Benthic and Epifaunal Monitoring During Operation at the Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island – Technical Report - Year 4 - GOVPUB-I-a6bffa7d435be798188e834fc0a61b6e | Content Details

Benthic and Epifaunal Monitoring During Operation at the Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island – Technical Report - Year 4

Personal Author: Erickson R; Kelly C; Fonseca M; McMahon A; Tiggelaar J; Graham B

Publication Title: Benthic and Epifaunal Monitoring During Operation at the Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island – Technical Report - Year 4

Subject: Bathymetry and Seafloor Topography
Fish & Essential Fish Habitat
RODEO; Block Island Wind Farm; benthic; epifauna; monitoring

CSE Reference: Erickson R, Kelly C, Fonseca M, McMahon A, Tiggelaar J, Graham B (CSA Ocean Sciences Inc., Stuart, FL). 2022. Benthic and epifaunal monitoring during operation at the Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island – technical report - year 4. Sterling (VA):US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 134 p + apps. Contract No.: 140M0121D0002. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2022-068. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/Technical%20Summaries/BOEM_2022-068.pdf

Abstract: Alterations in benthic conditions may occur due to the presence of the offshore wind turbine structures, as they can modify local hydrodynamic conditions and sediment grain size distribution. The underwater structures provide substrate with vertical relief for the growth of epifaunal marine organisms (biofouling). Benthic habitat and biota in the immediate vicinity of offshore turbines will be influenced by the epifaunal communities developing on the structures. Over time, these structure-related communities can provide continuous organic input to the surrounding seabed from biomass sloughing due to predator activity, storms, senescence, and feces. As it accumulates at the base of the foundation, this organic enrichment could influence sediment characteristics, which may lead to changes in benthic macrofaunal community diversity and abundance.