LHEI Researchers Study the Seabed, Habitats and Water Quality within the ELWIND Project
Before large-scale infrastructure is planned at sea, it is essential to understand what lies beneath the water. In the case of the ELWIND project, researchers from the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LHEI) are contributing to this work in the area planned for Latvia’s offshore wind farm.
Researchers from the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LHEI) are involved in preparing the environmental impact assessment for ELWIND, the joint Latvian–Estonian offshore wind energy project. The Institute’s role is to provide scientific data on the marine environment in the area planned for Latvia’s offshore wind farm, with a particular focus on seabed habitats, benthic communities, the distribution of suspended particles and water quality. This scientific research is essential to ensure that decisions on the use of marine space are based on reliable and verifiable data.
To assess the potential impacts of the ELWIND offshore wind energy project on benthic habitats, LHEI carried out fieldwork from 8 to 13 June in the ELWIND study area and along the potential cable corridors. Researchers collected water and seabed samples and obtained underwater video footage required for the assessment and characterisation of benthic habitats.
The research team is currently processing and analysing the collected samples and video material.
