Feature | The Wind Power Element Behind a Black-Faced Spoonbill Migration Tragedy (AI Translation)

特稿｜一起黑脸琵鹭迁徙死亡悲剧背后的风电因素

Offshore wind power is undergoing significant global expansion, with China's capacity exceeding 41 GW by the end of 2024, accounting for over half of the global capacity. [para. 1] As offshore wind projects increase, their effects on biodiversity, particularly on migratory birds like the black-faced spoonbill, have drawn extensive attention. A study from "Ecology" found that the migration routes of black-faced spoonbills were altered due to wind farms, with one individual failing in its migration. This research suggests that assessing wind power's impact solely through collision mortality rates might significantly understate its effects. [para. 2]

The black-faced spoonbill, an endangered species with unique physical characteristics, faces a severe risk of extinction, drawing significant attention from ornithologists. The species migrates from breeding sites in Korea to warmer regions such as China, Taiwan, and Vietnam in winter. The spoonbills face challenging sea crossings during migration, struggling due to their lack of swimming proficiency. The study detailed one spoonbill, M03, which successfully began its migration but failed due to encountering a large wind farm, ultimately returning to South Korea and dying within months. This highlights how wind farms may indirectly lead to bird mortality by forcing them into unsustainable situations. [para. 3][para. 6]

Further investigation reveals how wind farms pose risks to other endangered species, like the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper, which shares similar migration routes with the black-faced spoonbill. Despite limitations in data and technology, researchers infer similar risks for these species. The development of offshore wind power in areas like Rudong, China—where the largest offshore wind farm is located—has led to structural barriers for migratory birds. [para. 5][para. 7]

The tragic journey of M03 exemplifies the broader challenges migratory birds face due to wind energy development. M03 faced adversity when encountering multiple wind farms, resulting in altered courses and increased energy expenditure. Ultimately, the failure of M03's first migration attempt led to its death, demonstrating how wind farm barriers impact migration success. Other spoonbills, such as Y70, also faced challenges but eventually adapted and successfully completed their migrations. Observations suggest these barriers could delay migration, contribute to unsuccessful breeding, or cause exhaustion-related deaths. [para. 8][para. 9][para. 11]

The barriers created by wind farms force birds to choose alternate, often less favorable, routes, increasing their energy needs and impacting their overall survival. Bird avoidance behaviors, such as altering flight paths, may prevent collisions but also lead to increased energy demands and decreased survival chances. The rapid expansion of wind farms globally without consideration of migratory bird impacts could have severe consequences for species already under threat. [para. 10][para. 12][para. 13]

Global projections by RenewableUK suggest that offshore wind capacity will reach 254 GW by 2030, with China accounting for 120 GW. The American Bird Conservancy highlights the potential mortality impact of turbines, estimating 681,000 bird deaths in 2021 alone. During national discussions in 2022, proposals emphasized the importance of biodiversity assessments to mitigate conflicts between green development and biodiversity conservation. The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment has developed technical standards to minimize impacts on avian biodiversity, advocating for strategic wind farm planning to avoid ecologically sensitive zones and ensure sustainable energy development without compromising wildlife. [para. 14][para. 15][para. 16]