Conservation features: Sensitive species and habitats in the German Exclusive Economic Zone

Abstract

In German seas, most of the windfarms are located in the southern North Sea. From a biological point of view this part of the North Sea is one of the most productive parts of the Atlantic Ocean and historically it is known as a sea with an overwhelming number of species. The development of offshore windfarms is planned in a marine water body whose ecological condition has already been significantly altered by existing anthropogenic impacts, as a result of which conflicts with the diverse flora and fauna of the North Sea have increased continuously. Obviously, the North Sea gives the impression that it could provide space for a number of anthropogenic installations. However, approvals for such installations have to take into account the long history of human activities and their existing impact on species and habitats in the water column and on the sea floor.