Ecology

The Egmond aan Zee offshore wind farm is linked to a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (NSW-MEP), which aims to gain knowledge and experience in the field of technology, economy, nature, environment and use functions.

 

The Ecology section of the programme focuses on the local environmental impact above and under the sea surrounding the wind farm. A study will be made of what the coastal population feel about the wind farm and what the effect is on birds, marine mammals, fish and benthic fauna (organisms in and on the seabed).

 

Prior to the construction of the wind farm the Dutch government had an extensive on-site study park carried out. The results are available on this website and on the website created for that purpose by the government.

 

After the wind farm started operating, NoordzeeWind continues to carry out a similar programme for two to five years and will be able to draw conclusions about the impact of the wind farm on the local environment. The research is be carried out by independent scientific institutes.

A summary of the Ecology programme can be downloaded here: Overview MEP E PDF.  

The NSW-MEP Ecology programme is mainly carried out during construction and in the years 2007 and 2008. The study of benthic fauna will take place in 2007 and 2012.

 

Results
The initial results of the NSW-MEP Ecology study are expected at the beginning of 2008. The reports and results will be published on this website. The results can also be found on the Dutch government’s website.