Skip to main content


OES-Environmental distributes metadata forms (questionnaires) to solicit information from researchers around the world who are exploring the environmental effects of marine renewable energy. This page provides a description and contact information related to the research. Content is updated on an annual basis.


Vulnerability of pelagic seabirds to the introduction of offshore renewable energy infrastructure off the Irish coast

MRE Research Study

Title: Vulnerability of pelagic seabirds to the introduction of offshore renewable energy infrastructure off the Irish coast
Status:
In Progress
Researcher:
Murphy, E., Jessopp, M.
Start Date:
End Date:
Country:
Ireland
Stressor:
Avoidance, Collision, Displacement, Habitat Change
Receptor:
Birds, Seabirds
Technology:
Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind
Info Last Updated:
Contact:
Emma Murphy
(login for email address)

Status

In Progress

Principle Investigator Contact Information

Name: Dr Mark Jessopp
Affiliation: MaREI Centre / School of BEES, University College Cork
Email: m.jessopp@ucc.ie
 

Description

This study will determine the potential implications for seabird health and habitat use from the intensification of wind power generation in the marine environment. Baseline data are required on a wide range of seabird species in Ireland to inform at-sea distributions and core foraging areas. The use of telemetry and aerial survey data in this project will inform models of population level impacts from offshore wind farm development, such as collision and displacement risks.

Funding Source

Irish Research Council

Location of Research

Ireland 

Project Aims

This project aims to quantify the potential impacts of wind farms to vulnerable seabird species, including gulls and gannets. Vulnerability to threats associated with wind farm development will be examined by determining foraging range and distribution, and potential changes in populations can be predicted based on their vulnerability to encountered threats.

Study Progress

  • Species of focus identified and appropriate field sites in proximity to proposed offshore windfarm development areas chosen to conduct tracking studies (Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla & Northern gannet Morus bassanus),
  • Liaised with offshore wind industries to understand concerns and key areas for research necessary to progress their reporting to incorporate conservation and mitigation measures in the marine environment,
  • One field season completed in summer 2023, conducting Northern gannet GPS tracking on the Saltee Island, Co. Wexford,
  • Completed foraging radius model analysis and reporting for black-legged kittiwake on the east coast of Ireland.