How Southern New England wind turbines are turning into artificial reefs where crabs thrive?

What if structures built to harness the mighty winds turn into a home for the marine life? Many offshore wind turbines that have been submerged in the seafloor are transforming into marine ecosystems. The hard surface, which resembles natural reefs, gives algae, mussels, barnacles and other organisms places to settle, creating food and shelter for larger species. According to an article published on the University of Rhode Island website, among the many sea life species which have found a home on these wind turbines are Jonah crabs, an increasingly important fishery species in Southern New England as warming waters push American lobsters toward colder regions.

Emmanuel Oyewole, a first-year Ph.D. student in the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, explained how the crabs play a significant role in the marine sea food web. They contribute to the equilibrium of benthic ecosystems by acting as both predators and prey. They can help us understand how offshore wind farm constructions may affect local biodiversity, habitat utilisation, and fisheries productivity because of their strong ties to seafloor environments.

How Are Submerged Wind Turbines Becoming An Artificial Reef For Marine Life?

As algae, barnacles, and mussels settle on the surface, these structures are larger animals who feed on them, such as crabs or fish, who also seek shelter.


As per an article published by the Conservation Law Foundation, researchers noted that for hiding from predators and gathering food, several marine animals depend on rocky environments with lots of cracks and crevices. That is precisely what is provided by the infrastructure that anchors offshore wind turbines to the ocean floor. Scientists saw a transition from bare concrete and pebbles to "artificial reefs" between 2023 and 2024, catching glimpses of popular species like lobster and black sea bass in and around the constructions.

Why Are Marine Life Attracted To Artificial Reefs?

In a chat with the Smithsonian Magazine, Avery Paxton, a researcher with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science explained that all human-made objects quickly form a new habitat under the water once they sink. As fishes colonise these structures, mainly algae, coral and other invertebrates grow on the structure’s surface.

Clouds of plankton, the vital foundation of the ocean food web, are probably propelled upward by the currents curving around a sunken object. Sharks and other larger predators are drawn to this banquet because it draws little fish like sardines. Tuna and barracuda creep into the reef's holes and dark areas in search of a snack, while eels and groupers migrate into same areas.