Robot survey finds 121 marine life forms, including potential deep-sea corals, under Scottish wind turbines

Beneath the waves of the North Sea, five colossal wind turbines at the Hywind Scotland Pilot Park have fostered an unexpected underwater haven. These turbines, floating 100 to 130 meters deep and anchored by chains and suction piles rather than fixed to the seabed, have created a new substrate for marine life.

During a routine structural inspection in June 2020, researchers deployed a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). Equipped with high-definition cameras, lighting, and measuring lasers, the robot surveyed 41 components across the turbines, mooring lines, anchors, and subsea cables. The data collected revealed a vibrant ecosystem.

Scientists analyzed the footage and identified organisms from 11 major taxonomic groups, cataloging 121 distinct species. They also estimated the presence of nearly 16,000 mobile animals. The findings showcased a remarkable distribution of life, with feather duster anemones and tube worms dominating the lower and middle sections of the turbines, while brown algae, kelp, and blue mussels appeared closer to the surface.

Among the mobile fauna, starfish and small sea urchins were particularly abundant. The survey also documented crabs, lobsters, various crustaceans, flatfish, haddock, pollack, squid, octopuses, and rays. A particularly striking discovery was the identification of three potential young colonies of the deep-sea coral Desmophyllum pertusum on one of the connecting cables, with one colony measuring about 20 centimeters in diameter at a depth of approximately 73.5 meters. The identification remains probable as the study relied on images rather than physical specimens.

While the study demonstrates the potential for artificial infrastructure to become habitats, researchers caution that wind farms can alter existing marine communities, favor certain species, and potentially facilitate the spread of invasive organisms. The findings underscore how steel structures, providing hard surfaces in a sandy and gravelly environment, have rapidly transformed into thriving habitats for thousands of organisms.