Assessment of Marine Renewable Energy Installation Siting: Effects on Epibenthic Communities

Maryland is one of the leading states in the effort to bring offshore wind energy to the U.S. However, because this offshore energy source has been sparsely used and assessed, there is still much unknown about the effects it can have on marine habitats. Acoustic and benthic impacts of installation and use of wind turbines could affect local fish communities. To further understand these impacts, and to add data to the Maryland Power Plant Research Program’s Atlas of Offshore Marine Communities, we assessed fish assemblages and associated benthic habitats within the designated MREI zone in the Maryland nearshore region. We towed a small camera sled with a low-light camera within OCS blocks 6774, 6775, and 6776. This procedure is less destructive to habitat than traditional methods and allows for accurate abundance estimates and habitat classification.  Abundance, distribution, and diversity of marine organisms were estimated. Habitat types were classified, and all parameters were plotted using ArcGIS. Improved understanding of communities in the MREI zone was a key result of this study. Ideas to help mitigate adverse impacts of MREI’s are presented.