Recently, researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have looked in to the possible negative effects the increasing number of turbines off shore on the coasts of the world. Wind turbines are a great source of renewable and clean energy, but do they have adverse consequences for the sea creatures that live around them? Helen Bailey, the research assistant proffessor at the university believes that the migration patterns of whales and dolphins need to be taken into consideration when building new wind turbines in the ocean. Some researchers are worried the noise created by the machines could disorient or hurt marine life near the turbines and affect them in a negative way. On the other hand these turbines could provide areas for new ecosystems as they act like artificial reefs or fish preserves. Thus far not enough research has been conducted on the long term effects of off shore wind turbines on marine life, but current researchers know that this will need to be in consideration when building new turbine sin the future. It is believed that these turbine should be kept away from areas where marine mammals, who are sensitive to sound, are more likely to pass by.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141016123608.htm
http://www.siemens.co.uk/pool/news_press/news_archive/offshore-wind-turbines.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment