2004, ECON Ecological Consultancy, Scroby Sands, Seal Monitoring analysis of 2004 aerial surveys

This report is concerned with analysis of the 2004 seal survey data, collected during the construction period of the wind farm. The Schedule to Licence states that a monitoring programme for the seals, as agreed with the Sea Mammals Research Unit (SMRU) should be carried out to determine the impact of the wind farm. This is specified in the licence as 2 fly-overs per month at low water for the six summer months (April to September) pre, during and post construction. Data collected prior to construction in 2002 and 2003 were to establish the baseline conditions against which the potential impacts of the wind farm could be measured. The licence states that the data collected during each fly-over should be copied to SMRU and a written report provided to the Licensing Authority at three monthly intervals.