Abstract
The UK government has a commitment to obtain 15% of the UK’s energy from renewable sources by 2020, of which wind energy is likely to form a major part (DECC 2009). Consequently many wind farms are currently under construction and more developments are proposed (e.g. Round 3 zones, Scottish Territorial Waters sites and extensions to Round 1 and Round 2 sites). There is, however, much concern as to the effects that offshore wind developments may have on seabird populations.
Many seabirds designated as feature species of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) might potentially be affected by these developments, as their breeding season foraging ranges and migratory routes may overlap with wind farm sites. The effect of wind farms on particular species is likely to be influenced by altitude at which birds fly, and the avoidance behaviour they might show.
This study uses the latest tracking technology to investigate the movements of two seabird species that are features of SPAs – Lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Skua. The aims of this study are threefold: i. To understand the connectivity of these feature species with the areas of consented wind farms (i.e. those which have already been constructed or are under construction) and proposed wind farm development sites;
ii. To understand the extent to which these feature species use the areas of wind farms which have already been constructed or are under construction;
iii. To provide an assessment of the flight altitudes of these feature species that could usefully inform collision risk modelling.
This report is associated with a first season breeding report, second-year report and final report.