The Latvian–Estonian offshore wind energy project ELWIND has launched an extensive study of migratory birds to assess the potential impact on bird populations within the project area. ELWIND has signed a contract with the Estonian company “Workboats Consulting OÜ”, which, together with “BioConsult SH GmbH & Co. KG” and the Estonian Ornithological Society, will conduct bird studies in Latvian waters over a two-year period.
The first year of monitoring is currently underway. An interim report submitted by “BioConsult SH GmbH & Co. KG” focuses on baseline observations of migratory birds carried out from a vessel between July and October 2025 within the planned wind park area and its immediate surroundings. In parallel, aerial surveys are also being conducted.
Observations of migratory birds are planned as part of baseline studies prior to the construction phase of the ELWIND offshore wind park. These studies cover known migration peaks in spring and autumn (July–October and March–May). The objective is to characterise the seasonal species composition, abundance, and flight patterns, providing essential data for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, supporting nature protection requirements, and helping to develop effective mitigation and monitoring measures in the subsequent stages of the ELWIND project development.
As noted by the monitoring implementers, “BioConsult SH GmbH & Co. KG OÜ”, observations are carried out from a research vessel.
“This allows us to obtain reliable data on species composition and flight patterns in the study area even before construction begins,” says Rodrigo Martinez Catalan, representative of “BioConsult SH GmbH & Co. KG”.
Rodrigo Martinez Catalan explains that several methods are used during the surveys, including 24-hour migration monitoring. From sunrise to sunset, visual observations are conducted from the vessel twice per hour, primarily focusing on geese, ducks, divers, and gulls. During night migration, from sunset to sunrise, acoustic recordings are used to monitor songbirds. Horizontal and vertical radar systems are employed to obtain precise information on flight directions and altitudes.
The main supporting harbor for project implementation is Pāvilosta. Located closest to the planned ELWIND wind park site, it serves as the operational base for research vessels conducting migratory bird surveys.
The data collected will enable conclusions to be drawn regarding the species present, their numbers, seasonal differences, and flight patterns – including flight altitudes and whether birds fly within the rotor height area of the planned wind turbines.
“The data will contribute to the EIA, enabling a comprehensive assessment of potential environmental effects and helping to define suitable mitigation measures during the permitting process. Baseline studies help us understand the potential impact that infrastructure may have on migratory birds,” emphasizes Rodrigo Martinez Catalan. He highlights the importance of baseline monitoring to determine the precise distribution of flight altitudes and the potential collision risk with wind park infrastructure.
Jānis Ločmelis, Head of the ELWIND Project Division at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, adds:
“Similar to other studies conducted within the EIA framework, these data will allow us to make informed decisions regarding turbine technical specifications, potential restrictions, and the protection principles for species observed in the offshore park area. It is essential for us to rely on scientific evidence, which will also contribute to strengthening Latvia’s research base.”
About the ELWIND project
ELWIND is a cross-border project between Latvia and Estonia for the construction of an offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea. It is an ambitious and environmentally friendly renewable energy project with a combined capacity of up to 2 GW, which will increase the energy independence and security of the region and keep energy prices reasonable, thus reducing costs for businesses and households. In addition, it will create new business opportunities. ELWIND will help to fill the gap in domestic large-scale renewable energy production and contribute to a better functioning open energy market. The offshore wind park is expected to be built and operational by 2035.
The pre-development work for the ELWIND project will end in 2029 with a planned auction in which the right of use of the offshore wind site will be transferred to a qualified developer. The ELWIND project is implemented by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Climate of the Republic of Estonia.