Biodiversity at WindFloat Atlantic, floating offshore wind farm Viana do Castelo, Portugal

This report presents a comprehensive set of environmental studies conducted at the 25 MW WindFloat Atlantic project located 20 kilmetres off the oast of Viana do Castelo. It was produced by Ocean Winds and the independent consultancy partner Blue Grid, with contribution of two of Portugal’s most prestigious research institutions: the MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (MARE-ULisboa) and the Polytechnic of Leiria (MARE-IPLeiria). The report presents that natural seasonal and interannual variability are the main drivers shaping marine communities across all trophic levels, indicating the WindFloat Atlantic did not disrupt ecosystem functioning. The findings highlight that fishing exclusion zone and reef effect has delivered local ecological benefits, providing a refuge and feeding area that enhances habitat protection for the underwater fauna.