Offshore Wind Turbines Have Become A Sanctuary For Marine Life
October 18, 2021
Two offshore wind turbines in the Atlantic Ocean have become a haven for marine life.
Dominion Energy has installed two offshore turbines, currently used for research only, about 27 miles off the coast of Virginia.
Surprisingly, the turbines are increasing local biodiversity by creating an ecosystem around the turbine footings.
"It's just amazing the fish ecosystem that is growing around those turbines," said Scott Lawton, an environmental technical adviser for Dominion.
The turbine's steel foundation stretches for about 120 feet underwater. Mussels, algae, mahi, seabass, baitfish and more circle the structure or set up shop directly on it.
Videos were taken about six months into the project, then again in September. The change in marine life was dramatic.
They're all "hanging out and feeding on what's growing on the turbines," said Mitchell Jabs, a Dominion environmental specialist.
This mirrors what happened off off the Scandinavian coast. Scientists watched underwater turbine foundations gradually transform into artificial reefs, attracting mollusks and small fish that feed on plankton, according to German news channel Deutsche Welle.
The effect went right up the food chain to larger fish, seals and dolphins.
Dominion plans to build another 180 turbines for a commercial wind farm by 2026. It first needs state and federal approval.
His Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life
Teacher’s Simple Strategy Is Changing The Lives Of So-Called ‘Troublemaker’ Students
Man Marks 11th Straight Christmas As The Last Unmarried Member Of His Family
'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner
Three Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million
Teen Runs His Own Restaurant ALONE — One Of The Most Uplifting Stories You'll Read
A Stray Dog Wouldn't Let Go Of A Toy, So Shoppers Bought It For Him
Daycare Worker Goes Viral After Dancing For Babies — Their Reactions Are Priceless
Watch The Moment This Dog Is Rescued From Dog Fighting
Nanny Gets Surprised With A New Car. Her Reaction Is Incredible
Jamaican Mom Sees Snow For The First Time — And She Is LIVING
