Ecology Archives - Ocean and Coastal Futures

12 Mar 2024

Offshore wind farms: policymakers are more influenced by reports that accentuate negative impacts

By Claire Szostek, Marine Ecologist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Towering up to 260m above the ocean’s surface, modern wind turbines are impressive feats of engineering, producing much-needed renewable energy. But what happens beneath the waves? Government policymakers need reliable evidence to make planning decisions about new offshore wind developments and ensure positive outcomes. Currently, this evidence comes […]

10 Nov 2022

Understanding threats to freshwater biodiversity

News Water

From densely developed cities and geometric agricultural plots to the ubiquitous roadways, pipelines and power grids, an aerial view of the earth reveals our impact on our landscapes. In less populated areas, unprecedented glacial melt and deep craters caused by the thawing of frozen soil and rock called permafrost megaslumps give stark reminders of the […]

10 Aug 2022

River Habitat Survey guidance and Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook

News Water

The Environment Agency has updated its river habitat survey guidance. River habitat surveys characterise and assess the features of freshwater rivers and streams. Read more and download the guidance here. The Foundation for Water Research has published the Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook. This is a ‘Practitioners’ Guide to Improving and Protecting River Health’, with […]