2007, RPS Group Ltd, Lynn & Inner Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm, Boat-based Ornithological Monitoring Report

Description

In fulfilment of its FEPA license requirements ongoing monitoring is being carried out covering the two wind farm sites (Inner Dowsing and Lynn) and a control site. This project relates to the surveys carried out from July – December 2007. Eight surveys were undertaken using transects to sample bird numbers and distribution on the water and in flight.  The outcomes of the survey show that red-throated divers continue only to be recorded in low density at distances greater than 5km offshore as well as common scoter.  Auks were recorded in great numbers within the Lynn site during construction.  The recommendations are for a continuation of boat-based monitoring throughout 2008 and monitoring of different bird species ongoing use of turbine bases.