Abstract
Mainstream Renewable Power was awarded the wind farm development rights for an area of seabed lying approximately 15 km off Fife Ness, off the east coast of Scotland in February 2009. The development is known as Neart na Gaoithe.
Mainstream Renewable Power commissioned Natural Research (Projects) Ltd, Cork Ecology and Bureau Waardenburg to undertake studies of birds to inform an assessment of the effects due to the proposal. Baseline seabird surveys commenced in November 2009. This Technical Report presents details of the study methodology, together with baseline results from Years 1 and 2 of the seabird and marine mammal survey work. In addition, an environmental impact assessment, based on results from Years 1 and 2 is also presented.