Abstract
One of the potential environmental concerns with wave energy projects is the possibility that low flying seabirds may collide with wave energy buoys, especially when low visibility conditions exist. As part of its mission to facilitate wave energy development in Oregon, Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) identified the need to conduct an avian radar study to address the potential for bird-wave buoy collisions. Data reported consisted of seasonal information on movement rates through the project location (birds/kilometer [km]/hour [hr]), distance offshore, flock sizes (number of birds/flock), flight altitudes (in meters [m] above sea level [asl]), flight directions, and flight speeds. Avian radar and diurnal boat survey data was also used for a future risk-assessment modeling study, for which existing models for estimating seabird fatalities at wind farms and other tower structures will be adapted for application to wave energy projects.