Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in industry and the academic community.
PO032: Environmental Effects of UXO-clearances
Jeroen Hoekendijk, Senior Marine Ecologist, Arcadis
Abstract
The expansion of offshore wind energy on the Continental Shelf necessitates the clearance of Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) dating back to both World Wars. While necessary for safe industrial development, UXO clearance poses significant risks to marine wildlife, particularly the harbour porpoise population. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the environmental impacts associated with UXO clearance activities. By estimating the presence and distribution of UXOs across various wind farm zones, this research evaluates the potential ecological disturbances, primarily focusing on behavioural responses, Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS), and Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS) in harbour porpoises. The findings underscore the importance of integrating ecological considerations into UXO clearance protocols and call for further research into deflagration methods as a viable mitigation strategy. As a result, the clearance of UXOs has been incorporated into the Framework for Assessing Ecological and Cumulative Effects (KEC) 5.0. This study aims to contribute to sustainable offshore wind development while preserving marine biodiversity.
No recording available for this poster.
