2010, RPS, Zone 8 - Bristol Channel Atlantic Array, Fish Larvae Survey

Description

RPS was commissioned by npower renewables to undertake a desktop review of fish spawning and nursery areas in the Bristol Channel to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and survey programme for the proposed Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm (OWF). One of the primary aims of the review was to refine and update the information provided by the Fish Sensitivity Maps produced by Coull et al. (1998). The review identified significant spawning and/or nursery grounds within the vicinity of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary for plaice, sole, dab, lemon sole, whiting, cod, bass, herring, sprat, flounder and gobies.  In addition, three fish egg and larvae surveys were conducted across the proposed Atlantic Array
OWF site and surrounding waters from the 9th to the 11th March 2010, 28th March to
the 2th April, and 27th April to the 30th April.  The survey was conducted from the fishing vessel ‘Our Olivia Belle’ BD277 a fishing vessel registered at Bideford and operated by S&P Trawlers of Barnstable.  This package contains the report presenting the results of the desktop review.  The results of the fish larvae surveys are also provided.