Mapping benthic biodiversity to facilitate future sustainable development

Human activities in the marine environment are expanding rapidly, with much of the growth in the Northeast Atlantic driven by offshore wind development. While offshore wind is critical for achieving net zero carbon targets, planning decisions must also address the twin challenge of conserving and restoring biodiversity. We combined open-access data from hundreds of grab and core surveys with random forest modeling to provide new insights into patterns of benthic biodiversity across the Northeast Atlantic continental shelf. Multiple dimensions of biodiversity were mapped using Hill numbers (q = 0, 1, 2) and raw abundance, assessed within the Whittaker framework (alpha-, beta-, and gamma-diversity) to reveal patterns at different spatial scales. These metrics were synthesized into a single biodiversity map using clustering, delineating areas of seabed with shared biodiversity characteristics. This analysis offers an evidence-based framework for safeguarding benthic biodiversity and informing management decisions in an era of rapidly expanding offshore development. Our results also highlight key environmental drivers, with higher biodiversity consistently associated with greater gravel coverage and moderate to high current speeds.