Monitoring marine growth in offshore wind farms
The benefits
In short- Professional offshore sampling
- Taxonomic inventory of biofouling
- Analysis of ecological functions of offshore structures
- Development of nature-inclusive designs
Wageningen Marine Research studies the ecological interactions between industrial offshore structures and marine ecosystems. Offshore wind farms, oil and gas platforms, and future offshore infrastructure act as artificial reefs that attract diverse species and change local biodiversity. To monitor these biofouling communities effectively, we developed and tested a Marine Growth Sampling Tool (MGST).
How does the Marine Growth Sampling Tool work?
The MGST is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)-mounted instrument designed to safely and efficiently collect biofouling samples from offshore wind turbine foundations and other energy structures.
Key features include:
- Alternative to divers: traditional diver-based sampling is increasingly restricted due to safety regulations and high costs. MGST enables sampling without deploying divers.
- Precision and control: the tool scrapes predefined surface areas (up to 560 cm²) from vertical foundations and collects the material in a fine-mesh net for taxonomic and biomass analysis.
- Minimal impact: tests confirm that MGST causes negligible coating damage, making it suitable for long-term monitoring programmes.
Who is the MGST intended for?
By deploying the MGST, we offer offshore operators, regulators, and developers a robust and safe solution for ecological monitoring of marine growth.
Applications
Biofouling communities affect nutrient cycling, local biodiversity, and colonisation of non-indigenous species. With MGST, offshore operators and regulators gain access to:
- Reliable biodiversity monitoring at operational wind farms
- High-quality samples comparable to diver-collected material
- Insights into ecological effects of expanding offshore energy infrastructure
Proven performance
In 2023, the MGST was successfully tested at the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm:
- Collected 21 high-quality samples between 4.5 and 20 meters depth
- Demonstrated 99.5% fauna removal efficiency
- Showed species richness and abundance consistent with international biofouling datasets
- Operated safely under North Sea conditions with waves up to 1.2 m and currents up to 1.2 knots
Get in touch with our expert
Wageningen Marine Research combines scientific expertise with practical offshore experience. Do you have a questions about collaborating with us or monitoring marine growth in offshore wind farms? Contact our expert.
dr. JWP (Joop) Coolen
Researcher Benthic Ecology
