COME3T : third workshops
Published on 02/03/2021
Identifying and taking into account the potential impacts of offshore renewable energy projects is the objective of the COME3T initiative. Two questions are currently investigated:
- Is it possible to assess a relationship between the gains and losses for the marine ecosystem of the reef effect induced by wind farms and their connection?
- How can the effects of an operational wind farm on marine mammals be assessed?
Within the framework of this project, the third workshops of the expert committees took place in February. The two committees (one committee per question) aim to provide answers to these questions defined as priorities by the Steering Committee of the project, which brings together industrialists, consultancy firms, environmental associations, universities, regions and government departments.
Marine mammals
The expert panel on marine mammals met on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 for a third workshop. The group reviewed and validated the important definitions of the topic and began the creation of summary figures that will be integrated into the future bulletin. The experts also drew up a list of essential points to consider for establishing the initial state of marine mammal communities (before wind-farm construction), a key step in accurately assessing environmental issues and identifying the effects related to the implementation of an offshore wind farm.
A fourth workshop will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 and will focus on the development of a methodological framework to detect and monitor the effects of wind farms.
Reef effect
The third workshop on the reef effect induced by wind farms took place on Thursday, February 11, 2021. The panel of experts agreed on a precise definition of the reef effect and will now focus on assessing its consequences at different scales, notably by drawing on feedbacks from operating wind farms. This is the subject of the next meeting of the working group scheduled for Monday, March 8, 2021.