Measures for Marine Ecology Preservations
To minimize the potential impact of construction activities on marine wildlife, YWPC implemented protective measures to prevent marine mammals from entering the Yunlin OWF construction zones. In 2024, Yunneng also initiated a research program to develop a photo identification registry for dolphins, improving the identification and monitoring of the species.
Environmental protection measures for cetaceans present either within the Yunlin OWF or its surrounding marine areas follow the mitigation hierarchy, which involves the strategy of "Avoid, Minimize, and Offset" to develop a dedicated action plan. Special preservation efforts have been implemented for the Taiwanese White Dolphin, a protected species unique to Taiwan. Actions include:
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Locating the Yunlin OWF more than 3,000m away from the Major Wildlife Habitat of the Taiwanese White Dolphin.
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Reducing the speed of work vessels to below 6 knots within an area of 1.5 km of the Major Wildlife Habitat of Taiwanese White Dolphin to avoid collisions with cetaceans.
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Requiring all offshore personnel to undergo comprehensive marine mammal ecology training to ensure awareness of cetacean conservation.
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Implementing cetacean monitoring by Marine Mammal Observers and underwater acoustic monitoring during the installation of foundations, in accordance with the Taiwan Marine Mammal Observer System Operation Manual.
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Limiting piling operation during the installation of foundations to single locations at a time to reduce the affected underwater acoustic range and prevent cumulative impacts.
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Utilizing four (4) underwater noise mitigation systems simultaneously during piling operations, including a Menck Noise Reduce Unit (MNRU), a Double Big Bubble Curtain (DBBC), a Hydro Sound Damper (HSD), and a Small Bubble Curtain (SBC).
In 2023, YWPC introduced Taiwan's first interactive picture book dedicated to the conservation of the Taiwanese White Dolphin within the context of the development and operations of offshore wind farms. The book features an anthropomorphized WTG character, who explores the ocean in search of five major treasures. With its vibrant illustrations, the book combines scientific knowledge and interactive stickers to engage children in learning about the oceans, the Taiwanese White Dolphin, and the role of offshore wind farms in mitigating ecological impacts. The book is available to elementary school students participating in the environmental education activities and serves as a teaching resource to help them understand the importance of balancing marine ecology with green energy development.
In 2025, YWPC will support a dedicated research program focused on the Taiwanese White Dolphin. The goal is to create a comprehensive photo identification registry for each individual dolphin, enhancing our understanding and monitoring of this species. This program will lay the groundwork for future research programs based on its findings. The collected data will contribute to preliminary research for future conservation efforts of the Taiwanese White Dolphin.
