New research from Newcastle University conducted off the coast of Northumberland has shown that concrete-based structures may offer a porpoise and dolphin-friendly construction alternative to traditional pile-driven wind turbine foundations.
Marine scientists from Newcastle University investigated short and long-term impacts of this new wind turbine installation method on cetaceans off Blyth, Northumberland. The response of dolphins and harbour porpoises was investigated using cetacean echolocation recorders over a three-year-period, covering one year before, during and after the installation.
The findings revealed that wind turbine installation using gravity-based foundations had no long-term effects on the occurrence of dolphins or porpoises.
