Northeast angler John Skinner wanted to know how the offshore wind turbines of New England impact the ocean floor. So he parked beneath one with an underwater drone to take a look.
Underwater drone reveals how windmills impact ocean floor
Skinner and his fishing companion utilize the Minn Kota Spot-Lock on their boat to hold it in place near the wind turbine. As they first lower the drone into the ocean you can hear the booming sounds of a wind turbine being driven into the bottom over 10 miles away.
The drone is lowered to depths of more than 27 meters to make its way across the bottom near the wind turbine. Skinner is able to see a live video feed to guide the way and share with us. The angler notes the structure as the drone passes along and how surprised he was at how far it spreads. Skinner mentions in the commentary that this is called a jacket, and is a lattice-like network to secure the wind turbine.
Teeming with fish
Following the jacket, Skinner’s drone makes its way beneath the wind turbine itself. “Look at the life here,” Skinner remarks. “It’s just teeming with fish.” He notes skates, mussel beds, and various fish species.
Skinner’s drone then ascends the legs of the windmill itself that is like a tree trunk flourishing with growth. Black sea bass are circling the living structure, and Skinner shares that in the cooler months he has caught bluefish and striped bass around this spot as well.
The ocean floor beneath the wind turbine is eerie, but perhaps the most frightening part of the endeavor is retrieving the drone from such a maze. Fortunately after some maneuvering, Skinner hauls in his robotic catch to explore another day.
Feature Image: John Skinner/YouTube
Your title gave me a negative suggestion to the impact wind turbines have on the ocean floor. How reassuring were the results of your video. Thanks!