Reports

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  Full scale trial of high definition video survey for offshore windfarm sites

  COWRIE is pleased to anounce the release of the above report prepared by HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd. Following from an initial investigation into the use of High Definition HD video for aerial waterbird survey undertaken in August 2007, this paper presents the findings of a full scale trial of the technique. The trial was carried out at the Shell Flats area off Blackpool, and aimed to satisfy five objectives. The outcome of the trial was assessed against its objectives as follows: Demonstrate the ability of the technique to reliably survey the more sensitive species of waterbird, such as common scoter or red throated diver Compare the output of the technique with data from other surveys to provide insight into the performance of the technique To undertake a trial on a statistically significant scale, to demonstrate the consistency of the technique and the usefulness of the data Demonstrate the feasibility of an aeroplane rather than a helicopter as the survey vehicle To test the technical refinements proposed as a result of the first trial The report can be downloaded here

  June 2008
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  New report published on marine mammal behaviour

  Methodologies for measuring and assessing potential changes in marine mammal behaviour, abundance or distribution arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore windfarms (May 2008)COWRIE is pleased to announce the publication of the above report prepared by BioConsult SH.The report describes impacts from offshore windfarms on marine mammals and defines the spatial and temporal scope of investigations in order to detect these impacts. The report reviews the standard methods used in studies on marine mammals and the statistical power of line transect surveys using aircrafts and ships and Static Acoustic Monitoring using T-PODs is analysed from datasets obtained in German studies.The full report can be downloaded here.A review of this report will take place over the next three months until the end of August 2008. To review and leave feedback on this report, please download the report review form here and return to the COWRIE Secretariat (cowrie@naturebureau.co.uk)

  May 2008
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  Guidance for Assessment of Cumulative Impacts on the Historic Environment from Offshore Renewable Energy

  COWRIE is pleased to announce the release of the above guidance document prepared by Oxford Archaeology.The development of offshore renewable energy to generate electricity is one of the key strategies being used by the UK Government to address the twin concerns of climate change and the need to secure energy supplies for the future. Implementation of the programme is underway for offshore windfarms and wave energy. Oxford Archaeology, supported by George Lambrick Archaeology and Heritage Consultancy, was commissioned by COWRIE Ltd to produce guidance on the assessment of cumulative impacts on the historic environment arising from offshore renewable energy projects.The guidance applies to all areas which are likely to be affected by an offshore energy development, thus covering onshore as well as the coastal and marine environments. The marine environment affected by offshore energy schemes comprises UK territorial waters and the Renewable Energy Zones, which have been identified beyond that limit. The guidance is intended to assist developers of offshore renewable energy installations, environmental consultants from all disciplines, historic environment contractors, industry regulators and other authorities, including historic environment curators at national and local level, and the public.The report can be downloaded here

  January 2008
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  Measurement and interpretation of underwater noise during construction and operation of offshore windfarms in UK waters

  COWRIE are pleased to anounce the release of the above report prepared by SubAcoustech.  Previous reports have established that pile driving during windfarm construction creates high levels of underwater noise. Injury of marine species could be caused by the pile driving noise at distances of the order of 100 metres, and behavioural effects at ranges of the order of 10 kilometres or more. To further document the noise levels created during pile driving, further measurements are presented herein, taken during pile driving on five windfarms, at North Hoyle, Scroby Sands, Kentish Flats, Barrow and Burbo Bank.  Download the full report here  

  December 2007
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  Further use of aerial surveys to detect bird displacement by offshore windfarms

  COWRIE is pleased to announce the release of the above report prepared by BTO.Offshore windfarms are likely to become one of Europe's most extensive technical interventions in marine habitats. The areas in which windfarms are located often coincide with areas favoured by large concentrations of seabirds. The UK Government has a legal obligation to monitor the impact windfarms might have on seabirds.This report follows a previous report commissioned by COWRIE (Maclean et al. 2006), in which the extent to which BERR (formally DTI) aerial survey protocol allows changes in bird numbers to be detected, was examined using power analysis. Changes in bird numbers can be hard to detect due to natural fluctuations in bird numbers. Power analysis allows a statistical assessment to be made of the probability that such changes could be distinguished from background fluctuations. The report can be downloaded here

  November 2007