The annual meeting of the ICES Working Group on Marine Benthal and Renewable Energy Developments (WGMBRED) for the 2025–2027 term brought together scientists, advisors, and regulators to discuss the latest developments in offshore renewable energy and its interactions with marine ecosystems. The meeting, chaired by Jolien Buyse (Belgium) and Ninon Mavraki (Netherlands), focused on maintaining up-to-date scientific knowledge, data, and technological advances to support sustainable energy development.
NiD4OCEAN contributed actively to discussions on nature-inclusive designs and the environmental implications of floating offshore wind farms. Project representatives highlighted proposed tasks that aim to better understand the impacts of offshore renewable energy on biodiversity, providing insights that are essential for evidence-based advice and regulatory decision-making.
The WGMBRED group emphasized that the rapid pace of renewable energy deployment, including both fixed and floating installations, has made this a top priority for the scientific and advisory community. The group’s activities are expected to generate new knowledge and guidance that will support the responsible expansion of offshore energy infrastructure while considering the protection of marine benthic ecosystems.
Participation in WGMBRED offered NiD4OCEAN a valuable platform to exchange expertise, influence emerging research priorities, and strengthen collaboration between European research initiatives and advisory bodies, reinforcing the project’s commitment to developing innovative, nature-inclusive solutions for offshore environments.