Status
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.