Finding out the fate of displaced birds (FCR/2015/19)

The Scottish Government has the duty to ensure that the development of the offshore renewable sector is achieved in a sustainable manner. A key challenge in delivering sustainable development is the potential effects of offshore renewable developments (ORDs) on populations of seabirds. Seabirds breed in internationally important numbers in Scotland, and many colonies are designated as Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive [2009/147/EC]. Offshore renewable developments may affect seabirds from collisions with turbine blades, displacement to less favourable habitats, barrier effects to the movement of birds, disturbance during construction and operation, contamination, noise and indirect effects via impact of developments on seabird prey. The aim of this project was to produce a tool to estimate the cost to individual seabirds, in terms of changes in adult survival and productivity, of displacement and barrier effects resulting from ORDs.