Australia's accelerating transition to renewable energy necessitates a robust, evidence-based approach to offshore wind farm development to prevent unintended ecological harm, according to new research from Monash University. Published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, this study provides a critical guide to seabird flight behavior, aiming to inform policymakers and the nascent offshore wind industry on mitigating collision risks with turbines.
The research emerges as Australia's offshore wind sector begins its foundational stages, with several renewable energy companies navigating environmental assessment processes. These assessments critically evaluate potential impacts on iconic seabirds, such as albatrosses, in the six declared offshore wind areas for which the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is currently granting feasibility licenses. While these licenses are conditional on meeting stringent environmental and community consultation requirements, significant knowledge gaps persist.
Lead author Dr. Mark Miller, a Research Fellow in the Monash School of Biological Sciences, stated, "This will help scientists and policy-makers better understand and mitigate the risks of these unique seabirds colliding with offshore wind turbines." The Monash study meticulously compiled data on the flight patterns—including height, speed, and nocturnal activity—of 119 seabird species, encompassing albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, and storm-petrels. Dr. Miller highlighted that despite Australia developing a comprehensive environmental and cultural impact assessment process, the absence of operational offshore wind farms in the Southern Hemisphere means "there are still key gaps in knowledge," particularly regarding seabird flight behavior and its influence on collision risks.
A crucial information gap identified by the researchers is the precise determination of seabird flight height. Dr. Miller emphasized this as a priority action for the offshore wind industry, noting that "seabirds typically fly close to the ocean surface, so raising the height of turbines is one very practical way to mitigate collision risk." This pragmatic solution underscores the study's aim to constructively inform policy development at the nexus of biodiversity conservation and renewable energy, two intrinsically linked domains.
The urgency of this research is underscored by the dire state of global seabird populations, which have declined by up to 70% over the past five decades. Albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, and storm-petrels represent both the most threatened and abundant seabird families, making their conservation a clear priority. Associate Professor Rohan Clarke, head of the Research, Ecology and Conservation Group at Monash School of Biological Science, stressed the imperative for collaboration between ecologists and the wind energy sector. "Our job is to help deliver the best possible outcomes for biodiversity, and addressing climate change through large-scale action is essential to that goal," he remarked.
Professor Clarke also addressed the "green-green dilemma," where renewable energy initiatives, while reducing overall environmental impact, can inadvertently harm other ecological values. He asserted, "We must identify evidence-based solutions to these competing priorities, because climate change remains the single greatest threat to biodiversity. The energy transition isn't optional, it's essential, and finding solutions that support both climate goals and nature is critical." This research provides a foundational step towards achieving that balance, ensuring that Australia's clean energy future is built on principles of ecological stewardship.