Project summary:
The CARBOREEF project aims to evaluate the impact of offshore wind farms on marine ecosystems and artificial marine infrastructures, focusing on the colonization of these structures by organisms (mainly photosynthetic) and the quantification of the associated carbon fluxes through the immersion of different types of artificial structures on a small scale.
Background:
Offshore wind power is one of the main levers of the energy transition in Europe and France, especially in the English Channel, which benefits from ideal climatic and geographical conditions for the establishment of offshore wind farms. The CARBOREEF research project is part of this context and aims to evaluate the effects of offshore wind farms on primary producers (basis of food webs) as well as on carbon sequestration (blue carbon).
Objectives:
In the continuity of the INTERREG MARINEFF project (2018-2023), new artificial structures will be submerged on a small scale in order to explore how these installations influence colonization by photosynthetic organisms and how they modify the carbon fluxes between the different biological compartments studied (macroalgae, microphytobenthos, phytoplankton) and the upper trophic levels.
Methodology:
The project is structured around two main axes :
- Suivis in situ: Study of the colonization of different types of artificial structures by organisms and measurement of the metabolism of communities and photosynthesis on two pilot sites (grande rade de Cherbourg and Bay of Seine).
- Experiments in mesocosms: Study of carbon fluxes and interactions between the different compartments according to each type of artificial structure
Expected results:
Thanks to a combination of innovative approaches carried out in the field and in the laboratory, this project aims to deepen our understanding of the modifications of ecological processes and material flows generated by these wind farms and seeks to identify solutions to minimize environmental impacts while optimizing ecological benefits. This research will also contribute to refining the models of carbon flows in the region, providing crucial data for the sustainable management of offshore wind power.
Camille Carpentier‘s thesis is carried out as part of this project – Funding University of Caen Normandy
