How Formosa Wind Farm Turned the Taiwan Strait into a Marine Haven

The installation of metal structures in the ocean has turned a formerly barren area of the Taiwan Strait into a genuine haven for fish. Scientific research confirms that the wind farm’s steel foundations have introduced biodiversity and new marine species.

How did metal structures change the seabed in Miaoli?

The original seabed in Miaoli County consisted mainly of mud and fine sand. Once the vertical columns were installed, they provided new hiding places for aquatic animals as well as previously unavailable sites for continuous feeding within the marine environment.

Research carried out by National Taiwan Ocean University found that encrusting organisms became established naturally. This ecological process transformed industrial pillars into thriving artificial reefs, now drawing a range of snappers and striking specimens of large groupers.

How were wind turbines able to revive marine life in the ocean?

The construction of enormous metal foundations created shelters in a place that had seemed completely lifeless… Read more

What impact does Formosa Wind Farm have on marine life?

The wind project, which has 69 wind turbines, has produced an unexpected effect on the ocean floor. Its hard surfaces enabled a flourishing ecosystem to develop, supporting around 86 marine species identified by local researchers.

Before the project, the sandy seabed offered no suitable conditions for complex life to attach itself. The arrival of these structures changed water-current dynamics and created protected areas where small fish can find safety from natural predators.

Below is a video from The Central News Agency (CNA Taiwan) YouTube channel, which explores the points discussed in this subject in greater depth:

How does scientific diving help identify species?

The scientific diving team carries out regular monitoring to catalogue local fauna. Using specialised equipment, the experts document the development of reef-fish populations and assess ecological health around every installed turbine.

These routine surveys confirm that the water column has become a marine nursery in Taiwan. The images collected show dense shoals swimming among the steel supports, illustrating how human engineering has created a thriving and sustainable habitat.

Elements behind the marine transformation

Main factors

Here are the key factors that enabled reef life to emerge at the site:

• 1
  Vertical steel foundations that provide a fixed support for small organisms;
• 2
  The formation of cavities and safe shelter for fish reproduction;
• 3
  A continuous food supply within a newly structured ecosystem.

What are the benefits of steel artificial reefs?

Installing artificial reefs in marine areas changes nutrient availability. Steel piles create upward currents that carry organic material, attracting invertebrates and small crustaceans which strengthen the food chain throughout the marine area.

Larger fish use these structures as strategic places to hunt and rest. This concentration of living organisms demonstrates that carefully planned technological interventions can coexist harmoniously with environmental preservation and the recovery of native species.

The direct benefits observed at these offshore installations include:

• A substantial rise in the number and diversity of aquatic life along the coast;
• The creation of protected areas against uncontrolled destructive fishing;
• An expansion of sheltering sites for young and vulnerable animals.

Why does the offshore wind project benefit the future of conservation?

Bringing clean-energy generation together with aquatic conservation creates new possibilities. The conversion of industrial pillars into marine habitats shows how offshore wind infrastructure can support ocean sustainability and encourage local biodiversity.

Ongoing monitoring at Formosa Wind Farm provides valuable data for future developments around the world. The partnership between science and engineering demonstrates that renewable electricity can be generated while ensuring the protection of natural resources and marine habitats.