Southern North Sea
Clarify the interactions of Offshore Wind Farms (OWF) with important fish habitats and the movement of young fish. Include Offshore Wind Farms (OWF) effects in combined environmental effects assessments (cumulative impact assessments).
Study area size: 72.000 km2
Countries: Norway
Study area description
The Belgian part of the North Sea is a shallow, highly dynamic marine environment. The water depths range from 5 to 45 meters, with strong tidal currents that allow for frequent movement of sand and mud. The seabed is mainly composed of dynamic sandbanks, mudflats and gravel beds, which support diverse seafloor ecosystems. Biodiversity includes various fish species, seabirds, marine mammals and invertebrates adapted to murky and calm waters.
Despite its small size, the area is one of the most heavily used marine zones in Europe, with intense shipping traffic, fishing activities, offshore wind farms and sand extraction. Climate change, pollution and habitat disturbance due to human activities remain major pressures on this marine ecosystem. The ecosystem is influenced by nutrient runoff from European rivers, which can contribute to seasonal eutrophication.
