Sustainable Seas, Safer Skies Lessons from MIGRALION in the Mediterranean

The programme focuses in the Gulf of Lion in France, a critical hotspot for seabirds, migratory birds, and bat species and an area where our understanding of how these species navigate in the marine environment remains limited. As plans for offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean progress, it is important to bridge this knowledge gap to better assess the potential impacts of offshore wind infrastructure on these flying species. The MIGRALION study addresses key questions including:

• Which species cross the Gulf of Lion and what are their migratory routes?
• At what altitudes do those species fly, and how does this impact their interaction with offshore wind installations?
• What are the feeding areas for seabirds at sea ?
• How can we mitigate the cumulative impacts of wind farms on wildlife?

The findings from this research intend to inform policies on marine planning, ensuring that offshore wind development coexists harmoniously with the region’s rich biodiversity.

During this event we explored the programme’s results and its potential implications for future offshore wind developments in the Mediterranean. Our panel of leading experts shared their insights and answered questions, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the latest research.