2011-2012, EMU, Zone 3 - Dogger Bank, Tranche A Cable Route and Nearshore Benthic Ecology Characterisation Survey

The survey of the Dogger Bank Tranche A area and the associated export cable corridor was undertaken by Gardline Environmental Limited (Gardline) between 07/05/2011 and 30/01/2012. The specific objective of the project was to provide characterisation of benthic ecological conditions specific to the site within the Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm Zone (hereafter referred to as the Dogger Bank Zone) to inform the associated Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for projects located within this Tranche. This report and associated data fulfils this objective through characterisation of the benthic ecological conditions. However, no characterisation employing geophysical data has been undertaken, with this report detailing results up to and including a statistical interpretation of the data. Biotope classification has been undertaken, taking into account the results of both geophysical survey and the ground truthing, via grab samples and drop down camera work reported in this document (see Envision, 2012). The approach to survey design and sample location is described in Envision (2012). Details of survey methods and the field report have been completed by Gardline and are reported separately.