A groundbreaking marine coexistence study

Beleolico is demonstrating a fundamental principle for the future of renewable energy: energy innovation and marine biodiversity can coexist in perfect synergy. An in-depth three-year study conducted by Jonian Dolphin Conservation in collaboration with Renexia has led to surprising results that challenge many previous beliefs. Data collected between 2022 and 2024 reveal that dolphin sightings in the Gulf of Taranto area not only remained stable after the installation of the wind farm, but actually increased.

Cetaceans in the Beleolian Ecosystem

The most common species in the Gulf of Taranto remained Stenella coeruleoalba (stenella) followed by Tursiops truncatus (bottlenose dolphin) and Grampus griseus (grampus). An interesting result of the study reveals that individuals of stenella showed approach behavior to the turbine area. Pending the final results of the study, Renexia has developed a detailed map documenting the presence of different cetacean species in the wind farm area. This visualization reveals not only the abundance of marine life in the area, but also demonstrates how the wind turbines have been integrated into the dolphins’ living space.

A rich catalog of marine biodiversity

The wealth of documented marine life is remarkable. The map records as many as 128 sightings of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), a species that lives predominantly along coastlines and is considered an indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem. Even more numerous is the presence of Stenella coeruleoalba with 391 sightings, confirming it as the most abundant species in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. The monitoring also documented the presence of rarer species such as Ziphius cavirostris (zyphium), with 3 sightings representing the first ever recorded for this species in the Gulf of Taranto, and Physeter macrocephalus (sperm whale), the largest predator in the seas, sighted 6 times.

A testimony to the sustainability of the Renexia model

These results are not coincidental, but represent confirmation of the effectiveness of the development model promoted by Renexia, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of renewable energy production. The rigorous scientific monitoring conducted in partnership with Jonian Dolphin Conservation testifies to our commitment to build offshore wind energy facilities that respect and enhance marine ecosystems. The continued presence of species such as Grampus griseus (stonechat), considered endangered in the Mediterranean but spotted 81 times in the area confirms that offshore wind power can contribute to the repopulation of marine wildlife.

An invitation to explore marine biodiversity

The sightings map is a valuable tool not only for the scientific community, but also for all those interested in marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. We invite you to consult this resource, to explore in detail the distribution of different cetacean species in the Gulf of Taranto area. Through this interactive map, you can visually appreciate how marine wind energy and cetacean life can thrive together, opening new perspectives for an energy future that is truly in harmony with nature.

The coexistence of clean energy production and marine biodiversity protection is no longer just an ideal, but a documented reality that Renexia is proud to share with this mapping.