IMPACTS: "Data on Benthic Species Assemblages and Seafloor Sediment Characteristics in an Offshore Windfarm in the Southeastern North Sea" - Teschke et al., 2023
A robust assessment of the ecological impacts of offshore wind farms requires reliable, comparable, and long-term data. The article “Data on Benthic Species Assemblages and Seafloor Sediment Characteristics in an Offshore Windfarm in the Southeastern North Sea” by Teschke, Gusky, and Gutow (2023) provides such a dataset, documenting benthic species composition and sediment characteristics in the vicinity of the offshore test site alpha ventus over a four-year period – from baseline conditions through the construction phase to early operation.
The authors present georeferenced, standardised data on the density, biomass, and diversity of benthic infauna taxa, as well as on grain size distribution and the organic content of sediments. This comprehensive dataset enables spatially and temporally differentiated insights into the impacts of offshore infrastructure on the seafloor system – including distinctions between natural variability and potential anthropogenic effects. Comparability with two specifically defined reference areas further strengthens the validity of the findings.
Through this article, Teschke et al. make a substantial contribution to the impact research on marine energy infrastructure. The published raw data offer a valuable foundation for further analyses on biodiversity trends and habitat change, as well as for modelling scenarios in the context of marine spatial planning and the implementation of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The study is distinguished by its methodological transparency and relevance to ecological, planning, and regulatory processes alike.