How Offshore Wind Farms Reshape Zooplankton Communities

Offshore wind farms are sprouting up across China’s coastal regions, offering a renewable energy boom. While we often hear about their effects on seabirds and marine mammals, the impact on zooplankton—the microscopic foundation of the ocean food web—has remained a mystery. Recent research in the South China Sea offers a fascinating glimpse into how these tiny organisms fare amidst the turbines.

During the chaotic construction phase, the pile-driving creates a disturbance, yet the damage proves remarkably temporary. The study reveals that zooplankton communities, particularly adaptive 'generalist' species like Penilia avirostris, bounce back rapidly once the noise stops. In fact, most communities largely recovered within just five months, demonstrating incredible resilience.

The story changes once the turbines become operational. While the direct impact lessens, the ecological neighbourhood shifts. After a year of operation, communities near the turbines showed reduced stability and network connectivity. This reorganisation may be driven by the 'artificial reef effect', where turbine foundations attract predators that feed on the plankton.

Not all species fare equally in this new landscape. Crustacean larvae and Calanoid copepods show strong adaptability, thriving despite the changes. Conversely, Cyclopoida copepods and hydrozoans appear more susceptible to the disturbance, with Doliolum spp. identified as a sensitive bioindicator for monitoring ecosystem health.