Monitoring

Getting results

Methods for the best results

Finding proof

Monitoring is critical for nature enhancement projects in offshore wind farms (OWFs). The monitoring process is a delicate balance of time and space, adhering to safety measures, observing regulations, and navigating turbulent waters. As nature enhancement in OWFs is still a relatively new field of study, data from projects can support a proof of concept aimed to scale up measures for nature restoration and enhancement.

Without monitoring, we would have no way to know the efficacy of nature enhancement measures. A learning-by-doing approach can help research to keep up with the speed of energy transition, enabling both scientific and practical results on the topic as well as adaptable management. Monitoring results can also support stakeholder engagement and public support.

What's your approach?

Monitoring plans

Every nature enhancement project should begin with a detailed monitoring plan that efficiently answers your research question(s). A monitoring plan functions as the team’s practical tool for gathering data at every step, and should be tailor-made to the project’s goals—and budget.

Monitoring plans should include monitoring methods, timing (baseline and repetitions), and control sites or samples when possible. Along with explanations of techniques and procedures, a plan should describe measured parameters. Data analysis, reporting, and dissemination should also be covered.

Monitoring methods should be chosen based on highest value for effort, using cost-effective techniques that will yield the right results. This is where real innovation happens! Making use of modern techniques can help to form groundbreaking concepts, and speed up the gathering of proof for nature enhancement measures. It’s science in action.

Critical considerations

Risky business

Monitoring involves many moving parts – and many risks. This includes the risk of technological failures, human error, safety issues, bureaucratic hiccups, and of course, timing mishaps when Mother Nature has other plans in mind. In the chart below, there are various risks associated with each monitoring method.

Because of the risks involved, certain monitoring techniques are prohibited in offshore wind farms. For example, in Dutch waters, diving in offshore wind farms is not allowed. When making a monitoring plan, be sure to stay in contact with the wind farm operator to evaluate options. Every monitoring mission will also require a Risk Assessment Methods Statement (RAMS) to determine, avoid, and mitigate any risks.

Get inspired for your next project

ROV and AUV with video

Remotely Operated Vehicles and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle can be used in areas where diving is prohibited.

High
Video images
Ease of use: Medium
Pilot, crane optional, space for electronics
Invasiveness: low

eDNA sampling

Environmental DNA analysis uses metabarcoding to detect species in water samples.

Low
DNA barcodes, presence
Ease of use: easy
Water sampling materials, lab- and data analysis
Invasiveness: low

Sonar

Sonar (multi-beam, side scan) maps the seafloor, revealing bathymetry and potential reef locations and sizes.

Low
Seabed characteristics
Ease of use: easy
Sonar on vessel
Invasiveness: low

Passive acoustics

Acoustic tags on animals and seafloor receivers track local movement underwater, and hydrophones create soundscapes of the local biodiversity and their response to human activity.

Medium
Local movement over time, soundscapes
Ease of use: hard
Tags in/on animals, receivers or hydrophones
Invasiveness: medium

Abiotics

Abiotic factors like salinity, temperature, flow, and pH are measured to indicate quality.

Low
Envrionmental condition values
Ease of use: medium
Specific abiotic sensors
Invasiveness: low

Grab and scrape

Grab and scrape samples are excellent for detailed species analysis and identification.

Medium
Biotic samples
Ease of use: medium
Sampling tools, operators, expert analysis
Invasiveness: high

Drop down video (baited/unbaited)

Baited and unbaited dropcams provide underwater views, but can’t move on demand.

Low
Underwater images
Ease of use: easy
Video camera and ropes, crane optional
Invasiveness: low

Catch samples / fitness

Catch samples and fitness studies reveal individual health traits and population makeup.

Medium
Live samples, species fitness
Ease of use: hard
catching equipment, expert analyses
Invasiveness: high

Divers

Divers add a human touch to monitoring, offering flexibility and adaptability when needed.

High
Visual inspection, samples
Ease of use: Hard
Professional divers, decompression tank
Invasiveness: medium

Active acoustics

Echosounders are often mounted on droppable structures, and work similar to sonar systems. They are used to monitor the presence of large animals in open water.