摘要：The number of offshore wind farms is increasing rapidly, leading to questions about the
environmental impact of such farms. In the Netherlands, an extensive monitoring
programme is being executed at the first offshore wind farm (Offshore Windfarm Egmond
aan Zee, OWEZ). This letter compiles the short-term (two years) results on a large number
of faunal groups obtained so far. Impacts were expected from the new hard substratum, the
moving rotor blades, possible underwater noise and the exclusion of fisheries. The results
indicate no short-term effects on the benthos in the sandy area between the generators,
while the new hard substratum of the monopiles and the scouring protection led to the
establishment of new species and new fauna communities. Bivalve recruitment
was not impacted by the OWEZ wind farm. Species composition of recruits in
OWEZ and the surrounding reference areas is correlated with mud content of the
sediment and water depth irrespective the presence of OWEZ. Recruit abundances in
OWEZ were correlated with mud content, most likely to be attributed not to the
presence of the farm but to the absence of fisheries. The fish community was highly
dynamic both in time and space. So far, only minor effects upon fish assemblages
especially near the monopiles have been observed. Some fish species, such as
cod, seem to find shelter inside the farm. More porpoise clicks were recorded
inside the farm than in the reference areas outside the farm. Several bird species
seem to avoid the park while others are indifferent or are even attracted. The
effects of the wind farm on a highly variable ecosystem are described. Overall, the
OWEZ wind farm acts as a new type of habitat with a higher biodiversity of
benthic organisms, a possibly increased use of the area by the benthos, fish, marine
mammals and some bird species and a decreased use by several other bird species.
