2013-2015, Natural Power, Lashy Sound, Ornithology and Marine Mammal Surveys

Scotrenewables Tidal Power Ltd (SRTP) has been awarded an Agreement for Lease (AfL) for a commercial tidal energy project to be located at Lashy Sound between the islands of Eday and Sanday in Orkney. Lashy Sound is in close proximity to a number of designated sites for wildlife; the Calf of Eday Special Protection Area (SPA) is designated for internationally important numbers of breeding seabirds and the Sanday Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is designated for nationally important numbers of breeding harbour seals. A 24 month programme of baseline surveys was undertaken for the proposed Lashy Sound tidal array. The aim of these surveys was to characterise the use of the proposed SRTP development site by birds, marine mammals and basking sharks.