Presentations

Abstract

The rapid expansion of offshore renewable energy, particularly wind, is essential for meeting global decarbonization goals but presents complex challenges for marine biodiversity. We set out a roadmap for achieving Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the offshore renewables sector, aligning development with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights the conceptual distinction between No Net Loss and Net Gain, emphasizing that the latter requires measurable conservation outcomes that leave ecosystems in a demonstrably better state. While terrestrial frameworks have advanced significantly, the marine realm lags due to ecological complexity, limited baseline data, and governance barriers. We outline the principles and steps for embedding Net Gain into offshore projects, including prioritization of biodiversity values, development of robust metrics, confirmation of suitable conservation actions, establishment of baselines and targets, and adaptive monitoring and reporting. Challenges such as high costs, restoration feasibility, shifting species distributions under climate change, and uncertainties in monitoring are acknowledged. Decommissioning decisions further complicate the ability to sustain long-term biodiversity gains. Nevertheless, offshore renewables offer unique opportunities: exclusion of damaging activities, artificial reef effects, targeted restoration (e.g., seagrass and oyster reefs), and innovation in biodiversity monitoring technologies such as eDNA and remote sensing. Achieving marine Net Gain will require collaboration across developers, regulators, NGOs, academia, investors, and technology providers. Transparent disclosure, data sharing, and evidence-based actions are essential to avoid perceptions of greenwashing and to build trust. We highlight that, although offshore renewables are not a primary driver of biodiversity loss, their rapid growth provides a critical opportunity to contribute positively to ecosystem recovery. By adopting a structured roadmap and engaging all stakeholders, the sector can align climate action with nature-positive outcomes, ensuring offshore renewable energy supports both global biodiversity recovery and the transition to net zero.