Investigating potential impacts of offshore wind farm development on little penguins
New ANU-led research will review little penguin ecology and assess offshore wind and port impacts, identifying gaps and guidelines to support evidence-based decisions.
We are excited to announce that our research team, led by Assoc Prof Ana Sequeira (Australian National University) has been awarded a new contract to advance critical work on little penguin ecology and offshore wind development as part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water’s (DCCEEW) Renewables Environmental Research Initiative.
As part of this project, our team will deliver a comprehensive literature review and gap analysis examining little penguin ecology and their potential interactions with offshore wind and port developments across Australia. This work will synthesise existing science, identify key impact pathways, assess data gaps, and develop best‑practice survey and management guidelines to support evidence‑based assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Planned collaboration with stakeholders, including industry partners and members of the public, will assist with developing practical guidance that supports both wildlife conservation and responsible renewable energy development. Together, these efforts will help fill critical knowledge gaps and inform decision‑making as Australia’s offshore renewable energy sector grows.
This exciting initiative brings together an exceptional collaboration of experts across the marine science community, spanning academia, industry, and government. The team includes Dr Hannah Calich (Australian National University), Dr Rachel Przeslawski (Research Connect Blue), Dr Gemma Carroll (Little Penguin Expert), and Prof Simon Goldsworthy and Dr Roger Kirkwood (both from SARDI - South Australian Research and Development Institute). We combine expertise in marine ecology, seabird behaviour, spatial modelling, and environmental management and our work will be reviewed by two external experts.
There will be a public consultation period around April/May 2026 - so keep an eye out for opportunities to contribute!
We are grateful to have this opportunity to contribute meaningful science at such a pivotal time for Australia’s marine ecosystems and renewable energy future.
Keep an eye on this space for project updates!