Abstract
A number of cetacean species have been recorded regularly in the Moray Firth, including: bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), harbour porpoise (Phocena phocena), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Atlantic white sided dolphin (Lagenohynchus acutus), white beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), and common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). Two resident populations of pinnipeds also occur within the Moray Firth: grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour (or common) seals (Phoca vitulina).
The scope of this assessment includes a description of all marine mammal species, from resident populations through to infrequent visitors, which occur within the Study Area. The assessment focuses on these key marine mammal species identified during the desktop review and site-specific studies as regularly occurring within the study area and therefore most likely to be affected by the Wind Farm. The potential for effects on European otter (Lutra lutra), which inhabits the nearshore marine environment will be considered as part of the OnTW ES.
Particular attention is paid to existing and proposed ecological conservation measures within the defined study area. Two SACs designated under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) lie within the inner Moray Firth (Figure 8.1). The effects on the Moray Firth SAC (designated for bottlenose dolphins) and the Dornoch Firth and Morrich More SAC (designated for harbour seal) have been assessed with respect to the Habitat’s Regulations in order to determine whether there is likely to be a significant effect on the integrity of these two sites. A site-specific assessment of effects upon these sites is provided in the Report to Inform an Appropriate Assessment document that will follow this ES. Finally, all of the key marine mammal species are listed as PMFs within Scottish territorial waters.