Challenges of evidence-informed offshore decommissioning: an environmental perspective

Anaëlle J Lemasson; Paul J Somerfield; Michaela Schratzberger; Antony M Knights

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2023.04.003

Challenges of evidence-informed offshore decommissioning: an environmental perspective

Trends Ecol Evol. 2023 Aug;38(8):688-692. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.04.003. Epub 2023 May 3.

Authors

Anaëlle J Lemasson¹, Paul J Somerfield², Michaela Schratzberger³, Antony M Knights⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK. Electronic address: anaelle.lemasson@plymouth.ac.uk.
² PML - Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK.
³ Cefas - Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, Suffolk, UK.
⁴ School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.

PMID: 37147226
DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.04.003

Abstract

Many offshore artificial structures are at or nearing their ends of life, and society faces the considerable challenge that is decommissioning. Current scientific evidence of the ecological and environmental consequences of decommissioning is insufficient to reliably and accurately inform decision-making and policy development. Thus, we must strengthen the scientific basis for evidence-informed decommissioning.

Keywords: artificial structures; environmental management; evidence synthesis; man-made structures; offshore wind farms; oil and gas.