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The need for long-term monitoring in Europe
With offshore wind power expanding rapidly, detailed monitoring of fish communities is needed to identify and quantify the potential effects of wind farms on this wildlife. The multi-gear experimental fishing methods traditionally used in regulatory impact assessments are not sufficient to meet this objective or to address the concerns of the public.
Testing acoustic telemetry
In this context, the FISHOWF R&D project (2021–2024) has made it possible to test the validity of acoustic telemetry as a method for long-term monitoring of the effects of wind farms on fish. Each individual tracked using this technique is fitted with a tag that emits a unique acoustic signature. This signal is identified and recorded by a receiver when the fish passes near the device. Thanks to a network of receivers, it is thus possible to determine the frequency of visits by individuals to the monitored sites and to reconstruct their trajectories.
Webinar resources
A final webinar presenting the project’s key findings was held on 4 March 2025. Most of the presentations given are now available.