Construction of offshore wind farms will alter the existing habitats at each individual turbine location through the installation of foundations and offshore substations. Potential impacts to the marine ecosystem from offshore wind development can occur during varying activities that take place throughout the planning, development, and operational life of wind energy development.
There are four phases of development: preconstruction, construction, operations, and decommissioning. Impacts through the four phases may occur to fish species that are susceptible to acoustic surveying or noise generating and bottom-disturbing surveys.