Multi-purpose platforms an effective strategy to optimise ocean space use while minimising the environmental footprint of human activities on marine ecosystems. This can consist, for instance, in the combination of mussel aquaculture (shellfish farms) and renewable energy production (floating wind farms and solar) in offshore environments to optimise marine space use.
The potential ecological impacts of mussel farming and its possible benefits for local biodiversity is being assessed under the HybridLabs project.
The current hypothesis is that locating mussel farming offshore may have positive or less negative impacts than onshore, since the organic material released by the mussels would be dispersed by the currents. There is also evidence that mussel farms may contribute to biodiversity increase by attracting pelagic fish to the area and by creating reef-like structures by dropping off, which would attract hard-bottom species underneath the wind farm.
Multipurpose platforms is an empty layer in which users can plan a new area where more than one use can be implemented, such as:
Solar or floating wind production combined with mussel farming
Multipurpose platforms can have different impacts according to the combined uses, in general, they will contribute to increasing the following pressures in the ecosystem:
Return to Energy.
Not applicable. This layer is empty, just for planning purposes.
Not applicable.
This layer is not available in the Baltic Sea Edition.
This layer is not available in the Clyde Marine Region Edition.
This layer is not available in the Adriatic Sea Edition.
This layer is not present in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Co-funded by the European Union.