMID: 30583191 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Thousands of offshore oil and gas structures are approaching the end of their operating life globally, yet our understanding of the environmental effects of different decommissioning strategies is incomplete. Past focus on a narrow set of criteria has limited evaluation of decommissioning effects, restricting decommissioning options in most regions. We broadly review the environmental effects of decommissioning, analyse case studies, and outline analytical approaches that can advance our understanding of ecological dynamics on oil and gas structures. We find that ecosystem functions and services increase with the age of the structure and vary with geographical setting, such that decommissioning decisions need to take an ecosystem approach that considers their broader habitat and biodiversity values. Alignment of decommissioning assessment priorities among regulators and how they are evaluated, will reduce the likelihood of variable and sub-optimal decommissioning decisions. Ultimately, the range of allowable decommissioning options must be expanded to optimise the environmental outcomes of decommissioning across the broad range of ecosystems in which platforms are located.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Sommer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Ashley M Fowler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - David A Palandro
- ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Spring, Texas, 77389, United States
| | - Azivy C Aziz
- ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Spring, Texas, 77389, United States
| | - David J Booth
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Molen JVD, García-García LM, Whomersley P, Callaway A, Posen PE, Hyder K. Connectivity of larval stages of sedentary marine communities between hard substrates and offshore structures in the North Sea. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14772. [PMID: 30283099 PMCID: PMC6170480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32912-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Man-made structures including rigs, pipelines, cables, renewable energy devices, and ship wrecks, offer hard substrate in the largely soft-sediment environment of the North Sea. These structures become colonised by sedentary organisms and non-migratory reef fish, and form local ecosystems that attract larger predators including seals, birds, and fish. It is possible that these structures form a system of interconnected reef environments through the planktonic dispersal of the pelagic stages of organisms by ocean currents. Changes to the overall arrangement of hard substrate areas through removal or addition of individual man-made structures will affect the interconnectivity and could impact on the ecosystem. Here, we assessed the connectivity of sectors with oil and gas structures, wind farms, wrecks, and natural hard substrate, using a model that simulates the drift of planktonic stages of seven organisms with sedentary adult stages associated with hard substrate, applied to the period 2001-2010. Connectivity was assessed using a classification system designed to address the function of sectors in the network. Results showed a relatively stable overall spatial distribution of sector function but with distinct variations between species and years. The results are discussed in the context of decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure in the North Sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johan van der Molen
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK.
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Dept. of Coastal Systems and Utrecht University, Den Burg, 1797 SZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Luz María García-García
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Paul Whomersley
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
- Council of the Isles of Scilly, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0LW, UK
| | - Alexander Callaway
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Paulette E Posen
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Kieran Hyder
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Viola SM, Page HM, Zaleski SF, Miller RJ, Doheny B, Dugan JE, Schroeder DM, Schroeter SC. Anthropogenic disturbance facilitates a non‐native species on offshore oil platforms. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sloane M. Viola
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Henry M. Page
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Susan F. Zaleski
- U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Camarillo CA USA
| | - Robert J. Miller
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Brandon Doheny
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Jenifer E. Dugan
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Donna M. Schroeder
- U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Camarillo CA USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Automated Image Analysis of Offshore Infrastructure Marine Biofouling. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse6010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
20
|
Nall CR, Schläppy ML, Guerin AJ. Characterisation of the biofouling community on a floating wave energy device. BIOFOULING 2017; 33:379-396. [PMID: 28508709 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1317755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Wave energy devices are novel structures in the marine environment and, as such, provide a unique habitat for biofouling organisms. In this study, destructive scrape samples and photoquadrats were used to characterise the temperate epibenthic community present on prototypes of the Pelamis wave energy converter. The biofouling observed was extensive and diverse with 115 taxa recorded including four non-native species. Vertical zonation was identified on the sides of the device, with an algae-dominated shallow subtidal area and a deeper area characterised by a high proportion of suspension-feeding invertebrates. Differences in species composition and biomass were also observed between devices, along the length of the device and between sampling dates. This research provides an insight into the variation of biofouling assemblages on a wave energy device as well as the potential technical and ecological implications associated with biofouling on marine renewable energy structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Nall
- a Environmental Research Institute , University of Highlands and Islands , Thurso , UK
| | - Marie-Lise Schläppy
- a Environmental Research Institute , University of Highlands and Islands , Thurso , UK
| | - Andrew J Guerin
- b School of Marine Science and Technology , Newcastle University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Krone R, Dederer G, Kanstinger P, Krämer P, Schneider C, Schmalenbach I. Mobile demersal megafauna at common offshore wind turbine foundations in the German Bight (North Sea) two years after deployment - increased production rate of Cancer pagurus. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 123:53-61. [PMID: 27936406 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Within the next decades the construction of thousands of different types of large wind turbine foundations in the North Sea will substantially increase the amount of habitat available to reef fauna. To gain first insights which effect these substantial changes in habitat structure and diversity might have on faunal stocks settling on hard substrata, we compared the mobile demersal megafauna associated with the common types of wind turbine foundations ('jacket', 'tripod' and 'monopile with scour protections of natural rock') in the southern German Bight, North Sea. Monopiles with scour protection were mostly colonized by typical reef fauna. They were inhabited by an average of about 5000 edible crabs Cancer pagurus (per foundation), which is more than twice as much as found at the foundation types without scour protection. Strong evidence was found that all three foundation types not only function as aggregation sites, but also as nursery grounds for C. pagurus. Assuming equal shares of the three foundation types in future wind farms, we project that about 27% of the local stock of C. pagurus might be produced on site. When, for example, comparing the existing fauna at 1000 ship wrecks and on the autochthonous soft substrate with those which probably will establish at the foundations of 5000 hypothetically realized wind turbines, it becomes clear that the German Bight in the future will provide new artificial reef habitats for another 320% crabs (C. pagurus) and 50% wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris) representing substrata-limited mobile demersal hard bottom species. Further research is urgently required in order to evaluate this overspill as it would be an important ecological effect of the recent offshore wind power development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Krone
- Krone-Projekte, Unternehmen für Meereskunde, Umweltwissenschaften & Technik, Schleusenstraße 1-3, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany; Hummerstation Helgoland, Division Biosciences, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - G Dederer
- Bannholzstraße 9, 73579 Schechingen, Germany.
| | - P Kanstinger
- Octopus Science, Büro für Forschungstaucherarbeiten, Övelgönner Straße 25, 20257 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - P Krämer
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Animal Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Carl von Ossietzky Straße 9-11, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - C Schneider
- Octopod Research & Development GmbH, Kleine Bergstraße 30, 22767 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - I Schmalenbach
- Hummerstation Helgoland, Division Biosciences, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Ostkaje 1118, 27498 Helgoland, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
van der Stap T, Coolen JWP, Lindeboom HJ. Marine Fouling Assemblages on Offshore Gas Platforms in the Southern North Sea: Effects of Depth and Distance from Shore on Biodiversity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146324. [PMID: 26745870 PMCID: PMC4706432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Offshore platforms are known to act as artificial reefs, though there is on-going debate on whether this effect is beneficial or harmful for the life in the surrounding marine environment. Knowing what species exist on and around the offshore platforms and what environmental variables influence this species assemblage is crucial for a better understanding of the impact of offshore platforms on marine life. Information on this is limited for offshore platforms in the southern North Sea. This study aims to fill this gap in our knowledge and to determine how the composition and the abundance of species assemblages changes with depth and along a distance-from-shore gradient. The species assemblages on five offshore gas platforms in the southern North Sea have been inventoried using Remotely Operated Vehicles inspection footage. A total of 30 taxa were identified. A Generalised Additive Model of the species richness showed a significant non-linear relation with water depth (p = 0.001): from a low richness in shallow waters it increases with depth until 15–20 m, after which richness decreases again. Using PERMANOVA, water depth (p≤0.001), community age (p≤0.001) and the interaction between distance from shore and community age (p≤0.001) showed a significant effect on the species assemblages. Future research should focus on the effect additional environmental variables have on the species assemblages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim van der Stap
- IMARES Wageningen UR–Institute for Marine Resource & Ecosystem Studies, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB, Den Helder, The Netherlands
- Chair group Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen UR, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joop W. P. Coolen
- IMARES Wageningen UR–Institute for Marine Resource & Ecosystem Studies, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB, Den Helder, The Netherlands
- Chair group Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen UR, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Han J. Lindeboom
- IMARES Wageningen UR–Institute for Marine Resource & Ecosystem Studies, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB, Den Helder, The Netherlands
- Chair group Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen UR, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|