The state-run ELWIND offshore wind initiative has commissioned a comprehensive marine mammal study covering its joint development zones in the Baltic Sea shared by Estonia and Latvia.
ELWIND said it has awarded a contract to Murmurat (3Bird OÜ) to carry out the work as part of the project’s environmental impact assessment process.
The study will compile and review existing scientific literature and historical monitoring data to evaluate the presence and behaviour of key marine mammal species, including grey seals and ringed seals, as well as harbour porpoise where relevant.
According to ELWIND, the work will also analyse species abundance, distribution patterns and year-round habitat use across the development areas.
The scope includes modelling of installation-related underwater noise and its potential cross-border effects, along with an assessment of cumulative impacts in combination with other marine activities in the region.
ELWIND said the results will establish an environmental baseline to help evaluate potential project impacts and identify mitigation measures where necessary to protect marine mammal populations.
