University Events

Description: SMAST E 101-103 and via Zoom

Abstract:

The global shift towards green energy has led to substantial investments in offshore wind (OSW) power generation. OSW installations have traditionally been located on shallow sandy substrates on continental shelves, and these regions also support productive bivalve populations, including the giant sea scallop (Plactopecten magellanicus). As OSW development involves the installation of massive steel supports through pile driving, which generates one of the loudest man-made sounds in the ocean, concerns have arisen regarding potential impacts on the scallop population. Reports from fisheries have suggested direct and indirect scallop mortalities near OSW construction sites, but establishing causal links between noise and mortalities has proven challenging due to a lack of field data for marine bivalves. To address this need, I conducted a controlled field-based study assessing physiological responses and anti-predation performance during real pile driving activity. Overall, pile driving sound impacted scallops across a series of behavioral and physiological assays, including valve angle reductions, decreased oxygen levels near the gills, and a heightened metabolic rate. These physiological changes resulted in weaker swimming performance, a key anti-predator behavior. As offshore wind farm construction accelerates globally, this field-based study underscores the urgent need to assess its impact on marine bivalves, especially the giant sea scallop, which supports a significant fishery in the US.