Portugal’s WindFloat Atlantic recorded over 270 species, with octopus and fish more abundant inside its no-fishing zone
Usually, offshore wind farms are judged by the clean energy they produce. What goes on beneath the turbines, however, is just as important.
With more countries expanding their renewable energy facilities while simultaneously trying to protect vulnerable oceans, can a wind farm be a place of refuge for marine life?
Introducing WindFloat Atlantic
In northern Portugal, about 20 kilometers off Viana do Castelo, the pioneering offshore wind farm, WindFloat Atlantic, can be found.
The main owner and operator is Ocean Winds, which presented a new biodiversity report at the WindEurope Annual Event in Madrid on 22 April 2026.
It has been in operation since 2020 and, since then, has been monitored across various parts of the marine ecosystem, from fish to plankton.
Observation by researchers was covered during its construction phase as well as installation and operation, which gave them the opportunity to compare the conditions and impact over time.
The main owner and operator is Ocean Winds, which presented a new biodiversity report at the WindEurope Annual Event in Madrid on 22 April 2026.
It was prepared by independent consultancy, Blue Grid, and speaks to eight years of monitoring and contributions from researchers at the University of Lisbon and the Polytechnic University of Leiria.
The aim of the research is to gauge whether floating offshore wind energy and marine life can coexist, and whether there might even be ecological benefits to the infrastructure.
What did they find?
Researchers discovered that the main drivers of marine communities are natural seasonal and year-to-year changes. There were, however, difference found between the wind farm and comparison sites nearby, especially among fish and invertebrates.
Within the project area, the abundance of sea life was significantly higher.
270 species were recorded, which included marine mammals, birds, bats and fish.
Lower levels of the food chain, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, suffered no negative effects either. So it’s clear that the ocean life surrounding the farm is flourishing.
Why octopus and fish are thriving
No fishing allowed
The most interesting of the findings was the information gathered about the marine life around the wind farm.
Researchers found that there is an increase in biomass of octopus and certain fish at the site when compared to neighboring areas. This included elasmobranchs – the group that includes sharks and rays – as well as sole.
One reason for this could be that the area around the wind farm is a fishing exclusion zone. This naturally offers safety to marine life as they are less exposed to hooks and nets.
The artificial reef effect
The wind farm’s structures also play a role. The underwater framework creates an artificial reef, so marine animals have shelter and a place to feed.
This, combined with fishing being prohibited, means that WindFloat Atlantic is not just a site for generating electricity, but it can also be a feeding ground and protected habitat.
More marine visitors
During the operational phase, researchers recorded more activity in the area from dolphins and harbour porpoises, with the surrounding waters being a migratory route for these sea-dwelling mammals.
A larger survey recorded five marine mammal species, 33 bird species, three bat species and 52 fish species, some of which are vulnerable and critically endangered species.
A sign of hope
This is not conclusive evidence that every wind farm will have the same positive effect on the ocean life surrounding it. Long term research is still vital when it comes to monitoring the convergance of marine animals and clean-energy facilities.
But WindFloat Atlantic is an enouraging example of how renewable energy and marine conservation can exist side by side.
With the world looking for new ways to generate cleaner power, perhaps future offshore projects could be designed so that they protect ocean life as effectively as they generate electricity.
And, with many marine habitats being under pressure, are there other innovations that could help in restoring the ocean?
