Offshore wind farms threaten the endangered Brazilian kelp lLminaria abyssalis: a call for urgent nature-positive action

Anderson, A. B.; Opsahl-Sorteberg, H. G.; Gomes, L. E. O.; Horta, P.; Chapman, A. S.; Serrao, Ester A.; Joyeux, J-C.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/27357

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Authors

Anderson, A. B.

Opsahl-Sorteberg, H. G.

Abstract(s)

Constructions of offshore wind farms over 15,000 km2 are planned on the continental shelf - home to the indigenous critically endangered kelp Laminaria abyssalis and are currently under technical evaluation by the Brazilian environmental authorities (the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, IBAMA). Construction, maintenance and routine activity near the facilities are expected to intensify the anthropogenic pressure on the kelp’s restricted habitat (33,000 km2 ). Monitoring conducted since 2022 by the global RESTORESEAS project has highlighted the danger of a major reduction in the effective niche of L. abyssalis, raising concerns about its possible functional extinction. Immediate remapping of kelp beds combined with marine forest restoration strategies are essential to prevent irreversible loss and secure current biodiversity to face future climate changes.