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A global meta-analysis of ecological effects from offshore marine artificial structures

Author

Listed:
  • Anaëlle J. Lemasson

    (University of Plymouth)

  • Paul J. Somerfield

    (PML – Plymouth Marine Laboratory)

  • Michaela Schratzberger

    (Cefas - Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory)

  • Murray S. A. Thompson

    (Cefas - Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory)

  • Louise B. Firth

    (University of Plymouth
    University College Cork)

  • Elena Couce

    (Cefas - Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory)

  • C. Louise McNeill

    (PML – Plymouth Marine Laboratory)

  • Joana Nunes

    (PML – Plymouth Marine Laboratory)

  • Christine Pascoe

    (PML – Plymouth Marine Laboratory)

  • Stephen C. L. Watson

    (PML – Plymouth Marine Laboratory)

  • Antony M. Knights

    (University of Plymouth
    University College Cork)

Abstract

Marine artificial structures (MAS), including oil and gas installations (O&G) and offshore wind farms (OWFs), have a finite operational period. Selecting the most suitable decommissioning options when reaching end-of-life remains a challenge, in part because their effects are still largely undetermined. Whether decommissioned structures could act (sensu ‘function’) as artificial reefs (ARs) and provide desired ecological benefits is of particular interest. Here we use a meta-analysis approach of 531 effect sizes from 109 articles to assess the ecological effects of MAS, comparing O&G and OWFs to shipwrecks and ARs, with a view to inform their decommissioning. This synthesis demonstrates that while MAS can bring ecological benefits, important idiosyncrasies exist, with differences emerging between MAS types, habitat types, taxa and ecological metrics. Notably, we find limited conclusive evidence that O&G and OWFs would provide significant ecological benefits if decommissioned as ARs. We conclude that decommissioning options aimed at repurposing MAS into ARs may not provide the intended benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Anaëlle J. Lemasson & Paul J. Somerfield & Michaela Schratzberger & Murray S. A. Thompson & Louise B. Firth & Elena Couce & C. Louise McNeill & Joana Nunes & Christine Pascoe & Stephen C. L. Watson & , 2024. "A global meta-analysis of ecological effects from offshore marine artificial structures," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 7(4), pages 485-495, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:7:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1038_s41893-024-01311-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01311-z
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