Abstract
This Post-construction Sandeel Survey Report has been prepared by Moray Offshore Windfarm (East) Ltd (Moray East) to inform the Project Environmental Monitoring Programme (PEMP) required as part of Section 36 Consents. This report describes the post-construction element (in relation to sandeel) of condition 26 (Telford, Stevenson and MacColl Offshore Wind Farms) of the PEMP and condition 35 (Stevenson Offshore Wind Farm) and 34 (MacColl Offshore Wind Farm) in regard to post-construction survey requirements.
The objective of this survey was to collect data to characterise the spatial distribution and abundance of sandeel in and around the Moray East site. The survey methodology was designed in consultation with Marine Scotland Science (MSS) and Marine Directorate Licensing and Operations Team (MD-LOT) and the sandeel survey took place between 17 March 2024 to the 31 March 2024. A total of 28 stations were sampled using a modified shellfish dredge (sandeel dredge) carried out during night hours when the majority of sandeel were expected to be buried in the sediment. Grab sampling for sediment analysis was successfully undertaken at 21 grab stations via mini-Hamon grab.
The results of the sandeel survey indicate an overall patchy distribution of sandeel across the Moray East Sandeel Survey Area. Sandeel were caught in low numbers with a total of 45 sandeel caught across 15 out of 28 stations sampled.
Four species of sandeel (Ammodytidae) were caught during the survey in order of abundance:
- Raitt’s sandeel (Ammodytes marinus);
- Lesser sandeel (Ammodytes tobianus);
- Smooth sandeel (Gymnammodytes semisquamatus); and
- Greater sandeel (Hyperoplus lanceolatus).
The highest numbers of sandeel were found in dredge samples from the northern areas of the Sandeel Survey Area. Raitt’s sandeel was the most abundant species caught (37 individuals), accounting for 77% of the total sandeel catch. A total of five smooth sandeel (10%), two lesser sandeel (4%), and one greater sandeel (2%) were recorded. The greatest number of individuals (11) were recorded at station SD76 (in the north of the site). Low numbers of sandeel were recorded in both the pre and post-construction surveys, suggesting that the Sandeel Survey Area does not support important sandeel populations.