Assessment of Risk to Diving Birds from Underwater Marine Renewable Devices in Welsh Waters: Phase 2 - Field Methodologies and Site Assessments

Report

Title: Assessment of Risk to Diving Birds from Underwater Marine Renewable Devices in Welsh Waters: Phase 2 - Field Methodologies and Site Assessments

Author:

Robinson, C.; Cook, G.

Publication Date:

February 28, 2011

Document Number:

JER3688

Pages:

506

Affiliation

RPS group

Sponsoring Organization:

Welsh Government

Technology:

Wave, Tidal, Marine Energy

Stressor:

Collision, Avoidance, Attraction

Receptor:

Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Seabirds, Birds

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Attachment:

Access File
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Citation

Robinson, C.; Cook, G. (2011). Assessment of Risk to Diving Birds from Underwater Marine Renewable Devices in Welsh Waters: Phase 2 - Field Methodologies and Site Assessments (Report No. JER3688). Report by RPS group. Report for Welsh Government.

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Abstract

The Marine Renewable Energy Strategic Framework project has investigated the potential marine renewable energy resource of Welsh Territorial Waters (TWs) and considered potential scenarios for the sustainable development of that resource primarily as an aid to policy development and also an indicator of resource for potential developers. This report is Phase 2 of the Assessment of Risk to Diving Birds from Underwater Marine Renewable Devices in Welsh Waters and presents seabird survey methods, suitable for collecting data to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at sites identified as suitable for wave and/or tidal stream energy generation. Methods were developed at two Welsh sites, Carmel Head, Anglesey and Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire. Because of the coastal nature of these sites, and the parallels between tidal energy extraction and wind turbines, the starting points for method development were vantage point surveys for birds (typically used in relation to proposed onshore wind farms), and boat surveys (typically used for offshore wind farm assessments).

The Approach to Sustainable Development Report presents the final outputs of the Marine Renewable Energy Strategic Framework (MRESF). The MRESF will be an essential management tool for the sustainable development of wave and tidal energy in Wales.