Conceptualizing Offshore Wind Energy Ecosystem Services Using Network Theory

Conceptualizing Offshore Wind Energy Ecosystem Services Using Network Theory – Recommendations for the Practical Application of Social-Ecological Networks In Ecosystem Service Assessments

The use of network theory and analysis as a potential way forward to valuate marine ecosystem services is investigated. The following work applies network theory to conceptualize the ecosystem network for the case study of a Belgian Offshore Wind Farm (OWF). The study focuses on using multi-layer networks offering quantitative information over ecological and economic services.

An in-depth literature review informed the conceptualization as well as the quantitative, semi-quantitative and qualitative description of the network layers and components. The findings were subsequently used to assess the degree to which the OWF network could provide a useful basis for a practitioner-friendly numerical MES tool.

Strigin N. (2022), ” Conceptualizing Offshore Wind Energy Ecosystem Services Using Network Theory – Recommendations for the Practical Application of Social-Ecological Networks In Ecosystem Service Assessments”, Thesis – MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine Management, University College Cork – Ireland