# Content

Species:
particularly: North Sea: Red-throated diver, Black-throated diver, Baltic Sea: Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter


Species:
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina)


Remarks:
The construction of wind energy plants may result in substantial interferences with birds. This applies to both local birds, living at sea as well as waterfowl and terrestrial birds, which regularly cross the sea. 
Birds are potentially endangered by offshore wind energy plants due to:
- danger of colliding with turbines (bird strike),
- short term loss of habitat during construction and or servicing of the plants,
- long term loss of habitat because of displacement (frightening away) of bird by wind energy plants,
- barrier effects on migrants,
- disruption of ecologically linked units of stationary birds.
In order to estimate the potential conflicts between the separate parameters, it is essential to know the spatial and temporal distribution of birds as well as details of their general behaviour (migration, foraging, weather) and the behaviour in relation to offshore wind energy plants, the construction and servicing vessels (fleeing distance, avoidance manoeuvres, consequences of lighting, collision risk).
(for details see report, page 46-188).


Remarks:
It is assumed that the dermersal fish fauna will be affected by construction works in the short and medium term, particularly by the dislodging of sediment. If there are any impacts due to the noise is not yet clear.
There are some indications that the wind farms could attract fishes, and that therfore the abundance of some species could increase. 
There is no clear evidence of the effects of electromagnetism and temperature increase near the cables on fish.
Monopiles appear to be the most appropriate construction.


Subject:
other: fauna (mammals, fish, invertebrates)

Remarks:
A main chapter of the report refers to acoustic noise.
Generally it is necessary to distinguish between noise emissions during construction (ramming) and noise emissions caused by wind farm operations.
Particularly impacts on marine mammals by construction noise are possible. 
A working hypothesis describing the limits of the permissible acoustic exposure in the marine environment due to the construction of wind turbines could be set at 182 dB re 1 µPa (could change in the light of new information). The application of such a hypothetical limit can only take place by considering all possible measures to avoid and/or reduce acoustic consequences.
During construction it has to be taken into consideration:
- maintanace of closed seasons,
- measures to diminish noise (e.g. bubble curtain),
- gradual increase of acoustic noise emissions to maximum levels during ramming,
- acoustic deterrent measures (e.g. pinger),
- acoustic surveillance,
- visual surveillance.
For details see report, page 189-287.


Remarks:
A main chapter of the report refers to collision risks of ships with wind energy plants and the danger of pollution in coastal regions..
Especially the intensity of traffic in the German EEZ and methods to assess collision risks were discussed.
For details see report, page 288-391.


Remarks:
It is assumed that the benthic communities will be affected by the construction of wind energy plants in the short and medium term, particularly by the dislodging of sediments. 
If there are any impacts due to the noise is not yet clear.
During operation of the plants epifauna will settle on the piles, which constitute an artificial substrate. This will result in an increase in the number of species and abundance perhaps even rare species of hard substrate colonizers, particularly in areas with soft bottom. To what extend the colonization of the piles will affect the soft-bottom communities is currently not known.
The exclusion of fishing from the planned wind energy parks will have an effect on the benthic communities in the area. This could result in an increase of long-lived fragile benhic species in the following years. 
There is no clear evidence of the effects of electromagnetism and temperature increase near the cables on the benthos.
Monopiles appear to be the most appropriate construction.


Remarks:
Proposals for environmental criteria which could be used for identification of areas suitable for offshore wind farms, e.g.: amount of species; density; protection status; sensitivity; endangering; migration routes; spawning grounds etc.


Remarks:
Proposals for environmental criteria which could be used for identification of areas suitable for offshore wind farms, e.g.:  Continuity of appearance, density, contribution to regional/national population, amount of calfs, hotspots, periods with sensitive behaviour in the area etc.


Remarks:
Proposals for environmental criteria which could be used for identification of areas suitable for offshore wind farms: 
referring to visual intrusion: a minimum distance from the coast.


Remarks:
Proposals for environmental criteria which could be used for identification of areas suitable for offshore wind farms: referring to water layer structure in the Baltic Sea: 
currents; composition; hydrology etc.


Remarks:
Proposals for environmental criteria which could be used for identification of areas suitable for offshore wind farms, e.g.:  amount and kind of species; rarity; protection status; endangering; biomass; functional importance of the benthos community etc.


Remarks:
One of the presented projects at the conference studied the impact on seabirds with reference to the Tuno Knob wind park/ Denmark.


Species:
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)


Species:
e.g.: Gavia stellata; Gavia arctica; Morus bassanus; Larus minutus; Larus canus

Remarks:
-Gavia stellata and arctica in North Sea: 13700 individuals in winter and 8600 in summer mainly along the coastline. -'Basstoelpel' (Morus Bassanus) in North Sea: 1500 ind. in summer. - 'Zwergmoewe' (Larus minutus) in North Sea:1800 ind. in winter. - 'Sturmmoewe' (Larus canus) in North Sea: 58400 ind. in winter, etc.


Remarks:
- 77 kinds of macrozoobenthos on 'Kriegers Flak' with a density between 386 and 8875 ind/m²; - 69 kinds of macrozoobenthos on 'Westlichen Adlergrund' with a density between 750 and 21250 ind/m²; The populations in both sites contains endangered species. It is expected that the installation of an offshore wind park will have a negativ influence on the zoo- and phytobenthos.


Subject:
men (coastal inhabitants, tourists etc.)


Subject:
other: uses and interests in the German EEZ


Subject:
other: interactions and cumulative effects

Remarks:
Also possible interactions and cumulative effects are to take into consideration within the planning and licensing procedures.


Remarks:
Proposals for environmental criteria which could be used for identification of areas suitable for offshore wind farms, e.g.:  referring to collision risks: distance of shipping routes; accident risks; measures to prevent collisions.


Remarks:
Proposals for environmental criteria which could be used for identification of areas suitable for offshore wind farms, e.g.: 
Sea birds: Important Bird Areas; density; proportion of species to total population in German offshore area; endangering, rarity, sensitivity etc.
Migrating birds: migration corridors, protection status of species, rarety, engangering, sensitivity; proportion, distance from the coast etc.


changes of sediment structure result:
no measurable modelled influence on sediment transport; spill from dredging a very small impact in the immediate vicinity of the dredger and is well within the same order of magnitude as the normal variation

Remarks:
It is concluded that the erection of a wind power plant at Horns Rev will cause no measurable modelled influence on the environment with respect to hydrography and sediment transport.


change of hydrography result:
no measurable modelled influence on the hydrography; wave height will be recude less than 3.5% and the near shore wave climate will practically be unaffected. The current velocity will be reduced by 2% maximum


Species:
Phocoena phocoena, Phoca vitulina, Halichoerus grypus, Lagenorhynchus albirostris, Lagenorhynchus acutus, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Physeter macrocephalus, Globicephala melas, Orcinus orca

change of birth rate result:
western part of Horns Reef might be a breeding area

disturbance of special periods of life result:
harbour porpoises will be able to move to alternative feeding areas during the construction period

change of abundance result:
distribution of harbour porpoise in investigation area is linked to hydrography; high density area throughout the year over the eastern part of Horns Reef

stress result:
fast moving boats during construction will disturb the mammals

change of habitat result:
loss of habitat will constitute a very small portion of the high density area

Remarks:
The theoretical assumption of the impact study is that no changes will be detected on the occurrence of the harbour
porpoise neither during construction nor during operation of the windmill farm on Horns Reef. No assessment of the effects of windmills on marine mammels have yet been made.


Species:
divers, Eider, Common Scoter, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Guillemots, Razorbills

change of mortality rate result:
Species with a high reproductive output and a correspondingly low annual survival rate will be less sensitive to added mortality than species with a high annual survival rate and a low reproductive output. Most of the species occurring in the wind park area belong to the latter category. Flight altitude varies significantly between species (p.71), the assessment of collision risk during both day and night time is greatly hampered by the lack of fundamental knowledge of the behaviour of birds shown towards wind turbines and wind parks in general for the species in question.

disturbance of special periods of life result:
Bottom fauna foraging birds are not frequently counted; Cable laying is expected to disturb moulting birds

change of abundance result:
Study gives abundance of the above mentioned species (p.38)

change of habitat result:
habitat loss is expected negligible; Thus net habitat loss in the Horns Rev area is considered more likely to be the result of an avoidance effect than a result of direct habitat loss resulting from the turbine foundations.

Remarks:
It is concluded that the specific construction area of the projected wind park is of very limited significance for water- and seabirds judged by their overall distribution in the waters around Horns Rev even though Little Gull, Guillemot and Razorbill are on the red list. For the migrating birds, only the collision risk is considered. There seems, however, to be species-specific differences in the sensitivity of birds to wind turbines.


changes of sediment structure result:
The area of reclaimed sea bottom covered by establishing the wind farm, is expected to be less than 0.1% of the total area of the site

Remarks:
The area of reclaimed sea bottom covered by establishing the wind farm, is expected to be less than 0.1% of the total area of the site. It amounts to reclamation of an area with a potential biomass of benthic animals of approximately 600 kg.


Remarks:
An increased copper contamination of filter-feeding benthic animals can be expected as a result of the total annual discharge of 206 kg copper from the slip-rings in the wind turbines.


Remarks:
The mills may form a artificial reef and it is estimated they will attract other species of fish. The noise and magnetic fields from the mills is estimated not to influence animals.


Species:
dab, plaice, hooknose, whiting, dragonet, grey gurnard

Remarks:
the physically presence of the windmills is expected only have short term effect, sealife is expected to return to normal. The noise and magnetic fields from the mills is estimated not to influence animals.


Remarks:
The impact on current and sediment conditions in the area from establishing the wind farm will be very local and limited, in both the construction and production phases. No general
changes in the water quality of this area are thus expected.


Remarks:
A total of 186 fish distributed in 14 species were caught in this preliminary survey. The most predominant fish species in the catches were whiting and plaice. On the basis of 6
gillnets (=samples) an average of 22.7 and 3.3 whiting and plaice were caught with a variability of 80% and 35% respectively


Remarks:
The baseline survey has now been completed with one survey in September 2001 and one in March 2002, just before the construction of the wind farm was initiated.
Univariate and multivariate analysis of the catch data from the wind farm area and the reference area show no differences between wind farm area and reference area. Detials on each subject can be found in the technical reports referred to.


change of abundance result:
table with abundance on p.10. Expected abundance within the windfarm is calculated (p.17/18)

Remarks:
Based on the distribution of the most abundant bird species recorded during 13 aerial surveys, there were no indications that the wind farm area was of any particular importance to the birds’ exploitation of the Horns Rev area. If the birds avoid exploiting the wind farm area, this will affect a maximum of 1% of the study area. If the birds avoid the wind farm area the impact is estimated to affect less than 1% of the different species except divers of which 1.65% may be affected. Even if a very conservative 'worst possible case' scenario is assumed, with birds totally avoiding the wind farm area and the adjacent 4 km zone the impact is estimated to affect ca 11% of the common scoters, ca 10% of the gannets, 7-9% of the divers, alcids and velvet scoters, while the corresponding proportions of the remaining species will range within 0-6%.


Species:
divers, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Eider, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Razorbill

change of abundance result:
baseline abundance of bird species p.22.

stress result:
The overall numbers of all bird species recorded in the total study area during the period of construction did not deviate from the numbers recorded during the base-line years. Even though some species recorded within the wind farm area and the wind farm area +2 km and +4 km zones showed changes in their exploitation of these areas during the period of construction, statistical analyses did not find any consistent significant reductions in the observed bird numbers which indicate a disturbance effect from the construction activities.

Remarks:
The within-year variation recorded in the most abundant species during the base-line study did not show any major deviation from what could be expected from comparison with the seasonal occurrence of these species at Blåvandshuk 1963-1999.


disturbance of special periods of life result:
The reef as a whole, however, appears to function as an important foraging area (especially the northern side) and also as an important transit area for foraging trips further out in the North sea.

change of habitat result:
The wind park area is insignificant in size compared to the area used by the seals.


change of abundance result:
The data collected, indicate that harbour por-poises have been affected by the ramming operations both in terms of behaviour and abundance over a range of temporal and spatial scales, thus expanding the potential effects beyond what was suggested in the EIA.

Remarks:
In summary it is concluded that individual rammings had an effect on the acoustic behaviour of harbour porpoises on the reef, lasting up to 3-4 hours after end of each ramming operation. Furthermore there were more general effects on abundance and behaviour of the animals in the construction period. It is not clear, however, whether this change in behaviour is truly attributtable to the construction or whether it is related to overall temporal variation.


change of habitat result:
It was observed, that tagged seals moved across the reef also in the construction period. The seals spent significantly less than 1% of their time in the wind farm area; the area as such thus seems insignificant to the seals.

Remarks:
10 seals were equipped with satelite dive recorders. The resolution in positional information is not sufficiently high to allow for a detailed study of the effects of the construction phase on the tagged seals. It was observed however, that tagged seals moved across the reef also in the construction period.


Remarks:
Baseline study on benthos and seabed; The annexes describe the sediment characteristics.


Remarks:
Baseline study on benthos and seabed; The annexes describe the kind of species found and their abundance, the biomass and the size of mussels.


Remarks:
Both in the wind farm area as well in the reference area the values for sediment characteristics indicate sediments to be very homogeneous and well sorted. Especially in the shallow
part of the reference area, the fine sand is very well sorted, whereas a lower sorting index generally is found for coarser sand especially at wind turbine site M95. The general characteristic of the sediments is pure sand with an ignition loss of less than 1%.


change of abundance result:
Due to high sediment dynamics, the benthic community is expected to recover fast within
one year after possible disturbances from construction activities.

Remarks:
The fauna in the study area is very heterogeneous. The baseline survey has shown that there is no prior difference in benthos community structure related to the distance from the planned wind turbine foundations. The recommendation for a future monitoring program for benthos will only include sampling in the autumn carried out in parallel to an expected survey on fish.


Remarks:
No results. Statusreport of the baseline study


Remarks:
The results of the power analysis indicate that with the entire available POD data a change in the order of 25 % should be detectable with the data obtained in the baseline study. The addition of salinity data increased the power of the collected data by approximately 20 %. Including seasonal and weather patterns as deterministic effects may potentially reduce the residual variation and thereby improve the power of the data further. During the last part of the base line period, the results obtained have increased our confidence in successfully applying a monitoring programme based on combined hydrographic and acoustic stations and survey data.


Remarks:
No objects which require further investigation were found.


Remarks:
The wind farm area and the reference area are characterised by bottom conditions that are relatively
uniform with a sediment consisting of pure medium-grained sand with no organic matter. The particle sizes were found to be in the range of 228 µm to 426 µm with a median of 345 µm in the wind farm area. There is a tendency to more variation in the sediment structure in the reference area with a generally more coarse-grained sediment with a median particle size of 380 µm (range 198-478 µm). In the deeper part of the reference area the seabed is characterised by more coarse-grained sediments.


change of abundance result:
There seems to be a remarkably uniformity in the benthos community structure in respect of selected type species between the surveys in 1999 and 2001 which indicate that these species can be used as indicator organisms for environmental changes.

Remarks:
Previous studies in the Horns Rev area has revealed that the main characteristics of the faunal composition in the area can be described as an Ophelia borealis community, named after one of the characteristic and important marine bristle worms in the area. There seems to be a remarkably uniformity in the benthos community structure in respect of selected type species between the surveys in 1999 and 2001 which indicate that these species can be used as indicator organisms for environmental changes.


Remarks:
The field deployment of PODs revealed large spatial differences at even small scales. For all indicators there were large spatial variations between the four investigated areas, but also large spatial variations between stations within areas (~10 nautical miles apart). Indicators derived from PODs deployed simultaneously at the same station were not significantly different. The pages 56 and on give recommendations on how to use PODs for monitoring harbour porpoises.


Remarks:
No results. Progress report. Description of the program to study birds.


Remarks:
No results. Description of the baseline and monitoring program which will last till 2004. Status report.


Remarks:
No results. Progress memorandum on programme and time scedule.


Remarks:
Investigations of the bottom composition in the reference area in connection with the food resource studies appear to show that the sediment in this area is slightly coarser than in the wind farm area. There is, however, no immediate difference between the two areas in the amount of sediment dry matter and combustion loss. Closer examination of the sediment characteristics revealed that there is only a very
slight difference in the median grain size of the reference and wind farm areas. However, the sediments within the reference area at stations 3-5, which lie in the shallower water, are markedly coarser than at stations 1-2, which lie in the deeper area.


Remarks:
Baseline study and effect study on seals. Planning is given. The project has not yet been finished.


change of abundance result:
If the birds avoid the wind farm area the impact
is estimated to affect less than 1% of the
different species in the study area except divers where 1.58% may be affected (cf. Table 3).

change of habitat result:
If the birds avoid exploiting the wind farm area, this will affect a maximum of 1% of the study area.

Remarks:
Species and numbers recorded during the nine aerial surveys carried out between August 2000 and January 2002 are shown in Table 2. Bird species that are very difficult to separate during aerial surveys are grouped, while a few observations of migrating non-marine bird species
(e.g. shorebirds) are omitted. Based on the distribution of the most abundant bird species recorded during 16 aerial surveys performed during August 1999 - January 2002, there were no indications that the wind farm area was of any particular importance to the birds’ exploitation of the Horns Rev area. Of species foraging on sessile benthic fauna (eider and common scoter), only small numbers were observed at Horns Rev.


Remarks:
DK-027, Univariate and multivariate analysis of the catch data from the wind farm area and the reference area show no differences between these two areas.


Remarks:
Harbour porpoises: DK-021, Seals: DK-030


Remarks:
The programme for 2001 consists of a baseline description of the benthic fauna conditions in the wind farm area, and a description of the benthic fauna conditions in relation to the occurrence of potential food items for fish. See DK-018 and DK-019. Selected indicator species in the Horns Rev area seems to have a remarkable consistency in respect of relative abundance and relative biomass between different surveys, which might indicate that these species could be used as indicator organisms for environmental changes in relation to the establishment of wind turbines.


Remarks:
Analysis of the birds behaviour in the area shows that no species occured in larger numbers than expected. It was the same in distances from 2 to 4 km away from the area except 'Sortand' which occured more than expected.


change of habitat result:
The construction of the wind turbine park is not supposed to effect the sandeel population in the Horns Reef area because the impact area seems to constitute a small fraction of a larger area with sandeel habitat.


Remarks:
In both the control and impact area the weight fraction of Silt/clay + Very fine is smaller than 2% at all sample locations and thus clearly below the 6% limit above which sandeels would avoid the sediment (Figure 5; see chapt. 4.2 and Figure 8).


change of abundance result:
The most common species of shellfish on Horns Reef in both the Wind Turbine park and control area were brown shrimps (Crangon crangon) at an abundance of between 15,000 and 31,000 pr. km2. Syndosmya (Abra) alba a small bivalve was observed at an abundance of around 16,500 pr. km2 in the wind turbine park and around 2,500 in the control area. The clam (Spisula solida) were observed at an abundance of 1,300 pr. km2, which are much lower than observed in 1993, when the abundance were around 17,000 pr. km2. Potentially a high abundance of S. solida may appear in the future, but how soon and how large is difficult to predict from the data compiled in this report.


changes of sediment structure result:
it is calculated that digging in a period with south-westerly wind that does not exceed 10m/s will not violate the suspention limits

Remarks:
Violation of the above mentioned sedimentation limits will only be local around the digging facilities. The limit will only be overrun for less than 10% of the digging time. Even for longer periods with constant southern wind it is expected that the sedimentation will not be > 60 g/m2/day only very close to the site. The results of the simulation shows that the sediment will spread primarily to V and NNØ.


changes of sediment structure result:
The underlying part of the layer series is mainly silt holding layers and clay layers and with a limited occurence of layers containing organic matter. It has no commercial value for dredging

Remarks:
The underlying part of the layer series is mainly silt holding layers and clay layers and with a limited occurence of layers containing organic matter.


changes of sediment structure result:
A total of 90,000m3 of sea floor (gravel, sand, clay) is to be digged out. 24,000m3 is post glacial sediment and 66,000m3 is glacial sediment.

Remarks:
A total of 90,000m3 of sea floor (gravel, sand, clay) is to be digged out. 24,000m3 is post glacial sediment and 66,000m3 is glacial sediment.


change of abundance result:
Effects of the sediment spill on the bottom flora and fauna at 'Rødsand' is expected to be of local, short and minimum character, and without major effects.


change of abundance result:
It is estimated that the spill concerning the foundation of 'Nysted Havmøllepark'  will not bring any particular reduction of the fish population in the area, but certain limitations of fishing must be expected, during the construction period.

Remarks:
It is estimated that the spill concerning the foundation of 'Nysted Havmøllepark'  will not bring any particular reduction of the fish population in the area, but certain limitations of fishing must be expected, during the construction/working period.


Remarks:
Results from the two noise levels. Noise level 1: Source noise (70m height) = 103,0 dB, noise at seal colony = 6,6dB, noise at mid-sea marker = 31,5 dB. Noise level 2: Source noise (70m height) = 106,5dB, noise at seal colony = 10,1dB, noise at mid-sea marker = 35,0dB


Remarks:
12 anomalies have been investigated by NMU and concluded, not to be of historical importants.


Remarks:
It was concluded that the two objects wasn't of historical interest.


change of hydrography result:
Substantial reductions in wind speed can be found directly behind a turbine row. In 200 m distance the reductions are up to about 30%. The reductions decrease quickly with distance to the wind farm and at 1 km distance only up to 10% are found. Between two rows the wind speed reductions are small. They are generally increasing with distance, but up to 1 km distance not more than about 1% reduction is found.


change of abundance result:
The construction is not expected to have significant effects on the fish population

Remarks:
Some methods of fishing will be made impossible e.g. trawling.


change of habitat result:
baseline study to monitor expected change

Remarks:
The foundation of a measuring pole put up in 1996 was covered by a thick layer of biomass from surface to bottom. The biomass consisted mainly of blue clam with a variation in weight between 7-10kg/m2/wet. Bottom fauna investigations within the same scope as in 1999 shows changes in abundance and biomass at 50%, a detection of changes at 25% will need an investigation at a larger scale. Changes in abundance and biomass of blue clam at 25% can be detected at investigations in the same scope as in 1999. Changes in blue clam's condition at 10% can be showed by a small investigation scope.


Remarks:
The results of the measurings and calculations are shown in schemas on page 14 - 25. This report does not describe the effects of this expected noise on the environmental subjects.


disturbance of special periods of life result:
It is estimated that porpoise will move to the neighbour areas, but might still breed in the windfarm area.

change of habitat result:
It is estimated that porpoise will move to the neighbour areas, but might still breed in the windfarm area.

Remarks:
It seems that the construction area is just as used by the porpoise as any of the surrounding areas.


Remarks:
On page 44 - 50 an opinion about the possible effects on birds are given, and what species might be affected. Report contains background data for EIA.


other result:
The construction of the farm is expected to decrease the opportunity for several forms of fishing, exspecially fishing with net on the bottom.


Remarks:
In table 1, 2 and 3 the total amount of fish cought are shown along side with the amount of individual species caught ordered by method of catching, area and period of time. Results of the chosen species shows, that the variation between doublefishing varies from almost nothing to be 20% of the vaiation between replicats (the variation in space/area), that is, the variation in space/area is relativly higher than the variation from day to day.


change of hydrography result:
Changes in stoptime, salinity and current pattern, sediment transport and mixing in the water column has as shown in chapter 3.3 to 3.6 proved to be minimal and it can be assumed that the influence on the quality of the water surrounding the windmill foundations will be to a minimum.

Remarks:
The oxygen concentration in the area is not at a critical level because of good currents and low water depth. The mixing in the area will be 4% max (less in practise).


decrease of recreational qualities result:
It is assumed that during the construction work the windmill area will be seized for 6 month, during this time no recreative purposes of the area will be possible or just heavily reduced.


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
There have been found the following return periods for the two types: Returnperiod Windpark = Direct hit 300 mio years. Drifting ship 10 years. Returnperiod. Trafo-station = Direct hit Not possible. Drifting ship 100000 years.

Remarks:
The collision freqencies are split in two types of collisions. One for a direct hit and one for drifting ships.


changes of sediment structure result:
It is concluded that no potential resources is seized/destroyed.

Remarks:
It is concluded that no potential resources is seized/destroyed.


change of abundance result:
No investigations which are able to show in detail what effects the construction of a wind farm this size will have on the population of porpoise, have been undertaken. It is assumed that the construction activities only will affect individual porpois'. The operation of the windfarm is assumed to be of less disturbance and have an insignificant effect on the porpoise population.


Species:
flounder, plaice, dab, turbot, cod, whiting, silver eel, eelpout, two-spotted goby and sand goby, small and great sandeel, short-spined sea scorpion and lumpsucker

change of mortality rate result:
It is not likely, that the noise from pile-driving will produce any other physical injuries to any of the fish species.

damage of hearing ability result:
It is not likely, that the hearing of flounder, plaice, dab, turbot, sea scorpions, eelpout, sandeels and gobies, cod, whiting and silver eel will be harmed by the noise.

change of habitat result:
Herring and sprat will probably show escape response as a result of pile-driving.

Remarks:
Different species of fish have different hearing abilities and the reason for this is mainly differences in the physiology. In the frequency range from 1 Hz and 4 Hz, the average measured peak noise levels during the pile-driving impacts did not exceed the ambient (background) levels. For
frequencies above 4 Hz the noise from the pile-driving impacts could clearly be seen. In the frequency range from 4 Hz to 100 Hz the sound pressure generally was at a level
from 120 dB to 150 dB depending on both the frequency and the distance from the sound source.


Species:
Atlantic Cod, Brisling, Dab, Eelpout, Flounder, Great sandeel, Herring, Lumpsucker, Plaice, Sand goby, Short-spined sea scorpion, Silver eel, Small sandeel, Turbot, Two-spotted goby, Whiting

change of mortality rate result:
The suspended sediment concentrations resulting from the construction work are evaluated to be so small that they are unlikely to have a lethal impact upon juvenile and adult fish.

stress result:
It is likely, though, that the construction activities, including the sediment spill, will stress the fish to such an extent that juvenile and adult fish will exhibit avoidance reactions.

Remarks:
When comparing the impact of noise with the impact of sediment on the different life stages and fish species found at Rødsand, it is evaluated that the impact of sediment spill from construction type 1 will be more detrimental to the fish, than the impact of noise caused by construction type 4.


Remarks:
The seabed consists predominantly of sand. Stones are scattered and the coverage is below 25% at the wind farm and along the reference transects.


Remarks:
Epi-benthic communities of common mussels and brown filamentous algae attached to the mussels were developed in the southern part of the wind farm and along transects west of the wind farm. Common mussels appear to be scarce in the lagoon. The bottom vegetation consists of populations of eelgrass with a low shoot density in innermost section of the cable connection and attached algae on stones along the middle section of the alignment. Detached algae were abundant in the interior part of the lagoon.


Remarks:
A seabed consisting of pure sand with sand ripples dominated along the four pound nets. At most stations no stones were observed. However, detached algae may cover minor stones. At some stations especially along pound nets 2 and 4 a few small stones and/or shells were scattered in the sand. Only at pound net 2, stations 2 to 11, significant amounts of gravel and small stones were seen mixed with the sand.


Remarks:
Common mussels (Mytilus edulis) were observed, but were only abundant at station 11 at pound net 2. At all other stations common mussels were absent or few and scattered. At all stations detached and decaying filamentous macro algae were found. At 75% of the stations the algae were found between the sand ripples and covered <5%
of the bottom, while at some stations along pound nets 1, 2 and 4 the algae covered 5- 25% of the bottom. At two stations along pound net 2 and four stations along pound net 4 larger occurrences of detached algae were observed covering 25 to 100 % of the seabed. At all stations the detached algae were lying loosely on the bottom. The algae were re-suspended and moved along the seabed as the frame of the photosampler approached the bottom. This indicates a dynamic and temporary character of the algae.


Remarks:
Although bird migration was partially deflected and concentrated along Gedser Odde, the radar data presented here showed that a substantial proportion of both the waterfowl and the terrestrial migrants crossed the wind farm area during their autumn migration. Visibility may play a
significant role with regard to future potential responses of the birds migrating towards the wind farm. In one out of three
social foraging events, several thousand cormorants moved through the wind farm area (see Fig. 27), a situation that could be critical in terms of risk of collisions with the turbines. The results of the surveillance of birds are shown in schemas on page 17 to 34. A method for estimating the frequency of collision is suggested.


change of abundance result:
The track-lines together with the home range data of the two species suggests, that harbour seals are more vulnerable to disturbances in a defined local area compared to grey seals. Both harbour seals stayed within the Rødsand area, whereas the three grey seals frequented a number of other areas including localities in Germany and Sweden.

Remarks:
In conclusion satellite telemetry has proven successful on a number of items including migrations, habitat use, home range identification as well as dive behaviour. However, additional tagging, longer survey periods as well as additional methods may add information with a higher spatial resolution on the local scale. Camera based recordings either at the haul-out site or mounted on the seals may provide additional information on reactions to disturbances.


Remarks:
The PODs deployed in Kerteminde were used to obtain ínformation on how harbour porpoise activity is  incapsulated in the POD signal. The data recorded in Kerteminde was used to develop indicators that can be used in a statistical test for analysing the impact of offshore wind farms on harbour porpoises. Rødsand area is used by harbour porpoises throughout the year but the importance of the area to harbour porpoises is not known.


Species:
cormorants, redbreasted merganser, moulting mute swans

Remarks:
The results of the surveillance are shown in schemas and figures from page 20 to 40.


Remarks:
The results from the calibration experiment are summarised in Figure 15. Details of the results are given in Appendix C.


Species:
whiting, dab, turbot, plaice and flounder

Remarks:
Cod and turbot are caught by net in effectively all of the area under study south of Rødsand, and there are considerable fishing activities in the area of the proposed wind farm itself. The wind farm site amounts to approximately 15% of the total area for which catches are recorded. The establishment of the wind farm in its current structure will reduce the opportunities for net fishing in and around the immediate area during the construction phase as a result of the occupation of the area and the laying of cables. Trawling does not take place in the site itself and will probably be marginally affected only during the construction phase. The establishment of the wind farm will reduce the opportunities for commercial fishing in and around the immediate area during the operational phase as a result of the occupation of the area and the laying of cables. The extent to which the catch will be negatively or positively affected by the establishment of the wind farm during the operational phase cannot currently be determined.


changes of sediment structure result:
The resistance from the foundations will influence the current and wave conditions in the windmill park, but the diverted impact on erosion/deposit of the sediment is expected to be very small.

Remarks:
On the basis of the photo sampling results between 75-100% of the windmill parks area and the bottom along the reference transects is estimated to be covered by sand. Stones of various sizes have been observed in the entire park, but the coverage is mostly <5% (Appendix 1.1). Large stone concentrations covering 5-25% of the bottom are observed in the south-eastern part of the park as
well as in the area closest to the coastal part of transect 2 /3/. Based on the geophysical measurements, 427 stones with a size between 1m and 2m were identified inside the investigated area of the park.


change of abundance result:
From a conservative estimate, the construction work in the windmill park is expected to give rise to the destruction of approx. 250 t common mussels and approx. 4 t dry weight from benthic fauna. This is equal to 1.1% of the total biomass of common mussels and benthic fauna in the park. Potential impact is the development of a fouling community of plants and animals on the windmill foundations and stone protection (reef effect).


change of abundance result:
A fouling community of common mussels, barnacles and macroalgae have developed on turbines and the transformer station on concrete foundations and stones introduced in the wind farm in late 2002 and early 2003. The fouling community was not affected by the age of the substrates during the first reproductive season in 2003. During construction activities biomass of macroalgae on the shaft and stones was reduced at the transformer station compared to the turbines.


Species:
Baltic herring, brisling, Atlantic cod, small sandeel, great sandeel, eelpout, short spined sea scorpion, turbot and flounder

Remarks:
The catch data of all selected indicator species in the baseline study of fry suffer from lack of variance homogeneity both in consideration to number and biomass and by that, it was not possible to show effects of interaction to established temporal and/or spatial differences. Though, especially eelpout but also two spotted goby indicated effect of interaction. A power analysis for species caught in at least 50 % of the samples revealed that, only the eelpout fulfilled the 50% criterion. For this species, statistical reliable results can be achieved if a minimum of 16 stations per area is applied.


change of abundance result:
Based on the aerial surveys an estimated stock of about 200 harbour seals used the Rødsand area during the moult in late August 2002. No significant change

change of habitat result:
Rødsand seal sanctuary is the most important haulout site in southwestern Baltic during summer while it is less important to the harbour seals during February-March. However, two live grey seal pups were observed in late February-early March, which indicate that the sanctuary is very important to grey seals during spring.

Remarks:
Because of the seal epidemic it has not been possible to evaluate the effect of the construction work so far. However, this will be done after the construction work ends in fall 2003. Based on the aerial surveys an estimated stock of about 200 harbour seals used the Rødsand area during the moult in late August 2002.


change of habitat result:
Grey seals appear to have alternative feeding and haul out sites for the major portion of the year. Therefore disturbances near Rødsand, especially during late winter and early spring, when the grey seals probably leave the area to breed and mate in the Baltic Sea, will have higher impact on harbour seals compared to grey seals.

Remarks:
Harbour seals remained within 50 km of the tagging site year-round, while grey seals made extensive movements up to 850 km away from Rødsand to Sweden, Germany, Estonia and Latvia. The average Kernel home range (95% fixed Kernel) of the harbour seals was 394 km2 ranging from 237 to 709 km2, whereas the corresponding Kernel home range was 130 times larger for grey seals namely 51,221 km2 ranging from 4,160 to 119,583 km2. All the tagged harbour seals stayed year-round in the Rødsand area, whereas, the grey seals on average only remained in the area for 17.8% (range: 2.6 - 58.3%) of the monitored time. Rødsand locality is more important for harbour seals than for grey seals.


Remarks:
On 36 % of the days from April through August there is more than 20 seals on land at the time. This number could be higher as not all pictures from May through July have been transferred to NERI and analysed yet. In September there is only a maximum of 10 to 20 seals on land. From October to January there is many days without seals, but 12 on those days with seals on land the number tends to exceed 20 seals. From February to March there has only been few days with seals present and only 2 - 10 seals at the time.


change of mortality rate result:
Evidently, not all eiders, which pass through the wind farm area, are at risk of colliding with the turbine wings. During the EIA-study at Rødsand, measurement on flight altitudes showed that all eiders migrated at altitudes lower than 110 m (maximum altitude of wings on turbines at Rødsand). The proportion of migrating eiders within the altitude range of the wings (30-110 m) was highly variable (10-53% land) and depended on wind conditions and season.

change of abundance result:
Despite the only four surveys, compared to seven in 2001, the number of observed longtailed duck, eider, common scoter and red-breasted merganser was strikingly similar between the two years of investigations

Remarks:
Results are shown in figures from page 23 and forth. In autumn 2002 it was confirmed that the orientation of waterfowl was robust to side wind effects in contrast to terrestrial bird species in 2001.


Remarks:
All the nets were filled with annual macroalgae (Pilayella spp. and Ectocarpus spp.) Net A caught 3 turbot (P. maxima) outside the turbine area. Net B did not catch anything and Net C caught 1 turbot inside the turbine area. Two of the fishes were undersized. As a consequence of the large amount of annual algae and the sparse catch of turbot, it was decided to cancel further fish investigations at that point in time.


change of abundance result:
Although the overall species composition of migratory birds did not change in spring 2004, there were some changes in abundance which should be considered in relation to the wind farm.

change of habitat result:
Gulls could be attracted by wind tubines -boat activit and the foundations may provide potential roost sites.

Remarks:
Migratory waterbirds (mainly eiders) seems to avoid the wind farm area and use alternative migration routes north and south of the wind farm.


Species:
Common Scoters, Herring
Gull, Divers, Red-necked Grebe, Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Eiders, Great Black-backed Gull,Little Gull, Arctic/Common Tern and Guillemot/Razorbill,

change of habitat result:
The change in gull and tern preference for the
wind farm area is likely to have been caused by
the presence of the wind turbines and the associated
boat activity in the area.


changes in migration result:
adjustment of flight direction parallel to turbine

Remarks:
Most birds actually entered the wind farm seemed to adjust flight orientation to pass through the wind farm in parallel with turbine row and do not cross over several rows. A less accurate adjustment of flight orientation was recorded during night time


change of mortality rate result:
no collisions observed in the reporting period

changes in migration result:
adjustment of flight to the turbine rows

Remarks:
As recorded during autumn 2003, birds that
passed in between turbines during daytime generally
tended to make more precise adjustment
in relation to the orientation of turbine rows than
birds that passed in between turbines during
night


change of abundance result:
Only three species occured with any abundance in the wind farm area (eider, long-tailed duck and herring gull)

Remarks:
The majority of waterbirds avoided the area of the wind farm (as in the base-line period)


change of abundance result:
The area southeast of the wind farm, previously used by Common Scoter and particularly in February
through April, became less attractive to the species.

stress result:
The change in gull and tern preference for the wind farm area is likely to have been caused by the presence of the wind turbines and the associated
boat activity in the area.

change of habitat result:
The area southeast of the wind farm, previously used by Common Scoter and particularly in February
through April, became less attractive to the species.

other result:
hanges in the distribution
of food resources in the study area

Remarks:
Simultaneously areas west and north of the wind farm, with previously very few Common Scoters, supported greater numbers of this species, while only very few birds were recorded within the wind farm.


change of abundance result:
many individuals take avoidance action and fy around the pak

change of habitat result:
possibility of habitat loss for staging and wintering birds

Remarks:
Changes in migration are depending on the season and weather conditions. Standard deviation of migration orientation increased significantly. There is a need of further investigation, because the data from one-year observation is assumed to be insufficient for final conclusions


Species:
Divers Gavia spp, Grebes Podiceps spp., Gannet sula basanus, Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Geese Anse sp., Common Scoter Melanitta nigra, Gulls and Terns Larus, Rissa, Sterna spp., Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

Remarks:
Birds approaching the wind farm adjusted
their flight direction and those that did pass
through the wind farm did so along the open corridors
between turbine rows, thereby further reducing
the potential collision risk.


decrease of recreational qualities result:
not noted one year after Horns Rev construction

other result:
decrease of business opportunities for local community


Remarks:
There was no changes in the overall disribution of the fish as well as in the direction of migration before and after of starting operation of the cable. Only in case f eel and brisling the change of distribution was noted.


change of mortality rate result:
not evaluated in the report, but concluded, that it may contribute to observed changes in densities

Remarks:
There is no indication that the construction of the wind farm has negative impact on the sandeels on the area


Remarks:
From the hydroacoustic results, no or very little effect from the wind farm or from hard bottom substrates was found on the fish densities at Horns Rev Wind Farm at the time of the survey.


Remarks:
Only preliminary results available, not showing significant changes from the previous year results


change of abundance result:
No statistical change in sightning rates inside the wind farm area in comparison to baseline

stress result:
higher levels of porpoise activity during construction, partial return to baseline levels in 2003


changes of sediment structure result:
The decline of the number of species was caused

change of habitat result:
new habitats were introduced (hard bottom substrates)


changes of sediment structure result:
The median sediment grain size increased, but it is unlikely that the wind farm construction caused this effect


change of habitat result:
A number of benthic invertebrates have been “newly” recorded in the Horns
Rev area while changes in community structures have been detected

Remarks:
Great variations were found between surveys in 2003 and 2004 and in spatial and temporal distribution between species and communities. In general, community structure between sites and sample locations were statistically
different. Distinct vertical zonations and changes were observed between 2003 and 2004 in the faunal
assemblages on the mono-piles.Compared to 2003, a considerably higher abundance of juvenile edible crabs were found on the mono-piles and larger individuals were often observed in caves and crevices among stones
in the scour protection in 2004. 14 epifaunal species were newly recorded hard bottom fauna at Horns Rev.


Remarks:
Comparisons with fish fauna on shipwrecks in other parts of the North Sea showed that there
was great similarity in the species observed including benthic species. Also, there was no indication
that noise or vibrations from the turbine generators had any impact on the fish community
at Horns Rev.
By comparing the average biomass of the infauna on the sand bottom between the turbines
(Bech et al. 2004), it was estimated that the availability of food for fish in the area has increased
by a factor of approximately 60 after the introduction of the hard substratum at Horns
Rev. Therefore, an increase of fish production related to the presence of the hard substratum is
considered possible. Precautions must be drawn to the estimation of the comparable factor for
biomass due to the high variability in the presence of larger soft bottom species.


changes of sediment structure result:
The particle size of the sediments on the wind farm area increased significantly


change of habitat result:
New species associated with hard substrate habitats were introduced


change of abundance result:
A significant decrease of harbour porpoise activity was found as a result of the construction work

stress result:
Most harbour porpoises therefore avoided the area during the construction probably due to noise disturbance


changes of sediment structure result:
Within the area of the wind turbine park sandeel abundance might be affected if the surface sediment changes due
to the construction of the wind turbine park

Remarks:
Sandeel abundance might be affected if the abundance of sandeel predators increases in the impact area after the wind turbine park has been build (the so called artificial reef effect).


changes of sediment structure result:
The associated sediment spill of the extra earthwork and re-suspension of sediment caused by the propellers of the ships may have hampered the settling and growth of organisms and reduced the biomass and abundance of the fouling community in the first reproductive season.


stress result:
A significant general decrease in the echolocation activity was found
in the wind farm area under the construction.

Remarks:
It is concluded that the construction of the Nysted Offshore Wind Farm has created a measurable, temporary decrease in the activity of harbour porpoises in the construction area


change of abundance result:
There was no change in the disturbance rate during the construction period,
probably due to a regulation on boats to pass the sanctuary in adequate distance

stress result:
Significant decrease in the number of seal on land during the ramming periods
during the ramming periods

Remarks:
The construction work on the wind farm situated approximately 4 km away from the Rødsand seal sanctuary had in general no or little effect on the presence of seals.


Remarks:
No obvious negative effect has been seen, but only prleiminary data were available


change of abundance result:
There was no significant shift in proportion of seals
at Rødsand relative to the other localities from baseline to construction.

Remarks:
Based on the aerial surveys there are no indications that the construction activities may have affected the local Rødsand population differently from other population fluctuations in the southwestern Baltic Sea.


Species:
Among others: sea gulls, migratory birds.

Remarks:
* Some effect on one bird species ('Stern') is to be expected. Mitigation measures are advised.


other result:
aviation: no impact expected. Men: no impact expected


Remarks:
Local change geological structure; little effect of cabling; no danger of pollution; obstruction global morfodynamics negligible; only local distrcubances and effects, on longer term not yet known


Remarks:
No negative effects to be expected. Temporary turbidity due to erosion protection. Negligible effect on hydrodynamics. Negligible and temporary turbidity while cabling.


Remarks:
No effects on gloibal and local climate (wind regime) during construction. Negligible effects on local wind climate to be expected. Temperature change due to cables only little when buried. Possible effects on benthos, though unknown.


Remarks:
non-negligible temporary and local noise above and under water


Remarks:
during construction: 0,8% loss of benthic habitat; during exploitation: non-natural biotoop and more/other biodiversity; during decommissioning: temporrary disturbance and negligible loss of habitat


Remarks:
during construction: temporary distusrbance due to noise; during exploitation: little negative impact on 13 bird species and negligible effects on 4 bird species


Remarks:
during construction: temporary disturbance; during exploitation: little positive effect increase fish and bethoc life;


Remarks:
negligible risk of ship collision and pollution due to ship collisions


Remarks:
Assessment: no significant effect on hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics and morfology. Measures to prevent erosion (erosion protection) are obliged.


Remarks:
Assessment: no significant effect of noise on the marine environment (fauna) to be expected. Though uncertainty about noise during exploitation phase. Monitoring obliged.


Remarks:
Assessment: significance of possible effects cannot be assessed. Though risks are considered acceptable, when safety measures are taken.


Remarks:
Assessment: more research needed on sustainability of specific cable protection measures in salt water.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects on benthos, fish and biodiversity as a whole is considered acceptable


Remarks:
Assessment: disturbance is considered severe but termporary in construction phase. Impact is considered acceptable though. Suggestion of monitoring on purpoises.


Remarks:
Assessment: impact on avifauna is considered acceptable. Monitoring is suggested.


Remarks:
Assessment: electromagnetism is considered to be acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessments: possible effects of human activities negligible. Possible positive effects on ecosystem and increase of fish stock


Remarks:
Visual intrusion project C-Power not acceptable. Visual intrusion project Electrabel acceptable. Cumulative for both is unacceptable.


Remarks:
No significant and only local effects expected on morphology and sediment structure.


Remarks:
Effects of turbidity only temporary and local. No pollution expected.


Remarks:
Effects on benthos: during construction little negative impact, during exploitation yet unknown.


Remarks:
Effects expected to be negligible, though further reseach recommended.


Remarks:
Effects are considered negative for some bird species.


Remarks:
Collision risks for ship considered negligibly small, though more research is recommenden


Remarks:
Assessment: effects on hydrodynamics and sedimentology acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: negative impact expected from noise and vibration, especially during contruction.


Remarks:
Assessment: risks of ship collisions unacceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects on benthos acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects/impacts on birds unacceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects on sea mammals acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects on hydrodyunaics and sedimentology acceptable, though erosion protection obliged.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects of noise and vibration acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessments: expected effects largely unknown, but considered acceptable for this project. Monitoring obliged.


Remarks:
Assessment: impact on sea mammals acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: collision risks ships and safety acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: visual intrusion on beach acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects on hydrodynamics and sedimtnology acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: effects only during construction and acceptable.


Remarks:
Assessment: acceptable, though monitoring of materials conditions recommended.


Remarks:
Assessment: no effects on fauna due to electromagnetism to be expected.


change of mortality rate result:
research on collision risks in different light conditions is needed. Collision risk is reduced, because of avoidance of windfarm area.

change of habitat result:
reduced noctural flight activity near windfarm. Area with effect on flight movements is 1500m outside windfarm. Unpredictable whether this area is equally large around a larger windfarm.

Remarks:
Reduced noctural flight activity near the wind farm and low number of flight movements through the windfarm indicate that the windfarm might function as a flight barrier. Collision risk is reduced, because of avoidance of windfarm area.


Remarks:
MOVEMENTS: Non-seabirds: 1. migrition following the castline; 2. flying towards the coast from inland; 3. coming from the west, north or north-east. Seabirds: migrations at a distance of appr. 3 km from the coast. ALTITUDE: Non-seabirds: migrations at all levels of altitude; seabirds: fly low over water or at a heigth of maximum 150m.


change of mortality rate result:
amount of collisions a year: less than 0.1% of total of migration birds. Depending on location of offshore windpark

other result:
Disturbance expected at a noise level of 60dB, but this level is only measured on a small distance from the turbines.

Remarks:
More research is needed to collect data on seabirds. The calculation of the collision rate will be more reliable than it is now. Effects of windpark on birds depend on hight of poles, rotor diameter, distance between turbines (preferrably 1000 to 2000m), total area of windpark, color, placing of the poles. Risks for birds, caused by construction and maintenance traffic is estimated as minimal.


change of abundance result:
no great changes expected. Change depends on fishery

change of hydrography result:
change in turbulence might influence fish

Remarks:
Not enough data available for reliable prediction of effects of noise on under water organisms


change of abundance result:
possible attraction of more marine mammals caused by more fish


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
negligible; collision chance: 0.0894 collisions a year

decrease of recreational qualities result:
visibility depends on: bend of the earth, perspective, hazyness, meteorological sight, seasonal effects, hight of observer, clarity; The turbines of described windpark will less than 15% of the time be visible.


change of hydrography result:
effects only noticeable close to the poles


change of abundance result:
possible positive effect because of reduced disturbance by fishery and increase of biodiversity because of existance of new community on the poles.

change of hydrography result:
change in turbulence might influence macrobenthos

Remarks:
On the poles a community is expected to grow, totally different from the community on the bottom


change of mortality rate result:
thousand to thousands of  mortalities extra per year

Remarks:
Collision change is 0,14 %; The reliability of these calculations is low. The farther from the coast line and the smaller the area of the wind park, the smaller the barrier and scaring effects.


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
little chance: once in 1823 years and once in 23169 years


Remarks:
All changes are within the natural dynamics of the sea.


change of abundance result:
positive effect: extra surface for macrobenthos to live on.


change of mortality rate result:
collision rate for migrating bird up to several thousands and autum and spring


Remarks:
Lack of data on the sensibility of fish to noise.


Remarks:
Lack of data on the sensibility of marine mammals to noise.


decrease of recreational qualities result:
94% of interviewed persons is positive about NSW

Remarks:
The noise of the wind farm on the beach won't be louder than the background noise.


change of hydrography result:
Almost all hydrodynamical changes are temporary and local

changes of sediment structure result:
Almost all morfological changes are temporary and local


Species:
Little gulls, red- throated divers,guillemot, manx shearwater, razorbill, common tern, kittiwake, gannet and fulmar.

Remarks:
Previous studies considered the main potential impact on birds relate to collision, avoidance and habitat loss.  Three of the five most significatn species in the study area, the manx shearwater, guillemot and razorbill are almost entirely restricted to the water surface or the air space well below 40m I.e the lowest point of the turbines.  During the July off-peak, the birds are largely filghtless.  Little gulls normally feed low over the water but may fly highter when commuting between feeding and roosting areas.  The red-throated diver tends to fly higher and it is difficult at this stage to assess how typical this is as much of the flight activity observed during the fieldwork may have been in response to disturbance by the survey boat.  Ongoing bird monitoring during the constructiona and operational phases of the project will help to give better understanding of the impact of the development on birds.


Remarks:
Depending on the site selected, the immediate area occcupied by wind farms may not be important for fisheries or may not occupy a significant proportion of the area normally fished.  Some areas of seabed have particular importance during the breeding seasons of species, for example herring eggs are laid on the seabed over several weeks in different parts of the Irish coast. The time of spawning varies between different areas. It is likely that the construction activities will have a greater ecological impact than the completed structures. Noise pollution, particularly from seismic surveys may disturb wildlife. Guidelines to avoid and minimise potential acoustic impacts have been developed the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee. If the area is important as a feeding ground when seabirds are nesting then construction work may need to avoid disturbance of feeding birds at critical periods in the breeding season.


Species:
Manx Shearwater, guillemot and razorbill, red- throated diver,


changes in migration result:
migratory birds flying further away from the unit.


change of abundance result:
Increase within a radius of 400 m no matter if unit in operation or not; decrease within a radius of 200 m when in operation.


Remarks:
An ornithological during spring and autumn seasons from 1999–2003 on one and a half million migrating waterfowl in southern Kalmar Sound in Sweden. The study was conducted in connection with two groups of offshore wind farms constructed at Utgrunden
and Yttre Stengrund, with seven and five wind turbines respectively. The English report is 128 pages. 

The migration patterns of waterfowl through the Sound and the flocks’ reactions on encountering the wind turbines were studied and documented during periods of good visibility by direct visual observation and by following theflocks with an optical rangefinder. During periods of poor visibility (such as fog or mist, or during the night), and similarly during the day with good visibility, radar films from military surveillance radar were analysed in order to follow the flocks’ flight paths and to document their reactions and behaviour when faced with wind turbines in their migratory path.


decrease of recreational qualities result:
careful siting and local consultation required


change of mortality rate result:
no direct data from measurements on offshore windfarms

Remarks:
From data of onshore windfarms, collisions rates are not considered a major problem. Measurements on offshore windfarms should be carried out as a priority. Standards for EIA have to be found.


change of habitat result:
Effects on fish population dynamics will be determined by immigration/attraction of fish to wind farms following construction.

Remarks:
However, the full effects of offshore wind farms on marine wildlife, particularly mammal, fish and migratory fish behaviour and ecology can only be usefully determined through further monitoring. Additional studies into the effects of offshore wind farms on marine species are therefore recommended.


change of habitat result:
Seals and toothed whales will show initial avoidance, followed by habituation and possibly attraction to wind farms as feeding grounds.

Remarks:
The reaction of mysticetes (baleen whales) is unknown in the absence of data regarding their audible sensitivity. However, it is possible that they will show a behavioural response to the low frequency sound wind farms are likely to produce. The significance of this respons will depend upon the proximity of wind farms to whale migratory routes. However, the full effects of offshore wind farms on marine wildlife, particularly mammal, fish and migratory fish behaviour and ecology can only be usefully determined through further monitoring. Additional studies into the effects of offshore wind farms on marine species are therefore recommended.


Remarks:
No adverse impacts on marine invertebrates are expected by the noise and vibration generated by turbines. However, the full effects of offshore wind farms on marine wildlife, particularly mammal, fish and migratory fish behaviour and ecology can only be usefully determined through further monitoring. Additional studies into the effects of offshore wind farms on marine species are therefore recommended.


change of mortality rate result:
Estimated rate of bird strikes varied from 4 to 16/wind turbine/year


changes of sediment structure result:
at a regional level, there is unlikely to be a significant effect on coastal processes


change of hydrography result:
in terms of wave and current loading the env. impacts on the scheme are likely to be far more severe.

Remarks:
the problems associated with locally generated scour will need to be dealt with adequately


Species:
purple sandpipers, eider ducks, cormorants, gulls

change of mortality rate result:
Relatively few collisions were recorded (34 to 1995); The predicted impact on the local breeding population of Eider Ducks appears to represent an additional 0.5-1.5% mortality

change of abundance result:
There was no direct or indirect adverse effect of the wind farm on the nationally important population of Purple Sandpiper (average 242, peak 355); Populations of the three species of Gull have not been disturbed or displaced from the harbour.

Remarks:
Cormorants avoided flying close to turbines. Eiders relatively more prone to collision in early years (but rates thought to decline in later years). Purple sandpiper showed high tolerance to construction activity.


change of mortality rate result:
low collision rate attributable to windfarms, unless they are poorly located

change of habitat result:
negative effects up to 600 m from windfarm

Remarks:
Implications of newer, larger turbines have to be studied


other result:
avoidance of electric field in the laboratory

Remarks:
There is a dearth of objective and definitive published information relating to the question of whether electric fields, produced by underwater cables have any effect on electrosensitive species. Recommendation for further research


change of abundance result:
There will be some potential loss of bird feeding grounds in the area. However, surveys show that birds do not frequent the proposed wind farm site off Barrow in large numbers and hence the impact is not significant.


damage of hearing ability result:
Noise and vibration is only expected to exceed ambient levels at very low frequencies. Fish are expected to become accustomed to these noises.

change of abundance result:
In the longer term, it is likely that the combination of reduced fishing activity and increasing habitat biodiversity will have a beneficial effect on fish populations in the area.

Remarks:
Operation of the subsea cable is not anticipated to have a significant impact. Electro-sensitive fish are unlikely to be impacted significantly as the electrical field generated by cables is minimised by insulation and burial, while migratory fish are unlikely to be impacted for the same reason.


damage of hearing ability result:
Noise and vibration is only expected to exceed ambient levels at very low frequencies. Marine mammals are expected to become accustomed to these noises.


decrease of recreational qualities result:
It is predicted that there will be no significant impact on the quality of life of the local population and the development has the potential to benefit sections of the local community.

other result:
The impact magnitude would be low, as the wind turbines would appear as minor inconspicuous elements within the broad panorama.


changes of sediment structure result:
not significant impact by cable and drilling


change of abundance result:
none of the normal activities or abnormal events are likely to result in significant impacts

changes of sediment structure result:
Turbine installation will result in a seabed loss of 0.01% of the total wind farm area, which is not considered significant.

Remarks:
It should be noted, however, that areas where scour protection is installed are not technically ‘lost’ and will provide a habitat for other benthic communities associated with hard bottom habitats potentially increasing the biodiversity of the area.


Species:
Common scoter; Eider; Cormorant; Red throated diver; Guillemot and razorbill; Tern species; Lesser blackbacked gull; Swans and geese; Waders.

change of abundance result:
Risk for barrier effects is low to significant

change of habitat result:
risk for loss of habitat are mostly low or medium

Remarks:
Common scoter: Significant; Eider: Medium; Cormorant: Low; Red throated diver: Significant; Guillemot and razorbill: Medium as a precaution to limited data; Tern species: Significant; Lesser blackbacked gull: Low or significant; Swans and geese: Low; Waders: Low.


changes in migration result:
risk of interruption of migration routes is low

changes of sediment structure result:
desturbance and redistrubution of sediments: Low to medium. Risk
subject to timing and locality

Remarks:
more research on noise impacts needed; risks caused by electromagnetism low to unknown.


Remarks:
The area of planned wind farm is only preliminary and very general assessed concerning avifauna issues. Baseline studies will be necessary.


Remarks:
The considered area has a low environmental value and wind turbines should not significantly impact the fish population on the area. However it is possible, that specific local biocenose may develop on the area of wind farm excluded from fishery. The possible electromagnetic impact should be assessed in next phase of permitting procedure, as well as local habitat assessment


Remarks:
No significant effects are predicted in the species distribution and population size, except from growth of biomass production in the construction phase


Remarks:
Possible local opposition concerning negative impact of wind farms of fishery and tourism activities was noted. No significant impacts were predicted, but the necessity of information campaign and local opinion survey was suggested.


Remarks:
Marine mammals are only incidentally observed in the area close to the planned wind farms. There is no reason to predict any significant impact of the wind farms on the migrating mammals, however hydroacoustic monitoring was suggested.


Remarks:
The changes in sediment structure are expected only temporarily in the construction perion, then the stability of the structure on the wind farm area is expected.


Remarks:
The wind turbines may be fully visible from the coast only in 2 months of a year (according to weather conditions on this area). Also the forest on the coastline is limiting the visual intrusion for the local inhabitants.


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
significant savety risks; highly unlikely, but catastrophic event


changes of sediment structure result:
the risk for a change is low or uncertain


change of abundance result:
the potential impacts on the benthic environment are considered to be low
with the exception of the following: See remarks

Remarks:
1. damage to rare, endangered or threatened benthic species that are very localised in occurrence and with low population densities; 2. resuspension of contaminated sediments in localised, sediment ‘sink’, areas such as
estuaries. The relative significance of this impact would require consideration during project specific EIAs; and 3. scouring or smothering by scour protection of biogenic reefs is considered to be a serious risk because of their conservation interest and low capacity for regeneration. Risks caused by electromagnetism low to unknown.


Species:
common scoter; red-throated diver; common tern; cormorant; red-breasted merganser; guillemot; razorbill; little gull.

change of mortality rate result:
high sensibility of red-throated diver causes medium impacts

change of abundance result:
high sensibility of red-throated diver causes medium impacts

Remarks:
With exception of the red-throated diver, the significance of impacts on all species and groups of species was assessed as being low to very low.


damage of hearing ability result:
magnitude of impact considered to be low and any impacts would not be significant

change of abundance result:
Possible positive effect through provision of shelter and concentrated feeding resources

other result:
level of magnetic fields emitted will be below naturally occurring fields; Insignificant impacts from magnetic fields


Remarks:
Due to the high mobility of the species, impacts will be restricted to disturbance due to noise and human activity during construction, noise generated by operation of the wind farm and tropho-dynamic affects due to changes in prey populations.


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
total return period for ship collisions is once in 3000 years.


changes of sediment structure result:
scour pit around turbines. Not significant changes

Remarks:
As the area is a dynamic coastal environment, no additional impacts are expected on water levels, sediment transportation or contaminants from the construction or operation of the wind farm


change of hydrography result:
changes are small and have no significant effect on modifying flows. In addition, the scale of the structures in relation to the incident wave is at a level that diffraction effects are not important


other result:
insignificant impacts from submarine cables


change of mortality rate result:
The collision model outputs to date have shown a very low to negligible level of collision mortality. It is expected that bird deaths by collision with the turbines would be insignificant in the context of natural mortality levels andpopulation viability.


changes of sediment structure result:
Increased Suspended Sediment Concentraction is predicted to cause, at most, a minimal impact on fish and shellfish resources within the study area.

Remarks:
None of the impacts identified within the operational phase are predicted to create anything greater than a negligible impact.


disturbance of special periods of life result:
During construction seals and cetaceans are likely to avoid the area and therefore impacts arising from boat movements and installation of piles will be minimal and not prolonged.

Remarks:
No impacts are predicted on seals and cetaceans during the operational phase.


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
During the construction phase, the increase in the frequency of ship collision in the area due to the wind farm is estimated to be an average of one additional collision per 145 years.

decrease of recreational qualities result:
Whilst the wind farm will be seen at distances of up to approximately 25km under the right conditions (very clear days) the collective effect is judged to be no more than moderate.

Remarks:
In subsequent years the collision frequency increases marginally to an average of one additional collision per 139 years.


changes of sediment structure result:
Overall effect on the movement and distribution of seabed sediments will be negligible.


change of hydrography result:
changes to the wave heights away from the immediate vicinity of the wind farm are negligible and in the order of about 0.10m. The wind farm will have an effect on the current regime, but that the effect is small and localised.


change of abundance result:
There will be localised direct and indirect impacts on infauna and epifauna, however these would be for short periods only and rapid recolonisation will occur, particularly following the next spawning period in spring.


disturbance of special periods of life result:
If construction is timed to avoid the breeding season there will be no significant impacts.

change of habitat result:
There does not appear to be loss of habitat as birds adjust to the presence of turbines and so there is no loss of feeding ground.

Remarks:
In addition, with less fishing over the bank, the fish population might increase, so improving the food stock.


disturbance of special periods of life result:
While in operation the wind farm will generate some noise and vibration; although audible by certain species of fish, studies have shown that they will rapidly become accustomed to it.

changes of sediment structure result:
The resuspension of sediment will not affect fish in general, but would impact on spawning fish such as herring which lay their eggs in mats attached to the seabed.


damage of hearing ability result:
Noise levels are expected to be at lower frequencies than those used by dolphins and porpoises for echolocation to hunt prey, so they should not be affected.


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
A study which investigated the vessel collision risk calculated a collision return period of 34,014 years.

decrease of recreational qualities result:
The development may become a tourist attraction both during construction and once in operation.


change of hydrography result:
Although the presence of the turbines will decrease the flow locally behind each monopile, this effect will not extend beyond the development area.

changes of sediment structure result:
The scour is estimated to form a cone of 30m diameter, with a maximum depth of 1.34m close to the monopile rising to the surrounding seabed within 15m.

Remarks:
However, the intention is to use scour protection in the form of artificial fronds which will minimise the scour. This means that sediment movement is very localised and will not impact on other areas along the coast.


changes of sediment structure result:
This region is already a dynamic environment, so the species present are suited to high loads in suspension and changing morphology.


change of mortality rate result:
No more than 37 collision victims would be expected per year at Inner Dowsing, most of which would be expected to be gulls.

change of abundance result:
The principal finding is that the Inner Dowsing offshore wind farm site, and the surrounding areas surveyed have low populations of birds. (0.184 birds/10 min)

change of habitat result:
Direct loss of habitat through birds avoiding the wind farm area is not predicted to occur.


damage of hearing ability result:
Noise and vibration impacts are considered to be low, primarily due to the low levels of noise likely to be generated by the construction and operational activity.

Remarks:
Electromagnetic impacts will be negligible due to the cable construction and protection methods proposed.


changes of sediment structure result:
No impacts were considered likely given the low spatial extent of the construction activity at any one time and the relatively high natural background levels of suspended solids.


change of hydrography result:
The results showed that there would be some changes to the wave heights in the vicinity of the wind farms, but that there would be negligible changes away from the immediate vicinity of the wind farm.


change of habitat result:
The benthic ecosystems will be affected during both the construction and operational periods due to the introduction of the monopiles and potentially due to the scour protection and concrete caisson placement. The level of this impact however, will be of a relatively small magnitude (<1% of area) although it will be long-term in nature.


Remarks:
The assessment of impacts on bird species has concluded that significant effects on the feeding, roosting, breeding or migratory behaviour of all bird species, or through bird disturbance or collision, will not be significant, due principally to the small numbers of birds recorded from the site.


change of abundance result:
The new structures could act to attract fish into the area and could even increase fish diversity and productivity in the longer term.

Remarks:
Impacts on fish and shellfish species are also not expected to be significant.


Remarks:
Impact on marine mammals will also not occur during any phase of the Kentish Flats scheme since these species are not commonly recorded in this region, or where they are seen in the case of seals are not considered sensitive to the potential effects of the project.


decrease of recreational qualities result:
In the longer term, adverse impacts on the local tourist industry is not expected based on experience of such developments in other countries.

Remarks:
Indeed, the windfarm could well provide a positive impact for tourism, acting as a new attraction for visitors to the area, attracting yachts and pleasure boat trips.


change of hydrography result:
Localised impacts on waves and tidal currents. These have been assessed to be of low significance because of the very small changes anticipated, the localised nature of such impacts and the lack of any far-field effects.

changes of sediment structure result:
The potential for scour around the base of the turbines has been identified.


change of abundance result:
impacts of low significance. Potentially positive


change of mortality rate result:
The levels of diver, gannet and wigeon collision mortalities are insignificant in relation to natural background mortality.

disturbance of special periods of life result:
It is unlikely that any indirect adverse effects upon breeding or migration success will be experienced by tern populations.

Remarks:
The Lynn Offshore Wind Farm site and the surrounding areas surveyed have low populations of birds. In the combined area of Lynn and Inner Dowsing, bird activity levels have been estimated as 0.184 birds every 10 minutes.


damage of hearing ability result:
Noise levels from the wind farm are not expected to be a problem.


damages of environment caused by ship collisions result:
a low risk of a collision with the Lynn site, (an average of one additional accident every 2,778 years, which is a low frequency event).the highest contribution in terms of risk of collision is associated with fishing vessels. Limited activity in the area of these vessels makes this a low risk (an average of one additional accident every 3,448 years for the Lynn site).

decrease of recreational qualities result:
There may be significant landscape effects at Skegness and Gibraltar Point and significant visual effects at Ingoldmells.

Remarks:
Significant cumulative landscape and visual effects, arising from the Lynn and Inner Dowsing projects together, may occur at Chapel St Leonards, Ingoldmells and Skegness, as well as Gibraltar Point. It should be noted that significant effects are not necessarily unacceptable.


change of abundance result:
It was determined that the localised and relatively small, changes to the wave and current regimes would not have a significant effect on the overall seabed processes. However there may be some scouring (erosion or polishing) locally around the turbine foundations.


change of abundance result:
Seabed animals will be disturbed during construction from cable trenching and vessel activity. Communities of seabed animals in these areas will recover to their original condition within 2-5 years.


disturbance of special periods of life result:
North Hoyle is of negligible importance as a feeding area for these seabirds and terns during the breeding season.

Remarks:
The surveys on the North Hoyle site have not identified any bird population sizes that could require European designation. The North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm will not significantly affect bird populations.


damage of hearing ability result:
Sea life may be sensitive, in varying degrees, to any marine noise or vibration generated by the wind turbines, however, it is anticipated they will habituate.

change of habitat result:
Sea life will be directly impacted only on areas utilised for construction activities, resulting in a loss of a very small area of seabed. Conversely, habitat will be created through colonisation of the turbine support structures and any associated scour protection, if utilised, resulting in small increases in species diversity and overall productivity.

other result:
It is not anticipated that the presence of North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm will have a discernible effect on the populations of Atlantic salmon, sea trout and European eel.

Remarks:
Surveys of sea life in the area have not identified the presence of any rare or unusual species.


damage of hearing ability result:
Marine noise generated by the wind farm is likely to be outside the hearing range of smaller cetaceans, such as the harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphin. Seals are also unlikely to be sensitive to the noise produced by the turbines. Whales are extremely sensitive to noise in the frequency range produced by wind turbines. However, the only species regularly recorded in the eastern Irish Sea are the minke whale, which have not been reported from Liverpool Bay. No impacts on whales are therefore anticipated.

other result:
It is not anticipated that sharks, skates and rays, which are sensitive to electrical fields, will show any avoidance behaviour.


decrease of recreational qualities result:
The degree of visual impact will be highest from those viewpoints closest to North Hoyle, where sensitivity of receptors is high. Only Point of Ayr falls into this category.


change of hydrography result:
The construction, operation or decommissioning of the wind farm is not anticipated to result in any impact on hydrography (water levels, tidal currents and waves).

changes of sediment structure result:
The maximum total volume of sediment that could be released during construction is approximately one thousandth of the level of sediment habitually in motion across the site.

Remarks:
An assessment of the release of metals and other organic chemicals indicate very small increases in concentrations arising during construction, less than 10% of background concentrations and well below environmental standards.


Subject:
other: all significant environmental impacts


Remarks:
Scarweather Sands does not lie on a major foraging route or
represent a significant feeding area.


changes in migration result:
Other:For the Scarweather development the electric fields from the cables would be low and confined to an area close to the cables.

change of abundance result:
The exclusion zones could effectively create a marine nature reserve, which would act as a positive benefit to fish in the area.


Remarks:
Research undertaken in the UK and abroad suggests that there would be no long-term effects on marine wildlife during any of the phases of the proposed offshore wind farm.


decrease of recreational qualities result:
the effects of the construction and decommissioning phases on seascape;  the visual intrusion during operation is acceptible
landscape and visual amenity would not be significant.


changes of sediment structure result:
the scale of the potential changes to the sediment regime (erosion/deposition patterns) is very much smaller than the natural changes that have been observed over similar timescales.


change of abundance result:
Sediment areas affected by the wind farm development should be quickly recolonised by benthic species from the adjacent areas during the operational phase of the wind farm. In addition, the new hard surfaces at the wind farm site would encourage settlement of hard substrate species.


Remarks:
Further studies are recommended to direct future research to fully understand the interaction of the induced E-fields from subsea power cables with electrosensitive fish and any implications of the B-fields for organisms that rely on a magnetic sense.


# General information

Type of institution:
licensing authority (for offshore wind farms)

Title:
Wind farms at the North Sea: integrated assessment of effect on landscap of visual intrusion

original title:
Windmolenparken in de Noordzee: geïntegreerde beoordeling van het voornaamste landschapseffect: percentage bezetting van de horizon

Short description:
Assessment of visual intrusion at the sea horizon for multiple windfarms (individually and cumulative)

Main results:
Visual intrusion project C-Power not acceptable. Visual intrusion project Electrabel acceptable. Cumulative for both is unacceptable.


Title:
SPSD II: Optimal Offshore Wind Energy Developments in Belgium

original title:
SPSD II: Optimal Offshore Wind Energy Developments in Belgium

author:
Belspo, Gent University.RCMG, 3E NV, ESAT/ELECTA

General::
program / strategy paper (e.g. of the government)

Short description:
Report on survey of the resources on the Belgian Continental Shelf (seabed, wind, grid and available zones. Technical options for offshore wind energy and potential.

Main results:
In general the sea bottom of the BCS is suitable for bottom mounted OS wind turbines, however in a particular narrow area some hazards possible. Windresources: recommendation not too far offshore with modesty in tower heights. Gird: above 500 MW, major gird reinforcements needed. Most important exclusions are navigation routes, military areas and special protection areas near the coast.


Title:
Standards for Environmental Impact Assessments of Offshore Wind Turbines in the Marine Environment (Status 25th February 2003)

original title:
Standarduntersuchungskonzept (StUK) für die Untersuchung und Überwachung der Auswirkungen von Offshore-Windenergieanlagen auf die Meeresumwelt

publisher:
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH)

General::
guideline / Terms of Reference (e.g. for ecological examinations or for EIA proceedings)

Short description:
In the document information is provided to applicants on the scope of investigations required by the approval authority.The Standards for Environmental Impact Assessments constitutes a framework of the thematic and technial minimum requirements for marine environmental surveys and monitoring in order to assess compliance with Art. 3 Seeanlagenverordnung (Marine Facilities Ordinance). 
Objectives: Investigation of impacts on  environmental features, e.g. fish, benthos, birds and mammals in order to:
- determine their spatial distribution and temporal variability in the pre-construction phase (baseline survey),
- monitor the effects of construction, operation and removal,
- the baseline data will serve as a basis for evaluating the monitoring results,
- the purpose of the preliminary fish studies is a quantitative determination of the near-bottom stationary fish species to the extend that suitable methods are availabe.
(51 pages)

Main results:
Technical details of the  investigation and monitoring to be carried out in order to protect benthos, fish, birds and mammals are provided. The scope and targets of the investigations, methods to be used and the evaluation basis are described for each of the environmental features to be protected.


Title:
Accompanying Ecological Research to the Offshore Wind Energy Deployment.  Workshop 28./29. May 2002 Bremerhaven, Proceedings

original title:
Ökologische Begleitforschung zur Offshore-Windenergienutzung. Fachtagung des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit und des Projektträgers Jülich, Bremerhaven 28./29. Mai 2002, Tagungsband

Short description:
Proceedings of a conference held in May 2002 on the accompanying ecological research to the offshore wind energy deployment in Germany.  It's a description of the research projects of the Environmental Research Program financed by the German Federal Environmental Ministry (2001-2003). It specifies what kind of projects there are and which aims they have. Every article contained in the proceedings includes an english abstract. (67 pages)

Main results:
The results of the research projects described in the conference report will be published separatly. 
(If reports are already available they are included in this database).


Title:
MINOS - Marine warm-blooded animals in the North and Baltic Seas: Foundations for assessment of offshore wind farms

original title:
MINOS - Marine Warmblüter in Nord- und Ostsee: Grundlagen zur Bewertung von Windkraftanlagen im Offshore-Bereich

publisher:
Landesamt für den Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer (National Park Office Schl.-Holst. Wadden Sea)

General::
report/study regarding a research project

Short description:
MINOS is a research project funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conserva-tion and Nuclear Safety. 
The main emphasis of the MINOS project was on: 
- The collection of data on the temporal-spatial occurrence and behaviour of Harbour Porpoise and Common Seals in the North and Baltic seas; 
- the determination of the effects of noise on Harbour Porpoises and Common Seals; 
- the collection of data on the temporal-spatial distribution and population size of especially important seabird species, where little data was available, in the EEZ of the German marine area. 
Different methods were used, which could be compared with one another. The combination of methods allowed for differentiated predictions to be made. 
In field studies three different methods were used to record distribution: Conventional visual ship- and aircraft-based counts of marine mammals and seabirds, detection and recording of acoustic signals from Harbour Porpoises and the recording of the movements and behaviour of individual animals using satellite telemetry. These investigations provide data on the seasonal and spatial distribution of the target species in the North and Baltic Seas and allowed for a provisional evaluation. 
The sensitivity of Common Seals and Harbour Porpoises to different intensities of noise emission were investigated, in order to evaluate the possible effects of noise pollution from wind farms on the marine environment and their disturbance potential. 
Gaps in knowledge exist for example with regard to the spatial distribution and activity patterns of seabirds and marine mammals and with regard to the vulnerability of marine mammals to noise pollution. These gaps in knowledge can be filled in a follow-up Project. 
Project results are stored in a central database.
MINOS is a composite project and consists of seven single projects:
- Sense of hearing of harbour porpoises and common seals (Research- and Technology Centre Westcoast - FTZ Büsum; Ruhr University, Bochum),
- Harbour porpoises: Density and distribution (airborne surveys) (Research- and Technology Centre Westcoast - FTZ Büsum; German Oceanographic Museum, Stralsund),
- Harbour porpoises: Use of space (PODs) (German Oceanographic Museum, Stralsund; University of Rostock),
- Harbour porpoises: Adjusting the different recording methods (Research- and Technology Centre Westcoast - FTZ Büsum; German Oceanographic Museum, Stralsund; Federal Research Centre for Fisheries - Institute for Sea Fisheries, Hamburg),
- Resting sea birds: Density and distribution (airborne and ship-based surveys) (Research- and Technology Centre Westcoast - FTZ Büsum),
- Telemetry and seals (Institute for Marine Research, Kiel),
- Project and data coordination (National Park Office Schl.-Holst. Wadden Sea, Tönning).
The final report, published in October 2004, consits of 2 volumes plus appendixes (in German). Summaries are available in English.
(Please note: there is a follow-up project, called MINOSplus, see COD-D-030.)

Main results:
The project results refer to:
- Acoustic emissions and sensitivity of common seals and harbour porpoises to noise,
- Distrubution patterns of harbour porpoises in the German EEZ of North and Baltic Seas,
- Acoustic surveys of harbour porpoises using click-detectors PODs,
- Comparing the survey methods: aerial, ship-based, and PODs,
- Distribution patterns of seabirds in the EEZ of North- and Baltic Seas,
- Seabirds and their sensitivity to offshore windfarms and shipping traffic,
- Activity pattern and spatial use of common seals,
- Coordination and database.
For results in detail see English summary of the final report, provided at the MINOS-website.


Title:
BEOFINO - Accompanying Ecological Research on Offshore Research Platforms in the North and Baltic Seas

original title:
BEOFINO - Ökologische Begleitforschung auf Offshore-Forschungsplattformen in der Nord- und Ostsee

Short description:
BEOFINO is a research project which performs platform-based field studies on the impact of offshore wind farms on the marine environment.The main focus of the project is to investigate possible impacts of future offshore windturbines on the marine environment and to develop methods and criteria for the evaluation of such impacts. 
BEOFINO consists of 3 work packages:
- effects on the migration of birds (and bats) and the danger of bird (and bat) strikes (Institute of Avian Research, Helgoland),
- effects on the benthic communities near the piles (Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven),
- effects of the electro-magnetic fields of sub-sea cables on marine organisms (Baltic Sea Research Institute, Warnemünde).
The following investigations are carried out:
- survey of bird migration characteristics (depending on day/night, seasons, weather etc.), investigation of flight routes and altitudes, assessment of collision risks for birds and bats,
- survey of processes near the piles (change of sediment composition near the piles, benthos settlement at the piles, change of benthic communities etc.),
- laboratory experiments concerning the  impacts of electromagnetic fields on marine organisms.

Main results:
The first research platform (FINO I) is situated in the North Sea about 45 km north of the island Borkum, with a water depth of about 30 m. The operation of this platform started in September 2003. 
Selected results of the measurements and investigations on the research platform are published on the FINO-website (www.fino-offshore-com). 
The final report of the project is expected to be published in summer 2005.


Title:
Standard procedures for the determination and assessment of noise emissions by offshore wind farms

original title:
Standardverfahren zur Ermittlung und Bewertung der Belastung der Meeresumwelt durch die Schallimmissionen von Offshore-Windenergieanlagen

Short description:
The aim of this research project was to study the generation, radiation and attenuation of underwater noise for future noise reduction methods during pile driving, to determine the impact area of offshore wind farms, to allow the formulation of recommendations for acoustic emission thresholds for offshore wind farms in cooperation with biologists and to develop standard procedures for the determination and assessment of noise emissions.
The final report of the project refers to:
- technical and physical parameters to describe structure borne noise and hydro sound,
- extensive measurements of background noise, noise during construction (pile driving) and noise during operation,
- prediction methods for noise immissions (e.g. FE-simulations),
- biological relevance,
- measurement and evaluation standards.
(123 pages final report, separate appendix 137 pages)

Main results:
Measurement and evaluation standards as well as prediction methods for noise immissions during the construction and operation of wind turbines have been worked out.


Title:
Accompanying Ecological Research to the Offshore Wind Energy Deployment - Instruments of Environment Protection and Nature Conservation: Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Assessment

original title:
Ökologische Begleitforschung zur Offshore-Windenergienutzung: Teilbereich Instrumente des Umwelt- und Naturschutzes: Strategische Umweltprüfung, Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung und FFH-Verträglichkeitsprüfung

author:
TU Berlin & Planungsgruppe Ökologie + Umwelt

Short description:
Within the licensing procedure of offshore wind farms several environmental planning instruments have to be taken into account to assess the probable effects of turbines on the marine environment. So far only little experiences were available on how to fulfil legal and methodical demands with regard to these environmental planning instruments offshore. Hence it was the principle task of this research project to analyse how instruments like the Environmental Impacts Assessment (EIA), the Habitats Assessment and the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) can be adapted to the special conditions of the marine environment and the legal requirements of the licensing procedure in the German EEZ according to the Offshore Installations Ordinance. Since according to the Offshore Installations Ordinance the construction and operation of offshore wind farms can only be refused for environmental reasons when the marine environment is endangered, the project first investigated for different aspects of the marine environment (e.g. marine mammals, birds, benthos, visual landscape) which kind of conflicts can possibly be caused by the construction and operation of turbines and of which legal significance they are with regard to the licensing procedure. Referring to those environmental impacts which have been considered as relevant for the licensing procedure the state of knowledge has been investigated by means of expert interviews and literature research. Practicable starting points for the impact assessment were suggested. With regard to the required environmental assessment within the licensing procedure one result of the project is a structured documentation of the state of knowledge as basis for further discussions (volume I, 211 pages). Further on the project developed proposals for the application of the planning instruments EIA, Habitats Assessment and SEA offshore based on legal regulations. The result is a catalogue of requirements regarding the content and proceedings of the instruments implementation in connection with the licensing of offshore wind farms and the identification of especially suitable areas for offshore wind farms (volume II-IV). Volume II (EIA) = 121 pages, Volume III (FFH) = 112 pages, Volume IV (SEA) = 90 pages.

Main results:
Structured documentation of the state of knowledge referring to possible effects of offshore wind farms on the marine environment as basis for further discussions (volume I). Development of requirements for the application of EIA (volume II), for the application of the assessment required under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive (volume III) as well as a discussion of the future SEA in respect of offshore wind farm planning in the German EEZ (volume IV).


Title:
Measures of avoidance and reduction of negative ecological impacts according to the grid connection of offshore windfarms

original title:
Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung und Verminderung negativer ökologischer Auswirkungen bei der Netzanbindung und -integration von Offshore-Windparks

author:
Matthias Schreiber, Martin Gellermann, Knud Rehfeldt

Short description:
Objective of the project was to discuss environmental and legal constraints on the grid connection of offshore wind farms in Germany.
Within the scope of this project an analysis of the effects on the marine environment by connecting the German offshore wind capacity to the grid was made. Technical and spatial solutions for the grid connection were analysed and measures to reduce effects on the environment were proposed. 
(217 pages)

Main results:
The final report gives account of:
- the status quo of German wind farm planning in the North and Baltic Seas,
- the marine evironment affected by the grid connection of the wind farms,
- marine protected areas,
- the legal bases,
- technical aspects of the grid connection of the planned wind farms,
- possible impacts of the cables on the marine environment,
- aspects of cable maintenance,
- scenarios for the grid connection,
- cable routing options,
- recommendations to avoid and reduce environmental impacts.


Title:
Investigations to avoid and reduce possible impacts of wind energy parks on the marine environment in the offshore areas of North and Baltic Sea

original title:
Untersuchungen zur Vermeidung und Verminderung von Belastungen der Meeresumelt durch Offshore-Windenergieanlagen im küstenfernen Bereich der Nord- und Ostsee

author:
R. Knust, P. Dalhoff, J. Gabriel, J. Heuers, O. Hüppop, H. Wendeln

publisher:
Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environmental Agency), UBA-Texte 62/03

Short description:
Within the research project potential impacts of offshore wind farms on the marine environment in the North and Baltic Seas were investigated by means of literature studies, the analysis of existing data, the consultation of experts and some complementary field studies. Potential mechanisms of prevention and reduction of detrimental effects were documented. An additional aspect of the project was to identify possible research requirements. The following biological system compartments were identified: Benthos and fish communities, resting and migratory birds and marine mammals.
The potential impact of the construction and running of such a plant, the electro magnetic fields caused by cables and energy shunting systems, the servicing and maintenance of the plants, the danger of ship collisions as well as the subsequent dismantling of the plant were also considered.
(440 pages)


Title:
Evaluation of foundations for offshore wind farms with a view to potential shipping collisions

original title:
Rechnerische Bewertung von Fundamenten von Offshore-Windenergieanlagen bei Kollisionen mit Schiffen

Short description:
The aim of the investigations was to use computational simulation to examine the behaviour of various types of wind turbine foundations in the event of a ship collision. Numerical crash tests were carried out in order to determine worst cases and to give hints to improve different offshore wind turbine support structures. Four different ship types and three types of foundations of OWECs were analyzed.
(109 pages)

Main results:
- Monopile: causes least damage to the ship’s hull, collaps of OWEC structure almost certain.
- Jacket: The (outer) hull may be penetrated by structure members. It absorbs much energy but may eventually fail and collapse and subsequently fall onto the ship.
- Tripod: Most severe damage is caused by stiff diagonal braces. The (outer) hull will be penetrated and the inner hull may also be damaged.
- Calculations have shown that double hull ships perform superior compared to single hull designs and help minimizing the risk of environmental damage. Because there is no possibility to enforce use of safe ships also mono hull structures had to be included in the analyses.


Title:
Environmental Impact Analysis Report for a wind energy farm near Zeebrugge

original title:
Milieueffectrapport voor een windturbinepark te Zeebrugge

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report on planning instrument (e.g. EIA, SEA; Habitats Assessment)

Short description:
Full Environmental Impact Assessment report concerning wind farm near Zeebrugge. Contains subjects: project's location and description, environmental effects, alternatives considered and mitigation measures, knowledge gaps and assessment EU Directive on Habitats. Contains summary and non-technical summary. Total of 290 pages, appendices excluded.


Title:
Environmental Impact Assessment Report for a Wind Farm at the Thronton Bank

original title:
Milieueffectenrapport voor een Windturbinepark op de Thorntonbank, Deel 2: Hoofddocument MER

Short description:
Full Environmental Impact Assessment report concerning wind farm at the Thornton Bank. Contains subjects: project's location and description, environmental effects, alternatives considered and mitigation measures, knowledge gaps and assessment EU Directive on Habitats. Contains summary and non-technical summary. Total of 270 pages, appendices excluded.


Title:
Environmental impact assessment for construction and exploitation of a wind farm at the Thornton Bank (North Sea)

original title:
Milieueffectenbeoordeling bouw en exploitatie windmolenpark op de Thorntonbank

Short description:
Assessment by BMM of environmental impact of intended development and exploitation of a wind farm at the Thornton Bank, based on the EIA-report (COD-BE-002)


Title:
Non-technical summary of a EIA-report on the construction and exploitation of a wind farm in the Belgian territorial sea

original title:
Niet-technische samenvatting van een milieueffectenrapport voor de bouw en exploitatie van een windmolenpark in de Belgische territoriale zee

Short description:
Full Environmental Impact Assessment report concerning wind farm at the Vlakte van de Raan. Contains subjects: project's location and description, environmental effects, alternatives considered and mitigation measures, knowledge gaps and assessment EU Directive on Habitats. Contains summary and non-technical summary. Total of 270 pages, appendices excluded.


Title:
Environmental impact assessment for construction and exploitation of a wind farm at the Wenduine Bank (North Sea)

original title:
Milieueffectenbeoordeling bouw en exploitatie windmolenpark op de Wenduinebank

Short description:
Assessment by BMM of environmental impact of intended development and exploitation of a wind farm at the Wenduine Bank.


Title:
EIA-assessment of the "Seanergy" project (joint venture Electrabel-Jan de Nul

original title:
Milieu-effectenbeoordeling van het project "Seanergy" ingediend door de tijdelijke vereniging Electrabel-Jan de Nul

Short description:
Assessment by BMM of environmental impact of intended development and exploitation of a wind farm Electrabel-Jan de Nul.


Title:
Assessment EIA for construction and exploitation of cables for the wind farm Electrabel - Jan de Nul

original title:
Milieueffectenbeoordeling voor de aanleg en exploitatie van zeekabels nodig voor het windmolenpark de t.v. Electrabel - Ondernemingen Jan de Nul

Short description:
Assessment by BMM of environmental impact of intended development and exploitation of cables for the wind farm Electrabel-Jan de Nul.


Type of institution:
other: certification body for windturbines

Title:
FINO 1 (Research Platforms in the North and Baltic Seas)

original title:
FINO 1 (Forschungsplattformen in der Nord- und Ostsee)

Short description:
Germanischer Lloyd WindEnergie (GL-Wind) has been contracted by the German Ministry for Economy and Technology to co-ordinate the design, construction, installation and operation of the research platform FINO 1 in the North Sea. The platform FINO 1 has been erected 45 km north of the island Borkum in 2003. On the research platform, measurements and investigations are performed to determine the environmental conditions (meteorology, hydrology etc.) and the effects on the environment, e.g. benthos, fishes, birds and marine mammals. The meteorological, hydrological, biological and other measurements and investigations are carried out by different participating institutes.

Main results:
In September 2003 the research platform FINO 1 has started operation. Selected results of the measurements and investigations on the research platform are published on the website (http://www.fino-offshore.com/).


Title:
Development of environmental criteria for the identification of especially suitable areas for offshore wind farms in the German EEZ

original title:
Entwicklung von naturschutzfachlichen Kriterien zur Abgrenzung von besonderen Eignungsgebieten für Offshore-Windparks in der Ausschließlichen Wirtschaftszone (AWZ) von Nord- und Ostsee

author:
Johann Köppel, Wolfgang Peters, Ines Steinhauer

publisher:
Bundesamt für Naturschutz (Federal Agency for Nature Conservation): BfN-Skripten 114

Short description:
The German Offshore Installations Ordinance stipulates the identification of especially suitable areas for the construction of offshore wind farms in the German EEZ. 
In this research project on behalf of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation the TU Berlin pointed out environmental requirements which should be taken into account in the process of identifying suitable areas for wind farms. Planning approaches and possible environmental criteria for the selection of suitable areas are discussed. (55 pages)

Main results:
General survey of environmental requirements which should be taken into account when identifying suitable areas for offshore wind farms according to the German Offshore Installations Ordinance.


Title:
Technical intrusions upon the marine habitats

original title:
Technische Eingriffe in marine Lebensräume

publisher:
Bundesamt für Naturschutz (Federal Agency for Nature Conservation): BfN-Skripten 29

Short description:
Report on a workshop of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation held at International Academy for Nature Conservation Isle of Vilm at the 27-29th October 1999. The workshop focused on possible effects of electrocables and offshore wind farms on the marine environment. (182 pages)


Title:
Survey of marine mammals in the German EEZ of the North Sea

original title:
Erfassung von Meeressäugetieren in der deutschen AWZ der Nordsee

author:
M. Scheidat, A. Gilles, K. Lehnert, U. Siebert

Short description:
Report on a research project carried out on behalf of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. During the research project different existing data on marine mammals in the German EEZ of the North Sea have been analyzed and further data have been collected. (30 pages)

Main results:
Information on the distribution of marine mammals in the German EEZ of the North Sea. Harbour porpoises: distribution mainly from south to north along the coast; Distribution area of grey and harbour seals from the coast to a depth of 35 m and a distance of maximal 50 km from the resting area; but more data on this area needed. The distribution areas of porpoises and seals are the same. The small number of harbour seals gives a special status to the colonies on Helgoland and Borkum. The population of porpoises in the North Sea has to be protected. Proposal to mark 'Amrum' and 'Borkum' as protection areas.


Title:
Survey of marine mammals in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea

original title:
Erfassung von Meeressäugetieren in der deutschen AWZ der Ostsee

Short description:
Report on a research project carried out on behalf of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. During the research project different existing data on marine mammals in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea have been analyzed und further data have been collected. (23 pages)

Main results:
Information on the distribution of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea. The abundance of harbour porpoises is much larger in the west of the Baltic Sea then in the east. A clear borderline between species from east and west exists. The Oderbank and the 'Pommersche Bucht' form the main points for the presense of harbour porpoises. The population in the Baltic Sea should be protected. In order to close certain areas for Offhore wind, more research is needed.


Title:
Survey of resting birds in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas

original title:
Erfassung von Rastvögeln in der deutschen AWZ von Nord- und Ostsee

Short description:
Report on a research project carried out on behalf of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. During the research project different existing data on resting birds in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas have been analyzed und further data have been collected. The surveys concentrated on selected areas. (68 pages)

Main results:
Information on the distribution of the most important seabirds in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Sea. Furthermore endangering factors and protection aims for seabirds in the EEZ hav been pointed out and proposals for EU special protection areas have been formulated and existing proposals for suitable areas for offshore wind farms have been discussed with regard to the distribution of seabirds.


Title:
Benthic surveys in the potential suitable areas for offshore wind farms "Kriegers Flak" and "Westlicher Adlergrund" in the Baltic Sea

original title:
Benthologische Arbeiten zur ökologischen Bewertung von Windenergie-Anlagen-Eignungsgebieten in der Ostsee. Bericht für die Areale "Kriegers Flak" und "Westlicher Adlergrund"

author:
M. Zettler, M. Röhner, J. Frankowski, H. Becher, I. Glockzin

Short description:
Report on a research project carried out on behalf of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. During the research project benthic surveys in two potential suitable areas for offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea have been carried out. (54 pages)

Main results:
Data analysis on species and benthic communites on the sites "Kriegers Flak" and "Westlicher Adlergrund" in the Baltic Sea. Evaluation with regard to the potential erection of wind farms.


Title:
Maps on nominated NATURA 2000 sites in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas

original title:
Karten der NATURA 2000-Schutzgebietsvorschläge in der AWZ der Nordsee und Ostsee

publisher:
Bundesamt für Naturschutz (Federal Agency for Nature Conservation)

General::
other: website with maps and information on nominated NATURA 2000 sites in the German EEZ

Short description:
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) has proposed 10 NATURA 2000 sites in the German EEZ which were nominated to the EU by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety  in May 2004. Concerning these NATURA 2000 sites the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation has launched a website (HABITAT MARE NATURA 2000). This websites provides for example maps and explanatory notes on the nominated NATURA 2000 sites in the German North and Baltic Seas.

Main results:
Nominated NATURA 2000 sites in the German EEZ of the North (4 sites) and Baltic (6 sites) Seas.


Title:
Standards for site investigation - Minimum requirements for the foundation of offshore wind energy plants

original title:
Standard Baugrunderkundung - Mindestanforderungen für Gründungen von Offshore-Windenergieanlagen

publisher:
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency

Short description:
Lead-managed by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) a standard for the site investigation for the foundation of offshore wind energy plants was developed. With this standard the permission authority releases concrete obligatory minimum requirements for the geological-geophysical and geotechnical site investigation which are also prescribed in permissions according to the German Offshore Installations Ordinance. The standard contains a stepwise site investigation programme for the planning and establishment which is coordinated to the several planning and construction phases.
The standard ist based on a proposition of an expert group which consists of engineers, researchers from different universities, authorities, firms, etc.  As soon as there is new knowlegde and experience in this area the standard will be updated.


Title:
Survey of harbour porpoises in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea by means of porpoise detectors

original title:
Erfassung von Schweinswalen in der deutschen AWZ der Ostsee mittels Porpoise Detektoren

author:
H. Benke, C. Honnef, U. Verfuß, A. Kilian, I. Baresel

Short description:
The utilisation of habitats through harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in selected areas of the German EEZ of the  Baltic Sea ("Kadetrinne" and "Fehmarnbelt") and associated nearshore areas were examined with Porpoise detectors (PODs). (22 pages + 3 map)

Main results:
The two examined areas "Kadetrinne" and "Fehmarnbelt" are very important areas for the harbour porpoise in the German Baltic Sea. The investigation of the pattern of utilisation of habitats through harbour porpoises with acoustic methods (PODs) points out a frequent presence of harbour porpoises in the "Kadetrinne" and the associated nearshore area. Germany has a special responsibility for the continuity of the species in the Baltic Sea with respect to the total population (except for  the Beltsee  and Kattegat).


Title:
Survey of Annex II fish species in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas

original title:
Erfassung von FFH-Anhang II-Fischarten in der deutschen AWZ der Nord- und Ostsee

author:
M.H.F. Kloppmann, U. Böttcher,  U. Damm, S. Ehrich, B. Mieske, N. Schultz & K. Zumholz

Short description:
The main objective of the project was to show the distribution of the fish species listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and to identify possible areas of special importance for protection. 
Contents of the reseach project:
- Fishery investigation to support the selection of Natura 2000 sites in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas, 
- Fishery investigation in suitable areas for offshore wind farms,
- Examination and description of the fish fauna and identification of emphases of distribution for the species in these areas, 
- Evaluation of the areas concerning their worthiness to be protected because of Annex-II-species of fishes,
- Determination of chronological trends in the population development of individual species and of seasonal differences of their distribution, 
- Identification of further research requirements.
(82 pages)

Main results:
Due to the few data no final judgement is possible concerning potential protection sites. With regard to the Annex II species of fishes the results of the investigations do not point out any emphasis of distribution for these species. The knowledge about occurrence and distribution is incomplete (except Alosa fallax).


Title:
Spatial analysis of the anadromous migrating fish species twaite shad 'Alosa fallax' in the North Sea

original title:
Analyse der Verteilungsmuster der anadromen Wanderfischart Finte (Alosa fallax) in der Nordsee

Short description:
The research project addressed the following issues:
Do there exist main distribution areas of the endangered anadromous fish species Alosa fallax in the North Sea?
Is it possible to define proposals for potential Special Areas of Conservation?
Therefor the project used geostatistic as a tool for search. Analysis is based on fishery data from 1986-2001.
(32 pages)

Main results:
The data did not allow to to identify and implement any Special Area of Conservation in the German EEZ for Alosa fallax.


Title:
Delimitation of sandbanks as propasals for areas of conservation according to the Habitats Directive

original title:
Abgrenzung von Sandbänken als FFH-Vorschlagsgebiete

Short description:
Content of the research project was the development and application of an intersubjectively revisable method for the identification and delimitation of undermarine banks by means of morphometrical methods. As data basis the best available data sets for the bathymetry of the North and Baltic Seas were procured in order to model a "Triangular Irregular Net (TIN)" supported by a Geographical Information System (GIS). The TIN offers an intersubjectively revisable method for the identification and delimitation of undermarine banks on the basis of a predetermined morphological definition.
It was not the objective of the project to suggest specific areas as proposed Sites of Community Interest according to the Habitats Directive.
(21 pages)

Main results:
With the developed method undermarine banks were mapped in the North and Baltic Seas. 
But due to differently dense data sets not all banks which are recognizable in a TIN visualisation were identified by the model and separated.
For the delimitation of marine banks the spatial density of the measuring data should be 100 metre.


Title:
Derivation of scientific criteria for identification and delimitation of marine Special Protection Areas (SPA) according to Art. 4, Para. 1 and 2 of the Wild Birds Directive, respectively proposed Sites of Community Interest under the Habitats Directive in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

original title:
Ableitung fachlicher Kriterien für die Identifizierung und Abgrenzung von marinen Besonderen Schutzgebieten (BSG) nach Art. 4 Abs. 1 und 2 der Vogelschutzrichtlinie bzw. Vorschlagsgebieten gemäß Art. 4 Abs. 1 der FFH-Richtlinie für die deutsche ausschließliche Wirtschaftszone

Short description:
This paper supplies preparatory work for selection and delimitation of Special Protection Areas according to Art. 4, Para. 2 of the Birds Directive and proposed Sites of Community Interest according to Art. 4, Para. 1 of the Habitats Directive. In connection with the analysis of scientific data about the frequency and distribution of objects of protection a quick delimitation and declaration of conservation areas can be carried out.
Contents of the report:
- Description of the legal framework,
- Criteria for the selection of SPA and pSCI are derived from the legal directives and the appropriate judgements of the European Court of Justice,
- Short portrait of all bird species of Annex I of the Birds Directive and all migrating birds recorded in the German marine areas,
- Short portrait of the habitat types covered by Annex I and of the species covered by Annex II of the Habitat Directive that occur in the German EEZ,
- With the example of SPA according to the Birds Directive, the individual steps of site delimitation are shown in detail.
(139 pages)

Main results:
Derivation of scientific criteria for identification and delimitation of marine Special Protection Areas (SPA) according to Art. 4, Para. 1 and 2 of the Wild Birds Directive, respectively proposed Sites of Community Interest (pSCI) under the Habitats Directive in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).


Title:
GIGAWIND - Structure, Design and Environmental Aspects of Offshore-Windenergy-Converters

original title:
GIGAWIND - Bau- und umwelttechnische Aspekte von Off-shore Windenergieanlagen

Short description:
The aim of this research project is to develop and improve the methods and tools for the design and construction of offshore wind-energy-turbines in order  to optimise the design and thus reduce the construction and operation costs. A better understanding of the life cycle of these offshore constructions is necessary to estimate their life duration. Moreover, a method for quantifying the environmental effects must be achieved.
Gigawind involves fundamental research work on the impact from ocean currents, tidal flow and wave surge on offshore wind farms, and emissions of underwater noise. Other key aspects areas of focus are geotechnical surveys of the sea bed, and load and fatigue analysis on foundations and towers under extreme conditions.
The final report (60 pages) of the triannual project summarises the main results. For detailed information additionally the three annual reports (2001, 2002, 2003) should be taken into account.

Main results:
Excerpt:
- sound radiation: Development of a forecasting method for sound pressure levels with realistic results.
- influence on sea currents: the currents in the area of the parks change, however, only around very few percent. Near by the foundations and piles there is an  increase of the tidal and wave-conditional currents with the danger of formation of scour pits. 
- loads: wave loads have been calculated by use of extreme value analyses. These results entered in a computer programme for load and fatigue analysis at Monopiles, Tripoids and Jacket constructions. The programme is already used in planning of offshore wind parks. 
- ground investigations and foundations: Analysis of available data regarding ground conditions in the North Sea and compilation of the state of the art for foundation of offshore wind energy plants.
A very important conclusion of the ground-mechanical investigations is that the reversible deformations of the ground can lead through waves under the recurring load to changed bedding conditions up to the loss of the usability. This was not conscious to the plant designers and the permission authorities as the project began. Today this question determines the scientific as well as the practical discussion.


Title:
Strategy of the German Government on the use of off-shore wind energy - in the context of its national sustainability strategy

original title:
Strategie der Bundesregierung zur Windenergienutzung auf See - im Rahmen der Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie der Bundesregierung

Short description:
The State Secretary Committee for Sustainable Development commissioned the Federal Environment Ministry to develop and implement a targeted strategy with which to solve existing conflicts between the protection and use of resources and to speed up the licensing procedures for offshore wind farms. Extensive legal and planning security are the priority aims to be achieved as soon as possible.
After giving the main information about the background of the strategy the paper shows an overview about the German strategic focal points as well as competing forms of use of the resources in the EEZ. Furthermore the basics of the legal framework conditions for the swift development of the offshore wind energy potential are presented. Based on this information the strategy paper contents also the basics for the identification of areas in the EEZ to be used for wind energy purposes. Maps which are showing the potentially suitable areas and the areas expected to be suitable for the use of wind energy in the EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas are presented. 
Following information about the research is given which has been initiated by the German government. On the one hand these are measuring platforms and testing fields, on the other hand an accompanying ecological research.
Concluding the main aspects of the future of the strategy are indicated.
(26 pages)

Main results:
- Expansion of offshore wind energy must take a phased structure and be
environmentally sound, take account of nature-protection needs and be
economically viable.
- Expansion of offshore wind energy must be supported by technical,
environmental and nature-specific research (incl. beyond start-up phase).
- To ensure application of the precautionary approach, expansion will be
subject to phased implementation (initial phase: maximum 80 facilities).
Implementation of subsequent phases assumes a positive and reliable
outcome in terms of compatibility with the environment and with nature.
- At least 500 MW installed offshore wind capacity in Germany in the
initial phase (namely the first construction phase of wind farms) in the
areas that are projected to be available by 2006, and in the medium-term,
by 2010, even 2000 to 3000 MW power is expected from using offshore
wind energy.
- In the long-term, i.e. up to 2025 or 2030, profitability will be reached
with about 20,000 to 25,000 MW of installed power (in the coastal
waters and Exclusive Economic Zone).


Title:
Continental Shelf Information System (CONTIS)

original title:
CONTIS-Informationssystem (Continental Shelf Information System)

publisher:
Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH)

General::
map (e.g. of suitable areas for wind farms)

Short description:
CONTIS is a novel ocean data base developed by the BSH which shows at a glance the wide range of present and future uses of the marine environment. The CONTIS system visualises, inter alia, the areal extent of: Cables, Pipelines and Extraction Areas, Maritime Traffic and Military Practice Areas, Offshore Wind Farms (Pilot Phases), Offshore Wind Farms (Possible realisation after 2010) as well as Protected and Suitable Areas.The Continental Shelf Information System CONTIS focuses on the German continental shelf and EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas.

Main results:
Maps showing the present and future uses and interests in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas.


Title:
Scaling possible adverse effects of marine wind farms on seabirds: developing and applying a vulnerability index

publisher:
Journal of Applied Ecology (Volume 41, Issue 4, page 724-734)

Short description:
In this article the authors develop a "wind farm sensitivity index" (WSI) for seabirds. They apply this index to the Exclusive Economic Zone and the national waters of Germany in the North Sea. Nine factors are chosen, derived from species' attributes, to be included in the WSI: flight manoeuvrability, flight altitude, percentage of time flying, nocturnal flight activity, sensitivity towards disturbance by ship and helicopter traffic, flexibility in habitat use, biogeographic population size, adult survival rate and European threat and Conservation status. Each factor was scored on a 5-point-scale from 1 (low vulnerability of seabirds) to 5 (high vulnerability of seabirds). Five of these factors could be dealt with by real data but four could only be assessed by subjective considerations based on at-sea experience; in the latter cases, suggestions of the first author were independently modulated by experts.
(11 pages)

Main results:
- Species differed greatly in their sensitivity index (SSI). Black-throated diver Gavia arctica and redthroated diver Gavia stellata ranked highest (= most sensitive), followed by velvet scoter Melanitta fusca, sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis and great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Lowest values were recorded for black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, blackheaded gull Larus ridibundus and northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. 
-  A WSI score for areas of the North Sea and Baltic Sea was calculated from the species-specific sensitivity index values. Coastal waters in the southeastern North Sea had values indicating greater vulnerability than waters further offshore throughout the whole year.
- Derived from the frequency distribution of the WSI, the authors suggest a "level of concern" and a "level of major concern" which are visualized spatially and could act as a basis for the selection of marine wind farm locations.
- The developed windfarm sensitivity index might be useful in strategic environmental impact assessments.


Title:
Consideration of effects on the marine environment within the licensing procedure of wind parks in the German EEZ: Discussion of methods and practical advise for the drafting and the quality assurance of EIA studies and of Habitat Assessment studies

original title:
Berücksichtigung von Auswirkungen auf die Meeresumwelt bei der Zulassung von Windparks in der Ausschließlichen Wirtschaftszone: Methodendiskussion und Praxishinweise für die Erarbeitung und Qualitätssicherung von Umweltverträglichkeitsstudien und FFH-Verträglichkeitsstudien

Short description:
Main objectives of the project:
- preparation of a book publication to summarize the main results of the several ecological research projects accompanying the development of offshore wind energy in Germany,
- analysis of the present results of ecolgical research projects on offshore wind and the hitherto gained practical experiences with regard to the requirements of environmental planning instruments (e.g. EIA) and the decision making within the licensing procedure,
- drafting of recommendations for the environmental assessements connected with offshore wind farm planning (e.g. EIA, Habitats Assessment), in particular advice will be given on assessment methods.


Title:
Development of an environmental strategy for the use of wind energy onshore and offshore

original title:
Entwicklung einer Umweltstrategie für die Windenergienutzung an Land und auf See

Short description:
Development of an environmental strategy for the wind energy use onshore and offshore, particularly with regard to environmental effects, grid connection, licensing procedures, repowering.


Title:
MINOS plus: Ongoing research on seabirds and marine mammals for the evaluation of offshore wind turbines

original title:
MINOS plus: Weiterführende Arbeiten an Seevögeln und Meeressäugern zur Bewertung von Offshore-Windkraftanlagen

Short description:
Extension of the monitoring and field investigations done in the preliminary MINOS-project (see COD-D-003). Accompanying effect monitoring during construction and operation of planed wind farms in the German Exclusive Economic Zone.
The composite project consists of seven single projects:
- Sense of hearing of harbour porpoises and common seals,
- Harbour porpoises: Density and distribution (airborne surveys),
- Harbour porpoises: Use of space (PODs),
- Harbour porpoises: Adjusting the different recording methods,
- Resting sea birds: Density and distribution (airborne and ship-based surveys),
- Telemetry and seals,
- Project and data coordination.


Title:
Strategic Environmental Assessment and strategical monitoring for offshore wind farms

original title:
Strategische Umweltprüfung und strategisches Umweltmonitoring für Offshore-Windparks

Short description:
Recommendations will be given on the implementation of SEA for offshore wind development, taking into consideration legal, methodical (planning related) and ecological aspects.


Title:
Collisions of Ships and Offshore Wind Turbines: Risk of nacelle impact

original title:
Rechnerische Bewertung des Risikos herabstürzender Gondeln von Offshore-Windenergieanlagen bei der Kollision mit Schiffen

Short description:
Computational simulation of crashing nacelles in case of ship collisions with respect to possible oil leakage. 
Extension of the work done in the preliminary project (see COD-D-009).


Title:
Standardised methods for measurement and assessment of impact of sound on the marine environment by offshore-wind turbines

original title:
Standardverfahren zur Ermittlung und Bewertung der Belastung der Meeresumwelt durch Schallimmissionen von Offshore-Windenergieanlagen

Short description:
Validation of prognosis methods and measuring methods for the estimation of sound immission to the sea water during the construction and operation phase of offshore wind turbines. Investigation of sound diminishing methods during ramming of piles.
Extension of the work done in the preliminary project (see COD-D-005).


Title:
Specious related levels of impact to migrating birds for the area of the south west Baltic Sea and hazard to bird migration caused by offshore wind turbines

original title:
Artbezogene Erheblichkeitsschwellen von Zugvögeln für das Seegebiet der südwestlichen Ostsee bezüglich der Gefährdung des Vogelzuges im Zusammenhang mit dem Kollisionsrisiko an Windenergieanlagen

Short description:
Quantification of migration rates and calculation of a specious related collision risk. Modelling of the population dynamics of migratory bird in the Baltic sea. Determination of specious related levels of impact to migrating birds.


Title:
Use of biomarkers for the registration of possible effects of electromagnetic fields and temperatures on marine organisms under laboratory conditions

original title:
Einsatz von Biomarkern für die Erfassung möglicher Wirkungen von elektromagnetischen Feldern und Temperaturen auf marine Organismen (Miesmuscheln und Schlickkrebs) unter Laborbedingungen

Short description:
Research on the use of biomarkers for the registration of possible effects of electromagnetic fields (part A) and temperatures (part B) on marine organisms under laboratory conditions.


Title:
Changes in cultural landscape of coastal areas - Methodology of landscape analysis for the planning of offshore wind farms

original title:
Kulturlandschaftsveränderung in Küstenzonen - Methodik der Landschaftsbildanalyse bei der Planung von Offshore-Windparks

Short description:
The paper describes a method of landscape analyses that has been developed for nearshore wind farm planning.
The article refers to the follwoing aspects:
- general notations regarding wind energy and coastal landsape,
- inventory survey,
- character of the project and visuell impacts on coastal landscape,
- evaluation benchmarks,
- avoidance and mitigation of impacts.
(18 pages)

Main results:
Of importance for the impact assessment is the sensitivity of the representativ viewpoints which should be described by topographical, utilizational, environmental, structural and shape analytical criteria.
A main aspect of the landsape analysis is the photographic visualisation of the planned project from different viewpoints. Additionally schematic and graphical detailing and comparisons are necessary.


Title:
QuantAs-Off: Quantification of Water Mass Transformation Processes in the Arkona Sea - Impact of Offshore Wind Farms

original title:
QuantAs-Off: Quantifizierung von Wassermassen-Transformationsprozessen in der Arkonasee - Einfluss von Offshore-Windkraftanlagen

Short description:
QuantAS-Off Objectives:
- How much will dense and oxygen-rich bottom currents through the Arkona Sea into the Baltic Sea be obstructed and diluted by underwater constructions such as foundations of offshore wind farms?
- Which influence do these water mass transformations have on the flux (and its distribution) of oxygen-rich North Sea water into the basins of the Baltic Sea such as the Bornholm Basin and the Gotland Basin?
- Which recommendations for the location, layout and extent of offshore wind farms can be given to the authorities responsible for approving the erection of offshore wind farms?


Title:
Collision risk for migrating birds and disturbance effects on harbour porpoises at the offshore wind farms Horns Rev and Nysted in Denmark

original title:
Untersuchungen über die Kollisionsgefahr von Zugvögeln und die Störwirkung auf Schweinswale in den Offshore-Windenergieanlagen Horns Rev und Nysted in Dänemark

Short description:
Studies on the collision risk for migrating birds and disturbance effects on harbour porpoises at the offshore wind farms Horns Rev and Nysted in Denmark.
The projects is held within the framework of the German-Danish cooperation on accompanying ecological research offshore.


Title:
FINOBIRD: Impacts on bird migration - accompanying research in the offshore area at research platforms in the North Sea

original title:
FINOBIRD: Auswirkungen auf den Vogelzug - Begleitforschung im Offshore-Bereich auf Forschungsplattformen in der Nordsee

Short description:
Studies on the spatial and temporal distribution of bird migration over the North Sea. With regard to potential sites for offshore wind farms the impacts of wind farms on migration routes will be discussed, and also avoidance measures with regard to bird strikes.


Title:
Impacts of offshore wind farms on the benthos in the North Sea (BEOFINO II)

original title:
Benthosökologische Auswirkungen von Offshore-Windenergieparks in der Nordsee (BEOFINO II)

Short description:
Possible impacts of offshore wind farms on the benthic ecosystem are studied at a research platform (FINO I) in the North Sea.
Extension of the work done in the preliminary BEOFINO-project (see COD-D004).

Main results:
(ongoing project, until December 2007)
Selected results of the measurements and investigations on the research platform will be published on the FINO-website (www.fino-offshore-com).


Title:
Long-term field studies on possible impacts of offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea (BEOFINO II)

original title:
Langfristige Felduntersuchungen zu möglichen Auswirkungen von Offshore-Windenergieparks in der Ostsee (BEOFINO II)

Short description:
Long-term field studies on possible impacts of offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea.


Title:
Technical and Legal Nature Conservation Requirements for New Spatial Planning Instruments in the German Exclusive Economy Zone

original title:
Naturschutzfachliche und naturschutzrechtliche Anforderungen im Gefolge der Ausdehnung des Raumordnungsregimes auf die deutsche Ausschließliche Wirtschaftszone

Short description:
New options for the regulation of spatial interests in the German Exclusive Economy Zone (EEZ) were implemented in the year 2004 due to the passing of the German Spatial Planning Act. The legislation established a new competence for spatial planning in the Exclusive Economy Zone on Federal level. The new ‘off-shore’ spatial planning strategy by the Federal Government shall ensure the protection of the marine environment. Therefore the research project will work out technical and procedural requirements that provide a successful integration of nature conservation interests in spatial planning.
The research project is focussing on the answer of the question of how to transfer and consider objectives of the German Federal Nature Conservation Act in the spatial planning in the Exclusive Economy Zone. The demands on the political, legal and technical conditions to meet the requirements of nature conservation will be illustrated. Criteria for an area-wide determination and assessment of valuable nature conservation areas will be developed. Additionally, the research will point out various instruments for the integration of nature conservation interests into the process of spatial planning.
The project is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN).


Title:
International Exchange of Experiences on the Assessment of the Ecological Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms

original title:
Internationaler Erfahrungsaustausch zur ökologischen Begleitforschung von Offshore-Windkraftanlagen

Short description:
The international trend towards the extension of wind farms onto the EEZ demands the consideration of its impact on the marine environment and an intense research to meet the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Not only in Germany a great number of scientific investigations and projects with a focus on implementation were realized. Most of the research is carried out in order to be able to consider the impact on the marine environment before coming to a decision on the admissibility of wind farms. It is still not clear how the results of scientific research and expert opinions regarding the impact of offshore wind farms shall be taken into consideration for the decision making process by the responsible national authorities. Therefore the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) granted the Berlin University of Technology, to improve and coordinate the knowledge basis for the assessment of human impact on marine ecosystems. To facilitate an international exchange between experts and administrative bodies an international workshop was organised and held in March 2005. 
In a second step, the results of the workshop and of literature evaluations of two other subprojects shall be discussed and assessed in view of their implementation in permission procedures for wind farms or for the regional planning. In addition, standards for avoidance and mitigation measures for construction, operation and dismantling shall be formulated.

Main results:
The Berlin University of Technology and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation in Germany organized a workshop for the international exchange of experience on approaches for assessing environmental impacts of offshore wind farms. The event took place in Berlin on March the 17th and 18th 2005. The conference consisted of presentations on the one hand, and workshops on the other hand. Around ninety international and national experts were invited for discussion and exchange of information on methods and criteria for the assessment of environmental impacts of offshore wind farms. It was focused on marine mammals, benthos and fish, sea and resting birds as well as migrating birds as the main and most important marine biota.
The proceedings of the workshop are expected to be published in the middle of 2005.


Title:
FINO 2 ( Research Platforms in the North and Baltic Seas)

original title:
FINO 2 (Forschungsplattformen in der Nord- und Ostsee)

Short description:
The second German research platform (FINO 2) is intended to be installed in 2005 in the Baltic Sea. The platform FINO 2 will be erected 40 km north of Kap Arkona, the northern tip of the island of Ruegen, close to the future offshore wind farm Kriegers Flak. The shipping institute "Schifffahrtsinstitut Warnemuende e.V. of the University of Wismar is responsible for the erection of this platform. On the research platform, measurements and investigations will be performed to determine the environmental conditions (meteorology, hydrology etc.) and the effects on the environment, e.g. benthos and birds.
(see also FINO 1, COD-D010)

Main results:
The construction of the research platform FINO 2 is planned for 2005.


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Borkum West"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Borkum West"

Short description:
Environmental Impact Statement
(Note: A look at the EIA documents for offshore wind farms in the German EEZ can only be taken at the licensing authority - the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, BSH.)


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Butendiek"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Butendiek"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Borkum Riffgrund"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Borkum Riffgrund"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Borkum Riffgrund West"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Borkum Riffgrund West"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Amrumbank West"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Amrumbank West"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Nordsee Ost"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Nordsee Ost"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Sandbank 24"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Sandbank 24"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Pommersche Bucht"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Pommersche Bucht"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Adlergrund"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Adlergrund"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Enova Offshore North Sea Windpower"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Enova Offshore North Sea Windpower"


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement for the Offshore Wind Farm "Kriegers Flak"

original title:
Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie für den Offshore-Windpark "Kriegers Flak"


Title:
Potential impact of offshore wind turbine related sound on the sound detection of harbour porpoises in the North Sea (Project number: 2020-01013-10-002)

Short description:
This study aimed at achieving information on the potential impact of operational sounds of offshore wind turbines on the perception of sounds by harbour porpoises which might be biologically meaningful to the animals. The most direct parameters to assess this aspect are the absolute and the masked hearing threshold of the animals in the low frequency range, i.e. in the frequency band of wind turbine related sounds. This study revealed the relevant data on those parameters for a harbour porpoise held at the Dolfinarium Harderwijk (the Netherlands).
(44 pages)

Main results:
The results indicate that the perception of low frequency signals would be masked by operational wind turbines for the harbour porpoise at close ranges to the wind turbine. From an ecological point of view the results indicate that overall effect of the operational sound emissions of the planned wind turbines is very likely to be small for individual harbour porpoises and negligible on a population level.


Title:
Enviromental Impact Assessment of hydrography

original title:
Enviromental Impact Assessment of hydrography

author:
Karen Edelvang, Annette Lützen Møller, Cathrine Maria Steenberg, rene Zom, Erik Asp Hansen, Karsten Mangor

Short description:
The report is a baseline study with the purpose to describe possible consequences of establishing and running the power plant. The following aspects are covered in the report: hydrography, coastal morphology and sediment transport. Pages 50

Main results:
It is assessed that the erection of a wind power plant at Horns Rev will cause no measurable influence on the environment with respect to hydrography and sediment transport.


Title:
Investigation of marine mammals in relation to the establishment of a marine wind farm on Horns Reef
wind farm on Horns Reef

Short description:
This report is a baseline with purpose to assess whether the establishment of a marine wind farm on Horns Reef may impact on breeding and nonbreeding marine mammals, particularly harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena and common seal Phoca vitulina. The abundance of these animals is given. Pages 34

Main results:
The theoretical assumption of the impact study is that no changes will be detected on the occurrence of the harbour porpoise neither during construction nor during operation of the windmill farm on Horns Reef. Monitoring of the effects is needed and a monitoring program is suggested.


Title:
Effects on birds of an offshore wind park at Horns Rev: Environmental impact assessment
park at Horns Rev: Environmental
impact assessment

author:
Henning Noer, Thomas Kjær Christensen, Ib Clausager & Ib Krag Petersen

Short description:
This report presents the technical background to the ornithological
environmental impact assessment for the construction of an offshore
windpark at Horns Rev. Pages 112

Main results:
It is assessed that the specific construction area of the projected wind park is of very limited significance for water- and seabirds judged by their overall distribution in the waters around Horns Rev.


Title:
Environmental Impact Assessment of Sea Bottom and Marine Biology

Short description:
An investigation has been made to determine what impact the construction might have on the sea bottom and the local marine biology during both the construction and production phases. Pages 43

Main results:
The area of reclaimed sea bottom covered by establishing the wind farm, is calculated to less than 0.1% of the total area of the site. It amounts to an area with a potential biomass of benthic animals of approximately 600 kg. An increased copper contamination of filter-feeding benthic animals can be expected as a result of the total annual discharge of 206 kg copper from the slip-rings in the wind turbines.


Title:
Effects of marine windfarms on the distribution of fish, shellfish and marine mammals in the Horns Rev area
fish, shellfish and marine mammals 
in the Horns Rev area

author:
Erik Hoffmann, Jens Astrup, Finn Larsen, Sten Munch-Petersen, Josianne Støttrup

Short description:
This report is a quantitative description of the fish and shellfish fauna in
the area and an evaluation on the effects of the windmill park on fish, shellfish and marine mammals. Pages 42

Main results:
The physically presence of the windturbines is estimated only to have short terme effect, sealife is exspected to return to normal. The turbines may create a artificial reef and it is estimated they will attract other species of fish. The noise and magnetic fields from the turbines is expected not to influence animals.


Type of institution:
national electric utility / power authority

Title:
Offshore Wind Power Farm - Environmental Impact Assessment on Water Quality

Short description:
This report is part of an assessment that was made of the effects
the wind farm would have on the water quality in the area. Pages 24

Main results:
The impact on current and sediment conditions in the area from establishing the wind farm is estimated to be very local and limited, in both the construction and production phases. No general changes in the water quality of this area are thus expected.


Title:
Investigations on the artificial reef effect on fish from marine wind turbine park at Horns Reef
marine wind turbine park at Horns Reef.

Short description:
This report is the status for the project entitled: Investigations on the artificial reef effect on fish from marine wind turbine park at Horns Reef. Pages 12

Main results:
A total of 186 fish distributed in 14 species were caught in this preliminary survey. The most predominant fish species in the catches were whiting and plaice. On the basis of 6 gillnets (=samples) an average of 22.7 and 3.3 whiting and plaice were caught with a variability of 80% and 35% respectively


Title:
Elsam. Offshore Wind Farm. Horns Rev - Annual Status Report for the Environmental Monitoring Programme

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (e.g. monitoring)

Short description:
This is an annual report, which is a baseline and/or evaluation of the effects of construction phase of the windfarm at Hornsrev. Pages 58

Main results:
The baseline survey has now been completed with one survey in September 2001 and one in March 2002, just before the construction of the wind farm was initiated. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the catch data from the wind farm area and the reference area show no differences between wind farm area and reference area.


Title:
Base-line investigations of birds in relation to an offshore wind farm at Horns Rev: results and conclusions 2000/2001marine windmill parks at Horns Reef.

author:
Thomas Kjær Christensen, Ib Clausager & Ib Krag Petersen

publisher:
National Environmental Research Institute, Ministry of Environment and Energy

Short description:
This report presents the combined results of two years of base-line investigations of birds performed during August 1999 - April 2001. Pages 24

Main results:
The base-line estimates that if the birds avoid exploiting the wind farm area, this will affect a maximum of 1% of the study area. If the birds avoid the wind farm area the impact is estimated to affect less than 1% of the different species except divers of which 1.65% may be affected. Even if a very conservative 'worst possible case' scenario is assumed, with birds totally avoiding the wind farm area and the adjacent 4 km zone the impact is estimated to affect ca 11% of the common scoters, ca 10% of the gannets, 7-9% of the divers, alcids and velvet scoters, while the corresponding proportions of the remaining species will range within 0-6%.


Title:
Base-line investigations of birds in relation to an offshore wind farm at Horns Rev, and results from the year of construction

author:
Thomas Kjær Christensen, Ib Clausager, Ib Krag Petersen

Short description:
The present report presents the base-line investigations of birds conducted during August 1999-April 2001. The report also presents data collected during the period September 2001-April 2002, when construction of the wind farm was in progress. Pages 65

Main results:
The within-year variation recorded in the most abundant species during the base-line study did not show any major deviation from what could be expected from comparison with the seasonal occurrence of these species at Blåvandshuk 1963-1999.


original title:
Horns Rev havmøllepark Fremdriftsrapport for miljøundersøgelser 1. januar - 30. juni 2002

Short description:
This report includes status reports for each individual monitoring program. Pages 3.

Main results:
Description of the programme, no subject studied in this document


original title:
Horns Rev. Kontrol- og overvågningsprogram. Kunstigt rev

Short description:
This note is part of a monitoring program conducted to investigate and evaluate the environmental consequences of the construction and maintenance of the wind farm at Horns Reef. Pages 3


original title:
Horns Rev. Overvågningsprogram. Introduktion af hårdbundssubstrat

Short description:
This note is part of a monitoring program conducted to investigate and evaluate the environmental consequences of the construction and maintanence of the wind farm at Horns Reef. It is an introduction to the seafloor investigations. Pages 4


original title:
Fremdriftsrapport – Effektstudie på marsvin 1. halvår 2002

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
other: monitoring program for harbour porpoise

Short description:
This report is about the habour porpoise program for 2002 which was made to document possible changes in the behaviour and population of harbour porpoise around the construction site. Pages 1


Title:
Harbour seal satellite monitoring program, Horns Reef, North Sea

Short description:
This is an interim report on the harbour seal satellite monitoring program. Pages 2


Title:
Short-term effects of the construction of wind turbines on harbour porpoises at Horns Reef

author:
Jakob Tougaard, Jacob Carstensen, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Henrik Skov, Jonas Teilmann

Short description:
This report deals specifically with harbour porpoises and focus on the short-term effects of the construction of the park in 2002. Monitoring will continue and subsequent reports will focus on possible long-term effects of the park on harbour porpoises. Pages 72

Main results:
In summary it is concluded that individual rammings had an effect on the acoustic behaviour of harbour porpoises on the reef, lasting up to 3-4 hours after end of each ramming operation. Furthermore there were more general effects on abun-dance and behaviour of the animals in the construction period. It is not clear, however, whether this change in behaviour is truly attributtable to the construc-tion or whether it is related to overall temporal variation.


Title:
Investigations on the artificial reef effect on fish from marine windmill parks at Horns Reef.

Short description:
This report is about the status for the project entitled:
Investigations on the artificial reef effect on fish from marine windmill parks at Horns Reef. The objectives of this investigation are: to study fish attraction relative to single windmill structures and to the windmill park and to study the potential fish production enhancement of single windmill structures and of the windmill park. Pages 8


Title:
Monitoring programme. Hard Bottom Substrate. Progress memorandum 3

Short description:
This is a progress memorandum about the monitoring program to evaluate the environmental consequences of the construction and operation offshore wind farm at Horns Reef. The aim of the monitoring programme described is to document possible changes in the composition of the species and individuals of the benthic fauna. In addition the objective is to monitor the colonisation of the fouling communities on the turbine foundations in order to evaluate the reef effect on other fauna of the area. Hard Bottom Substrate. Pages 8

Main results:
No results. Progress memorandum on programme and time scedule.


Title:
Control and monitoring programme. Artificial reef. Progress memorandum 2

Short description:
This is a progress memorandum regarding the monitoring program that evaluate the environmental consequences of the construction and operation offshore wind farm at Horns Reef. Artificial reef. Time schedule for 2002 is given. Pages 9

Main results:
Investigations of the bottom composition in the reference area in connection with the food resource studies appear to show that the sediment in this area is slightly coarser than in the wind farm area. There is, however, no immediate difference between the two areas in the amount of sediment dry matter and combustion loss. Closer examination of the sediment characteristics revealed that there is only a very slight difference in the median grain size of the reference and wind farm areas. However, the sediments within the reference area at stations 3-5, which lie in the shallower water, are markedly coarser than at stations 1-2, which lie in the deeper area.


Title:
Seals using the Area of Horns Rev
Satellite Tracking of Seals

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (baseline and monitoring)

Short description:
This is a report regarding satellite tracking of seals in the area of Horns Reef. The satellite programme has been set with the purpose of: mapping the common seal's use of the area of Horns Rev and studying the seals' forage strategies accordingly. Pages 2


Title:
Basic Study/Surveillance of Porpoises at Horns Rev

Short description:
This report regards monitoring of porpoise. The purpose is to provide sufficient visual and acoustic data for evaluation of the 'natural' variation in the distribution and stock of porpoises in the planned wind farm area and the potential extension area in the western part of Horns Reef. Pages 4

Main results:
A status of the project and deviation from the planning is given. Not the results on the monitoring of harbour porpoises.


Title:
Status report of seabird surveys at Horns Rev, 2000-2001

Short description:
This report presents the results of the counts from three surveys, which was made to investigate what impact the construction of the wind farm will have on birds. Pages 26

Main results:
Species and numbers recorded during the nine aerial surveys carried out between August 2000 and January 2002 are shown. Bird species that are very difficult to separate during aerial surveys are grouped, while a few observations of migrating non-marine bird species (e.g. shorebirds) are omitted. Based on the distribution of the most abundant bird species recorded during 16 aerial surveys performed during August 1999 - January 2002, there were no indications that the wind farm area was of any particular importance to the birds’ exploitation of the Horns Rev area.


Title:
Elsam. Offshore Wind Farm. Horns Rev Annual Status Report for the Environmental Monitoring Programme 1st January 2001 - 31st December 2001

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (baseline study and monitoring)

Short description:
The monitoring programme has to assess whether the wind farm will cause measurable, temporary or permanent changes to the wind farm area.The report comprises a description of the wind farm project at Horns Rev, the environmental management system connected to the project, description and conclusion of each environmental monitoring project. Pages 49

Main results:
The status and conclusions for all monitoring programmes performed in 2001 are shown in this report. Detialed information can be found in the technical reports for each subject.


original title:
Status for fugleundersogelser samt forslag til opfolgende fugleundersogelser 2002 og 2003 for Horns Rev vindmollepark

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (baseline study)

Short description:
This report contains a brief describtion of the status and results of the finished bird investigations, and a describtion of project ideas of bird investigations in 2002 and 2003. Pages 8

Main results:
Analysis of the birds behaviour in the area shows that no species occured in larger numbers than expected. It was the same in distances from 2 to 4 km away from the area except common scoter which occured more than expected.


Title:
Sandeels and clams (Spisula sp.) in the wind turbine park at Horns Reef

author:
Henrik Jensen, Per Sand Kristensen, Erik Hoffmann

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (baseline)

Short description:
The purpose of this report is to evaluate the results of the survey carried out in February and March 2002 before the wind turbine park was constructed. Pages 45

Main results:
In both the control and impact area the weight fraction of Silt/clay + Very fine is smaller than 2% at all sample locations and thus clearly below the 6% limit above which sandeels would avoid the sediment. Judged from the sediment composition both the impact and the control area are considered as sandeel habitats. Further, a much larger area around the area of the wind turbine park is likely to be sandeel habitat as well.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 1

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 1

author:
Annette Lützen Møller
Annette Lützen Møller, Karen Edelvang

Short description:
This note is a description of the consequences that sediment spill might have on the marine-environment, when placing the foundation for 72 windturbines, and connecting cables. The note is a part of the EIA concerning the construction of the offshore windfarm 'Nysted Havmøllepark'. pages 18

Main results:
Violation of the above mentioned sedimentation limits is estimated only to be local around the digging facilities. The limit is estimated only to be overrun for less than 10% of the digging time. Even for longer periods with constant southern wind it is expected that the sedimentation will not be > 60 g/m2/day only very close to the site. The results of the simulation shows that the sediment will spread primarily to V and NNØ.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 2

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 2

Short description:
Geoteknisk Institut has made an evaluation on the amount of resources which will be seized on the construction of the offshore windfarm 'Nysted Havmøllepark'. Pages 8

Main results:
The evaluation shows that the present sand/gravel sediment is either hard to reach or does not have the nessecary fineness. It is concluded that potential sand/gravel resources is not expected to be seized, during the construction.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 3

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 3

Short description:
Geoteknisk Institut has made an evaluation of what materials is to be digged away and clapped, when making the gravitational foundation solution for the future windfarm 'Nysted Havmøllepark'. Pages 5

Main results:
A total of 90,000 m3 of sea floor (gravel, sand, clay) is estimated to be digged out. 24,000m3 is post glacial sediment and 66,000m3 is glacial sediment.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 4

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 4

Short description:
Effects of the sediment spill on the bottom flora and fauna at 'Rødsand' is expected to be of local, short and minimum character, and without major effects. Pages 4


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 5

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 5

Short description:
The report documents laboratory research to expose the effect of sediment spill on cod and herring, and also on codeggs and -larva. Pages 4

Main results:
It is estimated that the spill concerning the foundation of 'Nysted Havmøllepark'  will not bring any particular reduction of the fish population in the area, but certain limitations of fishing must be expected, during the construction period.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 6

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 6

Short description:
The report is documenting noise calculations made in the area where the future construction site of 'Nysted Havmøllepark' will be located. Pages 10

Main results:
Results from the two calculated noise levels. Noise level 1: Source noise (70m height) = 103,0 dB, noise at seal colony = 6,6dB, noise at mid-sea marker = 31,5 dB. Noise level 2: Source noise (70m height) = 106,5dB, noise at seal colony = 10,1dB, noise at mid-sea marker = 35,0dB


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 7

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 7

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
expert opinion (e.g. about possible environmental effects)

Short description:
In connection to the planned windfarm, SEAS has requested an examination of the seabed below the construction site. GI did the examinations and NMU checked the anomalies. scan sonar, magnetometer, multibeamekkolod e.g. was used. 12 anomalies were found. Pages 20

Main results:
12 anomalies have been investigated by NMU and concluded, not to be of historical importants.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 8

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 8

Short description:
This report is a supplement to the investigation conducted in 1999, of two anomalies found near the construction site of 'Nysted Havmøllepark'. NMU j.nr. 1783. Pages 11

Main results:
It was concluded that the two objects wasn't of historical interest.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 9

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 9

Short description:
This report is about calculations of how the wind, water and currents will change, when the momentum of the wind is reduced after the large windfarm is constructed. Pages 14

Main results:
Substantial reductions of wind speed can be expected to be found directly behind a turbine row. In 200 m distance the reductions is calculated to about 30%. The reductions decrease quickly with distance to the wind farm and at 1 km distance only up to 10% can be expected to be found. Between two rows the wind speed reductions are expected to be small. They are generally increasing with distance, but up to 1 km distance not more than about 1% reduction is expected.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 10

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 10

Short description:
Carl Bro Energi & Miljø has made an evaluation whether or not some of the coatings for the buildingmaterials should be substituted to more environmentally correct coatings. It evaluates the working environment as well. Pages 6

Main results:
It is concluded that so far the two products MI-FORM and PERAMIN F should be substituted.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 11

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 11

Short description:
This note is a supplement to the technical report concerning marine biological conditions. It contains mappings of the bottom flora and -fauna and contains suggestions on methodology of research. Pages 6


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 12

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 12

Short description:
This note denotes the results of several investigations concerning the population of fish near 'Rødsand'. It sums up the temporary and the long term effects on fish and fishing in the area.

Main results:
The construction is not expected to have significant effects on the fish population, but some methods of fishing will be made impossible e.g. trawling.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 13

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 13

Short description:
This report describes the marine biological examinations conducted to get a view of the potential effects the construction of the windfarm might have on the environment. It examins the food supplies for both bird and fish populations. Pages 54

Main results:
The foundation of a measuring pole put up in 1996 was covered by a thick layer of biomass from surface to bottom. The biomass consisted mainly of blue clam with a variation in weight between 7-10kg/m2/wet. Bottom fauna investigations within the same scope as in 1999 shows changes in abundance and biomass at 50%, a detection of changes at 25% will need an investigation at a larger scale. Changes in abundance and biomass of blue clam at 25% can be detected at investigations in the same scope as in 1999. Changes in blue clam's condition at 10% can be showed by a small investigation scope.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Background report no 13a

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 13a

Short description:
This report is some of the appendices with recorded data for the marine biological examinations conducted at 'Rødsand'. Pages 144


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 14

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 14

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (baseline on noise)

Short description:
Ødegaard & Danneskiold-Samsøe has made a calculation and evaluation of the underwater noise the windmills will produce. The test is undertaken to assess how much underwater noise 2 MW vind turbines might produce. Pages 29

Main results:
The results of the measurings and calculations are given on page 14 - 25.


Title:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of offshore windfarms at Rødsand and Omø Stålgrunde, Denmark

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 15

Short description:
This report investigates whether or not the construction of the windfarm will have an adverse impact on harbour porpoises in and around the wind farms. The most important sources of stress on the species are disturbances from traffic of ships, construction work, noise and loss of habitats. Pages 50

Main results:
It seems that the construction area is just as used by the porpoise as any of the surrounding areas. It is estimated that porpoise will move to the neighbour areas, but might still breed in the windfarm area.


Title:
Rødsand Offshore Wind Farm EIA Technical Background Report Birds nr 16

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 16

author:
Johnny Kahlert, Mark Desholm, Ib Clausager & Ib Krag Petersen

Short description:
This report presents the technical background and base-line to the ornithological environmental impact assessment for the construction of an offshore wind park at Rødsand. Pages 61

Main results:
It was shown that more than 90% of the waterfowl migration consisted of Eiders. In general, ca 20% of the total waterfowl migration passed through the planned wind park area. During the autumn period app. 10% of the Cormorants, gulls and Eiders passed the wind park area within the critical rotor height (30-110 m). A 10 m lowering of the hub height will increase this percentage 6-8%.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 17

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 17

author:
Kirsten Engell-Sørensen, Gustav Rasmussen, Michael Bo Rasmussen, Christian B. Hvidt

Short description:
This report is an evaluation of how different forms of fishing will be effected by the pre-construction and post-construction of 'Nysted Windfarm'. It departs in earlier examinations, and how fishing currently is practised. Pages 81

Main results:
The construction of the farm is expected to decrease the opportunity for several forms of fishing, exspecially fishing with net on the bottom.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 18

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 18

author:
Gustav Rasmussen, Kirsten Engell-Sørensen, Michael Bo Rasmussen, Maks Klaustrup

Short description:
This report evaluates whether or not the construction of the windfarm will have measurable, temporary or permanent influence on the fish-fauna in the area. Pages 94

Main results:
In table 1, 2 and 3 the total amount of fish cought are shown along side with the amount of individual species caught ordered by method of catching, area and period of time. Results of the chosen species show, that the variation between doublefishing varies from almost nothing to be 20% of the variation between replicats (the variation in space/area), that is, the variation in space/area is relativly higher than the variation from day to day.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 19

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 19

author:
Bettina M. Christiansen, Anja Friis-Christensen, Erik Asp Hansen, Jacob Hjelmager Jensen, Karsten Mangor, Juan Carlos Savioli, René Zorn

Short description:
This report contains describtions and calculations of the hydraulic, hydrographical, watertechnical and morpholigical conditions, which is estimated to be neccesary to investigate, before constructing the windfarm 'Nysted Havmøllepark'. Pages 165

Main results:
Changes in stoptime, salinity and current pattern, sediment transport and mixing in the water column has proved to be minimal and it can be assumed that the influence on the quality of the water surrounding the windmill foundations will be to a minimum. The oxygen concentration in the area is not at a critical level because of good currents and low water depth. The mixing in the area will be 4% max (less in practise).


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 19a

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 19a

Short description:
This is the appendices for the report investigating the hydraulic, hydrographical, watertechnical and morpholigical conditions. Pages 48


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 20

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 20

Short description:
The purpose of this report is to evaluate how the recreative activities in the area will be affected, and what the consequences might be. It includes sportssailing, diving, fishing and hunting. Pages 19

Main results:
It is assumed that during the construction work the windmill area will be seized for 6 month, during this time no recreative purposes of the area will be possible or heavily reduced.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 21

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 21

Short description:
This report examines the possibility and the number of ship collisions the windfarm could be at risk of. The report looks at the excisting naval traffic, drifting boats and the size of the ships/boats. Pages 49

Main results:
The collision freqencies are split in two types of collisions. One for a direct hit and one for drifting ships. The following return periods for the two types has been calculated: Returnperiod Windpark = Direct hit 300 mio years. Drifting ship 10 years, Returnperiod Trafo-station = Direct hit Not possible. Drifting ship 100000 years.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 22

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 22

Short description:
This report is an examination of the seabed in between the turbines in the farm. The seabed between the transformer station and the turbines has been investigated closer to assure the best internal connections of the farm. The seabed from the transformer station towards the first breakpoint on the mainline has also been studied. Pages 10


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 23

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 23

Short description:
This report is a geographical survey conducted to assure that no important sand/gravel resources is seized during and after the construction of the windfarm. Pages 14

Main results:
It is assessed that no potential resources are seized/destroyed.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 24

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 24

Short description:
This report evaluates whether or not the founding of the windfarm will have any measurable, temporary or permanent effects on the population of seals 'Phoca vitulina' and 'Haliocerus grypus' and gives suggestions on how to monitor postential effects. Pages 45

Main results:
Assessment of the vulnerability of the seal population and suggestions for monitoring potential effects.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 25

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 25

Short description:
This is a description of several consultations made to find the best location and configuration of the windfarm taken into account all environmental subjects, etc. Pages 30

Main results:
The location and configuration of the windfarm is laid down on the basis of various considerations to minimise the expects effects.


Title:
Windfarm at Rødsand VVM-review Backgroundreport no 26

original title:
Havmøllepark ved Rødsand VVM-redegørelse Baggrundsraport nr 26

author:
Dan B. Hasløv, Benny Bøttiger, Jan Koed, Berith Mavromatis

Short description:
This report describes the visual aspects of the windfarm. With photorealistic images an evaluation of the visibility from the shore is made. Pages 22

Main results:
Gives an illustration of the effects on the landscape for a future windfarm.


Title:
Evaluation of the Effect of Noise from Offshore Pile-Driving on Marine Fish

author:
Kirsten Engell-Sørensen, Pernille Holm Skyt

Short description:
The purpose of this memo is to evaluate the possible effects of noise from offshore piledriving activity on fish. Pages 23

Main results:
The construction noise of an offshore wind farm at Rødsand may temporarely potentially affect the fish population in the area during construction and operation.


Title:
Evaluation of the Effect of Sediment Spill from Offshore Wind Farm Construction on Marine Fish

Short description:
The purpose of this memo is to evaluate the possible effects of sediment spill from construction of off-shore wind farms on fish.Different life stages of fish have different sensitivity to suspended sediment. The paper evaluates the sensitivity of: eggs, larvae, juvenile fish and adult fish. Pages 18

Main results:
Sediment spill from construction type 1 is expected to have some effect on the survival of the eggs and larvae of fish in near vicinity of the wind mills, but is not evaluated to have lethal effects on juvenile and adult fish. Some avoidance by juvenile and adult fish is expected from construction type 1. The spill from construction 2 and 4 is of less importance. Spill from no. 3 will be big, but the period shorter.


Title:
Distribution of benthic communities at the proposed wind farm at Rødsand and along the cable connection between the wind farm and Lolland in May 2001

Short description:
This report is a marine biological survey, which examines the distribution of benthic communities at the proposed wind farm at 'Rødsand'. 43 pages

Main results:
Common mussels appear to be scarce in the lagoon. The bottom vegetation consists of populations of eelgrass with a low shoot density in innermost section of the cable connection and attached algae on stones along the middle section of the alignment. Detached algae were abundant in the interior part of the lagoon.


Title:
Sampling stations and results of photosampling along the cable connection in May 2001

Short description:
This is the appendices for the report examining the distribution of benthic communities in 'Rødsand' (COD-DK-066). 29 pages


Title:
Marine Biological Surveys Along the Cable Connection in the Lagoon of Rødsand in 2001

Short description:
The report contains the results of the surveys in the Lagoon of 'Rødsand' along the planned cable connection including surveys at the pound net sites.The marine biological surveys were updated in May and August 2001 with the following objectives: To describe the spatial and temporal changes of the benthic communities in the proposed wind farm since 1999 and To describe the benthic communities along the planned cable connection in the lagoon of Rødsand. Pages 48


Title:
Base-line investigations of birds in relation to an offshore wind farm at Rødsand: results and conclusions, 2000

author:
Mark Desholm, Johnny Kahlert, Ib Krag Petersen & Ib Clausager

Short description:
This report presents data from the initial phase of the base-line investigations of birds in relation to the proposed construction of an offshore wind farm at 'Rødsand'. A differentiation is made between migratory and staging birds. Pages 45

Main results:
The results of the surveillance of birds are shown on page 17 to 34.


Title:
Satellite tracking as a tool to study potential effects of offshore wind farm on seals at Rødsand

author:
Rune Dietz, Jonas Teilmann, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Kristin Laidre

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (research into a method)

Short description:
This report describes a pilot study on the use of satellite telemetry as a tool to investigate potential effect on the seal population on 'Rødsand'. Pages 45

Main results:
In conclusion satellite telemetry has proven successful on a number of items including migrations, habitat use, home range identification as well as dive behaviour. However, additional tagging, longer survey periods as well as additional methods may add information with a higher spatial resolution on the local scale.


Title:
Porpoise detectors (PODs) as a tool to study potential effects of offshore wind farm on harbour porpoises at Rødsand

author:
Jonas Teilmann, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Jacob Carstensen

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (research into best method)

Short description:
This report describes the use of POD's as a tool to investigate potential effects on the harbour porpoises in the 'Rødsand'. Further, the use by harbour porpoises of the seabased of the wind farm are investigated. Pages 41

Main results:
Rødsand area is used by harbour porpoises throughout the year but the importance of the area to harbour porpoises is not known. The PODs deployed in Kerteminde were used to obtain information on how harbour porpoise activity is encapsulated in the POD signal. The data recorded in Kerteminde was used to develop indicators that can be used in a statistical test for analysing the impact of offshore wind farms on harbour porpoises.


Title:
Base-line investigations of birds in relation to an offshore wind farm at Rødsand: Results and conclusions, 2001

author:
Johnny Kahlert, Mark Desholm, Ib Krag Petersen & Ib Clausager

Short description:
This report presents data from the base-line investigations of birds which was carried out during 2001 in relation to the proposed construction of an offshore wind farm at 'Rødsand'. Mapping of migration routes was carried out by use of radar at day and night. Pages 53

Main results:
The results of the surveillance are shown from page 20 to 40. During autumn, the wind farm area is placed on a migration route used by waterfowl. Observations at Gedser Odde have suggested that numbers of waterfowl may add up to 300,000 individuals. The base-line study has shown that between 37% (2001) and 49% (2000) of the waterfowl tracks registered by radar pass the eastern edge of the wind farm area. Count surveys of staging, wintering and moulting waterfowl have shown that cormorants (up to 5,200 individuals) and moulting mute swans (up to 9,700 individuals) occur in internationally important numbers (> 1% of total population in the entire study area) on an annual basis. Long-tailed duck and common scoter showed a preference for the wind farm area. Red-breasted merganser showed a preference for the wind farm area + a 275 m zone. However, radar studies revealed that cormorants may undertake social foraging events during early mornings and in late afternoons. Social foraging flocks may hold 5,000 individuals and may occur inside the wind farm area. This behaviour makes cormorant a potential high-risk species with respect to collisions with the planned wind turbines, also because the species may be attracted by the turbine foundations, which may be used as roosting sites.


Title:
Monitoring effects of offshore windfarms on harbour porpoises using PODs (porpoise detectors)

author:
Jonas Teilmann, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Jacob Carstensen, Henrik Skov

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (research into method and baseline)

Short description:
This report documents one of the tasks which is to monitor whether windfarms will cause measurable, temporary or permanent, changes in the local stock of harbour porpoises by using POD's. This report is the same as COD-DK-025, because it covers two demonstration projects. Pages 95

Main results:
The field deployment of PODs revealed large spatial differences at even small scales. For all indicators there were large spatial variations between the four investigated areas, but also large spatial variations between stations within areas (~10 nautical miles apart). Indicators derived from PODs deployed simultaneously at the same station were not significantly different.


Title:
EIA study of the proposed offshore wind farm at Rødsand Technical background report concerning fishery

Short description:
This report attempts to assess the current significance of the area for commercial fishery according to the different types and scale of fishing. The expected temporary and permanent impacts on the various forms of fishing are examined. Pages 83


Title:
Review Report 2003 The Danish Offshore Wind Farm Demonstration Project: Horns Rev and Nysted Offshore Wind Farm. Environmental impact assessment and monitoring

Short description:
The review report presents the wind farms Horns Rev and Nysted with regard to environmental characteristics and the results of the environmental studies carried out in connection with EIA and baseline and monitoring programmes at the sites. Pages 113

Main results:
All the environmental studies carried out at Horns Rev and Nysted until the end of 2003 were summarized.


Title:
EIA for An Offshore Wind Farm at Rødsand Technical report concerning Marine Biological Conditions (bottom vegetation and bottom fauna) in the park area

Short description:
This report deals with the marine biological investigations and evaluations of the potential effects on the marine biological conditions from the planned windmill park at 'Rødsand'. Pages 125

Main results:
On the basis of the photo sampling results between 75-100% of the park area and the bottom along the reference transects is estimated to be covered by sand. Stones of various sizes have been observed in the entire park, but the coverage is mostly <5% (Appendix 1.1). Large stone concentrations covering 5-25% of the bottom are observed in the south-eastern part of the park as well as in the area closest to the coastal part of transect 2 /3/. Based on the geophysical measurements, 427 stones with a size between 1m and 2m were identified inside the investigated area of the park.


Title:
Satellite tracking of Harbour Seals on Horns Reef

author:
Jakob Tougaard, Isabel Ebbesen, Svend Tougaard, Thyge Jensen, Jonas Teilmann

Short description:
The present report deals with effects of construction of the turbines on harbour seals, evaluated by tagging of 10 seals with satellite telemetry transmitters. Pages 43

Main results:
The resolution in positional information is not sufficiently high to allow for a detailed study of the effects of the construction phase on the tagged seals. It was observed however, that tagged seals moved across the reef also in the construction period. It is recommended that monitoring of the seals continue in the coming years with the wind farm in full operation in order to obtain more information on use of the reef by the seals and reactions to the wind turbines, especially at other times of the year than in the present study.


Title:
Horns Rev Offshore Wind Farm - Introducing Hard Bottom Substrate Sea Bottom An Marine Biology

Short description:
This report presents the data of the baseline environmental survey of the seabed in the wind farm site and in the proposed reference site and a brief description of the weather conditions at the time of sampling. Pages 67


Title:
Horns Rev Offshore Wind Farm - Introducion Hard Bottom Substrate Sea Bottom An Marine Biology

Short description:
This report describes the results of the baseline environmental survey of the seabed in the wind farm site and in the proposed reference site. Pages 73

Main results:
Both in the wind farm area as well in the reference area the values for sediment characteristics indicate sediments to be very homogeneous and well sorted. Especially in the shallow part of the reference area, the fine sand is very well sorted, whereas a lower sorting index generally is found for coarser sand especially at wind turbine site M95. The general characteristic of the sediments is pure sand with an ignition loss of less than 1%.


Title:
Investigations on the artificial reef effect on fish from a marine wind turbine park at Horns Reef.

Short description:
This report is the half-year status for the project entitled:
Investigations on the artificial reef effect on fish from a marine wind turbine park at Horns Reef. Pages 2

Main results:
No results. Statusreport of the baseline study


Title:
Investigations of harbour porpoises at the planned site for wind turbines at Horns Reef

author:
Henrik Skov, Jacob Carstensen, Jonas Teilmann, Oluf D. Henriksen

Short description:
This report deals with the results of the investigations on harbour porpoises on Horns Reef during the period from January 2001 to December 2001. Pages 45. And a description of the best method.

Main results:
The results of the power analysis indicate that with the entire available POD data a change in the order of 25 % should be detectable with the data obtained in the baseline study. The addition of salinity data increased the power of the collected data by approximately 20 %. Including seasonal and weather patterns as deterministic effects may potentially reduce the residual variation and thereby improve the power of the data further. The largest maintenance problem is related to interference from possibly fishermen. Urgent action is needed in order to inform and co-operate with the fishermen in order to reduce the damage to the monitoring programme.


original title:
Marinarkæologisk Survey i de lavvandede områder i kabeltracéet fra vindmølleparken ved Horns rev

Short description:
This report is about a marine archaeological survey made in the part of the cabel track which is closest to the mainland. Pages 4

Main results:
No objects which require further investigation were found.


Short description:
This note is from the porpoise project. It describes how some of the equibment went missing, some perhaps stolen. Pages 2

Main results:
Status report of baseline and monitoring study


Title:
Horns Rev. Introducing hard substrate habitats

Short description:
This memorandum summarise the result from the baseline survey on benthos in June 2001 and the results from a comparative survey in September 2001 on benthos in relation to a programme concerning the stomach content of fish. Pages 9. See also DK-018 and DK-019.

Main results:
The wind farm area and the reference area are characterised by bottom conditions that are relatively uniform with a sediment consisting of pure medium-grained sand with no organic matter. The particle sizes were found to be in the range of 228 µm to 426 µm with a median of 345 µm in the wind farm area. There is a tendency to more variation in the sediment structure in the reference area with a generally more coarse-grained sediment with a median particle size of 380 µm (range 198-478 µm). In the deeper part of the reference area the seabed is characterised by more coarse-grained sediments.


Short description:
This is a report about the observations made to monitor whether
windfarms will cause measurable, temporary or permanent, changes
in the local stock of harbour porpoises (Phocena phocena), using POD's to measure the effects. This report is the same as COD-DK-073, because it covers two demonstration projects. Pages 95


Title:
Horns Rev wind farm: Progress report: 1. January - 30. June 2002

Short description:
This note is about three surveys for determining the spatial distribution and numbers of birds occurring within the study area and preparation of a status report for 2001 and a base- line report covering the total investigated period August 1999 - April 2002.  Pages 2


Title:
Environmental Impact Assessment report for planned wind farm "Pomerania"

original title:
Raport oddziaływania zespołu elektrowni wiatrowych "Pomorze" na środowisko

author:
Rajmund Dubrawski, Elżbieta Zawadzka, Helena Boniecka, Marzena Sadowska

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report on planning instrument (EIA for planned wind farm)

Short description:
Environmental impact assessment report prepared in the pre-phase of permitting procedure of the wind farm "Pomerania"  planned in the nearshore part of Baltic Sea, close to the villages Karwia-Debki. Pages 93

Main results:
The expected impacts of wind farm on men, sediments, fish, bentos, birds and sea mammals were assessed. It was staten that the implementation of the "Pomerania" project will not have negative impacts on the environment. The monitoring activities were proposed for the further development of the project


Title:
Studies of birds near an off shore windpower unit

original title:
Fågelstudier i anslutning till havsbaserat vindkraftverk

Short description:
Inventory was made of domiciled birds by the territory methode and by nest counting befor and after the unit was errected. Inventory of resting birds was made by counting in three points near the wind power unit during 16 occasions before the unit was built and during 12 occasions after the unit was built. Migratory birds were counted in five estimated distances (0-125 m, 125-250, 250-375, 375-500, >500 m) from the unit during 16 days befor and 27 days after the unit was errected. Final report consists of 15 pages.

Main results:
Domiciled birds got used to the power station. The influence on resting birds was difficult to see since they were so few. Migratory birds changed their flying behavior by flying further away from the unit.


Title:
Investigation of fish at the wind power unit "Svante 1" during 1990-1993

original title:
Fiskeriundersökningar vid vindkraftverket "Svante 1" 1990-1993

Short description:
1) Analysis of daily journal registration from three eel  bottom net near the unit with data collection during 1990-1993; since the unit had a fire accident there was a complementare data collection in 1996. 2) Telemetrical examination on eel performed during two occasions near the unit when in operation and out of operation. 3) Test fishing with over view net performed on two occasions with unit in operation and out of operation. 4) Measuring the noise from the unit in respect of intensity and spectral analysis. 44 pages plus 8 pages in a PM 970404 Dnr 331-2479-96.

Main results:
Within a radius of 400 m from the unit the fish amount increased no matter if the unit was in operation or not. But the catching decreased within a radius of 200 m from the unit when in operation.


Title:
The Impact of Offshore Wind Farms on Bird Life in Southern Kalmar Sound, Sweden

original title:
Havsbaserde vindkraftverks inverkan på fågellivet i södra Kalmarsund

Short description:
An ornithological during spring and autumn seasons from 1999–2003 on one and a half million migrating waterfowl in southern Kalmar Sound in Sweden. The study was conducted in connection with two groups of offshore wind farms constructed at Utgrunden
and Yttre Stengrund, with seven and five wind turbines respectively. The English report is 128 pages. 

The migration patterns of waterfowl through the Sound and the flocks’ reactions on encountering the wind turbines were studied and documented during periods of good visibility by direct visual observation and by following theflocks with an optical rangefinder. During periods of poor visibility (such as fog or mist, or during the night), and similarly during the day with good visibility, radar films from military surveillance radar were analysed in order to follow the flocks’ flight paths and to document their reactions and behaviour when faced with wind turbines in their migratory path.

Main results:
During four years of observation with 1,5 million birds passing only one bird collision was observed at 

A calculation of collision risk based on data collected from the Kalmar Sound studies shows that 1–4 flocks during the spring and about 10 flocks during the autumn (and only one bird in each flock) run the risk of colliding with the existing wind turbines. This translates into one waterfowl killed per wind turbine per year.

About 30% of the waterfowl that migrate through Kalmar Sound are affected to some extent by the wind farms Utgrunden and Yttre Stengrund.

The majority of Eider and other migrant waterfowl avoid the immediate vicinity of the wind farms. The birds generally start an evasive manoeuvre 1–2 km before the wind farms. The birds’ behaviour is generally similar, irrespective of time and visibility – the majority of all waterfowl react to avoid the wind farms at night as well as daytime, in poor visibility as well as in clear conditions. The waterfowl that make an evasive manoeuvre extend their migration distance and thus time by 0.2–0.5%. This entails only a marginal increase in energy expenditure for the whole migration. Very few waterfowl flocks fly so near the wind turbines (≤ 100m) that they risk a collision


Address:
Stockholm University, Zoologiska institutionen: Ekologi

Title:
Freely Translated: VINDREV: Offshore windpower as artificial reefs: Effects on fish

original title:
VINDREV, HAVSBASERADE VINDKRAFTVERK SOM ARTIFICIELLA REV: EFFEKTER PÅ FISK

publisher:
Stockholm University, Zoologiska institutionen: Ekologi

Short description:
The amount of fish around the foundation structure has been investigated and compared to reference areas outside the park. Investigations are made by a line taxation method. The bottom fauna was also investigated. Report of 17 pages in Swedish

Main results:
The amount of fish around the bottom piles of the towers was highly increased compared to bottom areas 20 m away. It was found that the towers have reef effect.


Title:
Freely tranlsted: Environmental aspects of offshore wind energy

original title:
Miljöaspekter på havsförlagd vindkraft, Elforsk rapport 05:09

Short description:
The report accounts for current knowledge of environmental effects of offshore wind power development. The report contains a summary of knowledge on different areas and a description of the application process of three large offshore wind farms. The report covers areas: effect on habitat changes, effects on birds, effects of sound and vibration, effects of sediment and sedimentation, effects of electrical and magnetic fields and landscape effects.

The report is 74 pages in Swedish

Main results:
A synthesis report on environmental aspects of offshore wind energy


Title:
freely translated: BIOVIND, Windpower units, a method to increase the bilogical diversity in the Baltic sea?

original title:
BIOVIND, Kraftverkskonstruktioner i havet, en metod för att lokalt öka den biologiska mångfalden i Östersjön ?

Short description:
Fish community and habitat composition were investigated using visual transects in the wind power farms of Yttre Stengrund and Utgrunden off the south-eastern coast of Sweden, central Baltic Sea. The report is 12 pages long and just summarises what is done in the project.

Main results:
The total fish numbers were higher on the bottom in the near vicinity of the wind power plants than in surrounding areas, while species richness and diversity were similar. On the power plants, fish community structure was different, total fish abundance was higher, and species richness as well as diversity were lower, compared to the bottom. Blue mussels and barnacles covered most of the submerged parts of the wind power plants. On the bottom, more blue mussels and a lower cover of red algae around the power plants than elsewhere were recorded. Results from this study suggest that an offshore wind power plant attract marine life and may function as a combined artificial reef and fish aggregation device


Title:
Offshore Wind Energy. Building a New Industry for Britain.

Short description:
The report investigates the potential for supplying 40% of the UK's electricity supply from offshore wind by 2030, and discusses technical, economic and environmental aspects of offshore wind energy.   25 pages.

Main results:
For the 40% target, figures are presented for total sea bed take, jobs created, rental income and CO2 emission reductions.  It concludes that there are no technical reasons why the target cannot be met.


Title:
Assessment of the Effects of Offshore Wind Farms on Birds (DTI/Pub URN 01/1434, ETSU W/13/00565/REP)

Short description:
This report seeks to review current knowledge of the effects that offshore wind farms have on birds and to identify sensitive offshore locations where bird conservation interests and wind energy development may coincide. It seeks to provide information for all stakeholders in the development of offshore wind farms.   96 pages.

Main results:
The study reviews the current (at the time) status of the effects of offshore wind farms on birds.  It concludes that there are considerable gaps in knowledge and that further studies are required, as well as an approach to deal with uncertainties in the meantime.  It recommends priority needs as follows (1) more data on distribution and abundance of offshore birds and factors affecting their site use, (2) more data on actual effects of existing wind farms on key species, (3) population studies of key species, (4) information on indirect impacts, (5) development of standardised methodologies for baseline data coleection, assessment of effects and appropriate monitoring programmes.


Title:
EIA-review for windfarm at Rødsand, Technical report concerning seals

original title:
VVM-redegørelse for havmøllepark ved Rødsand, Teknisk rapport vedrørende sæler

author:
Rune Dietz, Jonas Teilmann, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen

Short description:
This report is an evaluation of whether or not the construction of the windfarm will have any measurable, temporary or permanent effects on the local population of porpoise 'Phoca vitulina' and 'Haliocerus grypus'. Pages 44


Title:
Environmental assessment and management for Nysted offshore wind farm, Denmark. From theory to praxis

author:
Helle Herk-Hansen, Pernille Holm Skyt Scott Properzi

Short description:
In connection with the construction of Nysted offshore wind farm a new method has been evolved to assess and manage environmental impacts. The assessment includes an EIA and LCA whereas the management has been based on evaluation of suppliers and environmental demands for the construction phase.

Main results:
The comprehensive effort to minimize environmental impact has been a success, because it has resulted in a high level environmental awareness among the contractors and because the possible environmental impact is being evaluated continously throughout the construction period, whenever adjustments and changes are made in the construction work.


Title:
Development of the Fouling Community on Turbine Foundations and Scour Protections in Nysted Offshore Wind Farm, 2003

Short description:
Deployment of foundations and stones including scour protection around the foundations were conducted between the autumn 2002 and the spring 2003. Surveys in October 2003 showed that a fouling community of common mussels, barnacles and macroalgae and associated mobile species of crustaceans and fish was developed during the first reproductive season.

Main results:
A fouling community of common mussels, barnacles and macroalgae have developed on turbines and the transformer station on concrete foundations and stones introduced in the wind farm in late 2002 and early 2003. The fouling community was not affected by the age of the substrates during the first reproductive season in 2003. During construction the biomass and abundance of invertebrates and the biomass of macroalgae on the shaft and stones was reduced at the transformer station compared to the turbines. The seabed work and the traffic have been more intense around the transformer due to additional deployment of connecting cables on the seabed. The associated sediment spill of the extra earthwork and re-suspension of sediment caused by the propellers of the ships may have hampered the settling and growth of organisms and reduced the biomass and abundance of the fouling community in the first reproductive season.


Title:
Offshore Wind-Turbine Construction, Offshore Pile-driving Underwater and Above-water Noise measurement and Analysis

Short description:
This report is the documentation of an investigation of the noise emitted from offshore pile-driving operations which is used for the installation of offshore wind turbines with "monopile" type foundations. The investigation is from Bergkvara in Sweden. Pages 31

Main results:
Results are shown from page 11. It is important to note that underwater noise level could vary significantly with different ground conditions, depths, and temperature. These need to be considered when estimated underwater noise levels is different conditions. From figure 3, it can be seen that in the frequency range from 1 to 4Hz, the average measured peak noise levels during the pile driving impacts do not exceed the ambient (background) levels. Thus the noise generated from the pile-driving is less than the ambient noise levels at the frequencies from 1 to 4Hz. For frequencies above 4Hz the noise from the pile driving impacts can clearly be seen. Therefore, the analysis of the noise measurement data address the frequency range of 4Hz ro 20kHz.


Title:
Thermal Animal Detection System (TADS). Development of a method for estimating collision frequency between migrating birds and offshore wind turbines.

Short description:
The report presents data from equipment tests and software development for the Thermal Animal Detection System devlopment project 'Development of a method for estimating collision frequency between migrating birds and offshore wind turbines" The technical tests were performed to investigate the performance of remote controlling, video file compression tool and physical stress of the thermal camera when operating outdoors and under the real time vibration conditions. Experimental tests on birds were performed. Pages 25

Main results:
TADS is capable of recording migrating birds approaching the rotatig blades of a turbine, even with the conditions of poor visibility. If the TADS is used in a vertical viewing scenario t would comply with the requirements for a setup used for estimation the avian collision frequency at offshore wind turbines.


Title:
Baseline study Fish, fry and commercial fishery Nysted offshore Wind Farm at Rødsand Status report

author:
Christian B. Hvidt, Kirsten Engell-Sørensen, Maks Klaustrup

Short description:
The objective of this baseline study was to establish a basis for the proceeding monitoring programme by selecting the optimal investigations and parameters to assess the basic condition of the area and to collect an adequate amount of baseline data to distinguish the natural variation from the environmental impact caused by the operation of the offshore wind farm. This is especially with regard to changes caused by noise, vibrations, and changes in the food basis, sediment and magnetic fields, including other unexpected effects. Pages 261

Main results:
There are too much data to summarize. Results starts from page 23. The catch data of all selected indicator species in the baseline study of fry suffer from lack of variance homogeneity both in consideration to number and biomass and by that, it was not possible to show effects of interaction to established temporal and/or spatial differences. Though, especially eelpout but also two spotted goby indicated effect of interaction. A power analysis for species caught in at least 50 % of the samples revealed that, only the eelpout fulfilled the 50% criterion. For this species, statistical reliable results can be achieved if a minimum of 16 stations per area is applied.


Short description:
This report describes a survey, which was made to provide an accurate and unambiguous baseline reference for subsequent work in the Rødsand area, a Morphological Survey Campaign was conducted in June-July 2002. Pages 14


Title:
Aerial surveys of seals at Rødsand seal sanctuary and adjacent haul-out sites

author:
Jonas Teilmann, Rune Dietz, Susi Edrén, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen

Short description:
This report describes the preliminary results of the aerial surveys at
Rødsand seal sanctury, Southeast Denmark and adjacent
seal haul out sites in southwestern Baltic. Pages 30

Main results:
Because of the seal epidemic it has not been possible to evaluate the
effect of the construction work so far.  Based on the aerial surveys an estimated stock of about 200 harbour seals used the Rødsand area during the moult in late August 2002.


Title:
Sociological investigation of the reception of Horns Rev and Nysted offshore wind farms in the local communities.

Short description:
The report presents the work related to the sociological part of the socio-economic project on the local communities reception of Horns Rev and Nysted wind farms. The qualitative investigation was conducted (text analyses and qualitative interviews). The report covers the phase before construction and one year after erection of Horns Rev wind farm. Pages 25

Main results:
Before the construction a strong opposition was noted on both sites. The interviewers were concerned if the presence of the turbines would alter the scenery negatively and at both sites the regional and local authorities made efforts to erect the wind farms further off the coast. At Horns Rev the opposition was based on substantial business interest in Tourism, in Nysted opponents wished to preserve the natural landscape. Also the negative attitude of newspapers was noted. From the begin the scepticism was noted, and when the locals felt ignored by authorities, it changes to the opposition. The supporters of the wind farms base their opinion on environmental concerns and export interests related to the wind power. In further projects it may be appropriate to establish a dialogue and professional information through entire process. After the construction of Horns Rev the attitude of respondents was changed - opposition was replaced by acceptance. It was concluded, that time and adaptation to a situation was abe to change the attitudes towards offshore wind farms.


Title:
Movements of seals from Rødsand seal sanctuary monitored by satellite telemetry

Short description:
This report documents the capture and tagging of ten harbour and grey seals from the Rødsand seal sanctuary, Southeast Denmark prior to the construction of the Nysted Offshore Wind Farm. Pages 52

Main results:
Harbour seals remained within 50 km of the tagging site year-round, while grey seals made extensive movements up to 850 km away from Rødsand to Sweden, Germany, Estonia and Latvia. The average Kernel home range (95% fixed Kernel) of the harbour seals was 394 km2 ranging from 237 to 709 km2, whereas the corresponding Kernel home range was 130 times larger for grey seals namely 51,221 km2 ranging from 4,160 to 119,583 km2. All the tagged harbour seals stayed year-round in the Rødsand area, whereas, the grey seals on average only
remained in the area for 17.8% (range: 2.6 - 58.3%) of the monitored time. Rødsand locality is more important for harbour seals than for grey seals.


Title:
Remote video registration of seals at Rødsand seal sanctuary - Technical improvements and feasibility for detecting effects of the construction of Nysted Offshore Wind Farm

author:
Susi Edrén, Jonas Teilmann, Rune Dietz, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Jacob Carstensen

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (monitoring method)

Short description:
This report describes the preliminary use of a remote-controlled webbased camera system in the Rødsand seal sanctuary. Pages 25

Main results:
On 36 % of the days from April through August there is more than 20 seals on land at the time. This number could be higher as not all pictures from May through July have been transferred to NERI and analysed yet. In September there is only a maximum of 10 to 20 seals on land. From October to January there is many days without seals, but 12 on those days with seals on land the number tends to exceed 20 seals. From February to March there has only been few days with seals present and only 2 - 10 seals at the time. The first period of video registration of the seals at Rødsand seal sanctuary has provided usable data for analysing the possible effects of the construction of the Nysted Offshore Wind Farm on the seals. Even with the problems in the starting phase of the video registration, we conclude that the temporal amount of data achieved by this method exceed the data that can be cost-realistically collected by an observer. In behavioural studies the presence of an observer may have an effect on the animals and thereby bias the result.


Title:
Base-line investigation of birds in relation to an offshore wind farm at Rødsand - Results and conclusion 2002

author:
Mark Desholm, Ib Krag Petersen, Johhny Kahlert, Ib Clausager

Short description:
This report presents data from the base-line investigations of birds.
Mapping of migration routes was carried out by use of radar day and night. The mapping of migration routes was combined with species identification during daytime by use of telescope. Waterfowl, which included staging migrants, wintering or wing moulting birds in the study area at the wind farm area, were monitored by aerial surveys.   pages 66

Main results:
Results are shown in figures from page 23. The importance of the study area at Rødsand for migrating waterfowl species was confirmed during spring and autumn 2002, even though the autumn numbers were considerable smaller than registered during autumn 1999-2001 which was primarily due to the temporary suspension of the study. Eider was still the predominant species amongst the migrating waterfowl.


Title:
Economic valuation of the visual externalities of offshore wind farms. Annual status report 2003.

Short description:
The purpose of the study was to estimate the monetary value of visual externalities of offshore wind farms and to conduct a cost benefit analysis of socially optimal locations of offshore wind farms. In the economic valuation the market based (hedonic house price) method and survey based method was used. Pages 12

Main results:
No results available at the reporting period, only preliminary activities were developed


Title:
Possible Effects of the offshore wind farm at Vindeby on the outcome of fishing

Short description:
This report is an investigation to determine whether or not
electromagnetic fields and/or noise from Vindeby Offshore Wind Farm affects fish and fishery within the turbine area (exspecially turbot). Pages 23

Main results:
All the nets were filled with annual macroalgae (Pilayella spp. and Ectocarpus spp.) Net A caught 3 turbot (P. maxima) outside the turbine area. Net B did not catch anything and Net C caught 1 turbot inside the turbine area. Two of the fishes were undersized. As a consequence of the large amount of annual algae and the sparse catch of turbot, it was decided to cancel further fish investigations at that point in time.


Title:
Annual Status Report Nysted Offshore Wind Farm  Environmental Monitoring Program 2003

publisher:
The environmental Committee of the Danich offshore wind farm demonstration project

Short description:
The report describes environmental studies carried out in 2003, pertaning to Nysted offshore wind farm. It contains a description of a wind farm and a description of each environmental studies carried out in 2003. Pages 45

Main results:
The monitoring reports concerning benting vegetation, fish, birds, seals and harbour porpoises were presented. Results are presented in particular reports from 2003


Title:
Preliminary investigations of bird-turbine collisions at Nysted offshore wind farm and final quality control of thermal animal detection system (TADS)

publisher:
National Environmental Research Institute Ministry of Environment

Short description:
This report presents data on infrared monitoring investigations by use of Thermal Animal Detection System (TADS) of migrating waterbirds at
the Nysted offshore wind farm, Denmark.
Information presented covers the autumn period of 2003 and spring period of 2004. Pages 30

Main results:
During operation the thermal trigger software saved 1,223 thermal video sequences on hard disc (see Table 1), of which only three were triggered
by birds passing the field of view all in a 45° viewing mode. No birds were recorded as passing the sweep area of the rotating turbine blades nor colliding
with any part of the turbine during the 11,284 minutes of monitoring.
The final quality control of the offshore utility of the TADS produced excellent results. It can be concluded that TADS can be considered as a fully
developed monitoring set-up capable of detecting migrating birds flying over offshore areas and passing at the range of distances planned for the
equipment. The fact that no birds were recorded as passing the sweep area of the A2-turbine could give rise to some doubt as to whether the TADS actually functioned properly during the trial. However, comparison
with data gathered from other sources confirm the extremely low intensity of waterbird migration in the near vicinity of the turbines:
A the 5-min long manual sequences of horizontal view successfully detected 52 birds despite the very restricted number of operation hours, B) the radar data on bird flocks migrating within the wind farm show significant avoidance responses
towards individual turbines, resulting in a higher probability of flying more than
50 m from the turbines than expected by chance alone.
Given the maximum coverage of c. 30% of the sweep area per TADS and the monitoring efficiency of 63.7% during the study period, it is considered
highly unlikely that the single TADS used in the present study would have detected the single theoretically estimated flock of Common Eiders
forecast by the probability model (Appendix I) to be crossing the sweep area of a single turbine. As a consequence of the extremely low estimated
probability of Common Eiders passing the sweep area of the turbines (Appendix I), the level of coverage required to adequately monitor all 72 turbines
would be extremely high, if a realistic and reliable measure of the daily number of avian collisions are to be registered by use of TADS only. Hence, it is considered that using TADS as the only method to measure actual collision rates of
Common Eiders at the Nysted Wind farm is neither an economical nor practical option when it comes to estimation of the daily low number of collisions.
NERI therefore proposes future collision studies to include a combination of data collected by radar and TADS for use as input to a more accurate
and statistically robust model of the probability of daily number of avian collisions.
Finally, a monitoring programme with TADS at a relatively low intensity (i.e. one TADS) could, besides collecting data for the probability model,
function as a background monitoring scheme, aiming at detecting periods with high number of collision casualties under rare and unusual situations,
which in contrast to the low daily collision frequency do not need any intensive coverage.


Title:
Investigations of migratory birds during operation of Nysted offshore wind farm at Rodsand: Preliminary analysis of data from spring 2004

author:
Johny Kahlert, Mark Desholm, Ib Clausager

Short description:
The observations of migrating birds at Rødsand were conducted from an observation tower placed 6 km south-west of Gedser Odde and 5 km north-east of the wind farm area. From this position it was possible to monitor bird migration by performing both visual and radar  observations. Visual observations of birds were undertaken along a transect south of the observation tower. Observations of the bird migration intensity, species composition, flock size and migration
routes were performed day and night during 16 March - 15 April (four weeks). This period coincides with the main migration period of a substantial number of several species of waterbirds, which is the predominating species group during spring. Pages 36

Main results:
In conclusion, the study on migratory birds during operation of the Nysted wind farm in spring 2004 generally supported the results from the first provisional operation period, autumn 2003. Although some generality may be derived from the study so far, it must be emphasised that transposing results to other sites may only be applicable on a very general level, e.g. that eiders are likely to show some avoidance response to wind farms. More specific issues such as estimates associated with relative use of different migration routes around the wind farm are likely to be site-specific. Thus, the present study at Rødsand has certainly shown that the nature of the study area with its nearby mainland areas is an important factor, which guide migrating birds into certain corridors both during spring and autumn. In addition, prevailing wind and light conditions are important determinants of the relative importance of migration routes.


Title:
Visual and radar observations of birds in relation to collision risk at Horns Rev offshore wind farm. Annual status report 2003

author:
Thomas Kjaer Christensen, Jens Peter Hounisen, Ib Clausager, Ib Krag Petersen

Short description:
The aim of the project is to assess the collision risk between birds and wind turbines at the Horns Rev wind farm. In 2003 the studies focused on describing bird movements in relation to the wind farm and to identify the species specific behavioural responses towards the wind turbines shown by migrating and staging species. The study covers the period after the construction of the wind farm. All observation of birds were undertaken from the transformer station situated north of the wind farm. Mappig of flight movement routes was undertaken using radar surveillance day and night. Visual observations were performed during the daytime. Pages 48

Main results:
Bird movements generally followed a southwesterly
orientation and the intensity was highest
during night. Only a small percentage of bird
tracks entered the wind farm (14-22%). The majority
of tracks either changed their orientation
and passed around the wind farm, most reacting
400 m from the wind farm (north side) or 1,000 m
(east side), or disappeared from the radar screen.
The disappearance of radar tracks is most likely
the result of birds changing flight direction, resulting
in a change in body orientation and hence
reduced reflection area of the birds and thus lower
detection probabilities by the radar. Loss of tracks
may also reflect birds landing on the water. Whatever
the precise nature of these disappearances,
it is clear that loss of tracks on the radar screen
reflects an avian behavioural response to the wind
farm by approaching birds. Since most bird tracks
disappeared c. 400 m from the outer turbines of
the wind farm (north side) or 1,000 m (east side),
these distances may represent the general extent
to which flying birds avoid such structures. In the area north of the wind farm, bird movements
followed a general southwesterly orientation
at distances greater than 400 m from the wind
farm. The orientation did not differ between day
and night, nor was it affected by different wind
directions. Bird tracks within 400 m of the wind
farm were predominantly of a southerly orientation
and differed significantly from the general
southwesterly orientation further away. This suggests
that birds approaching the wind farm adjusted
their flight direction and those that did pass
through the wind farm did so along the open corridors
between turbine rows, thereby further reducing
the potential collision risk. Birds approaching
the wind farm from the east in a southwesterly
orientation started to adjust their flight
to a more westerly direction within 1,000 m from
the eastern border of the wind farm. Probably due
to the fact that gulls and terns, which seem to be
attracted by the wind farm, were almost exclusively
recorded by the radar in the area east of
the wind farm, a clear pattern of deflection was
not found in this area.
Analyses showed that adjustment of the flight direction
(in respect of the turbine rows) was more
accurate during the day than at night, which may
relate to a more precise recognition of individual
turbines by the birds during the hours of daylight.


Title:
Bird numbers and distributin in the Horns Rev offshore wind farm area. Annual status report 2003

author:
Ib Krag Petersen, Ib Clausager, Thomas Kjaer Chistensen

Short description:
This report presents data from six aerial surveys
of birds in the Horns Rev wind farm area in 2003.
Including 16 surveys conducted before construction
of the wind farm started and three during the
construction phase, a total of 25 surveys have been
performed in the area since August 1999.
study area, and are treated in detail in this report.Pages 36

Main results:
Common Scoter was by far the most numerous
bird species in the study area in 2003 as well as
during the previous years of investigations. Almost
575,000 individuals were observed in 2003,
which represented 80% of the total number of
Common Scoters observed during all years. Herring
Gull was the second most numerous species
in 2003, with more than 11,000 birds observed.
Divers, Red-necked Grebe, Fulmar, Gannet,
Cormorant, Eiders, Great Black-backed Gull,
Little Gull, Arctic/Common Tern and Guillemot/
Razorbill were relatively regular in the
study area, and are treated in detail in this report.
The number of divers, Common Scoter and Little
Gull increased in the study area in 2003, as compared
to the previous years of surveys.
Divers, Gannets, Common Scoters and Guillemots/
Razorbills showed an increased avoidance
of the wind farm area (and zones within 2 and 4
km of it) after the erection of the wind turbines.
In contrast, Herring Gulls showed a decreased
avoidance of the wind farm area, while Great
Black-backed Gulls, Little Gulls and Arctic/Common
Terns showed a shift from avoidance preconstruction
to a preference for the wind farm
area post-construction.
Common Scoter showed a difference in the spatial
distribution within the study area in 2003 compared
to previous years. An area southeast of the
wind farm, previously used by Common Scoter
particularly in February through April, became
less attractive to the species. Simultaneously areas
west and north of the wind farm, with previously
very few Common Scoters, supported
greater numbers of this species in 2003.
The reason for the change in avoidance of the
wind farm area for divers, Gannet, Common Scoter
and Guillemot/Razorbill is unknown. Disturbance
effect from the wind turbines is one possible
reason. Disturbance from increased human
activity associated with maintenance of the wind
turbines could be another. But changes in the distribution
of food resources in the study area could
potentially play a role too.
The change in gull and tern preference for the
wind farm area is likely to have been caused by
the presence of the wind turbines and the associated
boat activity in the area.


Title:
Investigations of migratory birds during operation of Horns Rev offshore wind farm: Preliminary note of analysis of data from spring 2004

author:
Thomas Kjaer Christensen, Jens Peter Hounisen

Short description:
Visual and radar observations were performed in March, April and May 2004. The report only refers to investigations of the risk of collision. Pages 24

Main results:
Preliminary results available. No actual collisions were observed. Very few birds were recorded inside of the wind farm. Most bird species generally exhibit an avoidance reaction towards the wind turbines, which reduces the probability of collisions. Most birds actually entered the wind farm seemed to adjust flight orientation to pass through the wind farm in parallel with turbine row and do not cross over several rows. A less accurate adjustment of flight orientation was recorded during night time


Title:
Investigations of migratory birds during operation of Horns Rev offshore wind farm. Annual status report 2004

Short description:
The aim of the project is to assess the collision risk between birds and wind turbines at the Horns Rev wind farm. The study focused on describing bird movements in relation to the wind farm and to identify the species-specific behavioural responses towards the wind turbines shown by migrating and staging bird species. The study was
based on data from spring 2004. All observations of birds were performed from a transformer station situated to the north of the
turbine in the northeastern corner of the wind farm. Mapping of bird movements was undertaken using radar surveillance both at day and
night time. Visual observations were performed during daytime along four transects, two transects were located north and east of the wind
farm, one along the eastern row of turbines and the last transect crossed diagonally through the wind farm in a southwestern direction. Combined use of radar and visual observations during the
daytime provided species-specific information on bird movements and orientations as well as data on flight altitude. Visual and radar observations were performed during March, April, May and
August 2004. Data from the time of peak occurrence of staging divers in the area in February were not obtained as the programme was initiated in March. Due to major maintenance of the turbines, the programme was temporarily closed in September 2004, as this period did not represent normal operating conditions of the wind
farm. To avoid a seasonal bias, data collected during August 2004 were not included in the present report
Pages 35

Main results:
During spring, bird movements generally followed a northerly orientation, but a substantial southwesterly migration also occurred. During the spring of 2004, bird tracks that entered the wind farm were only recorded at the eastern gate
of the wind farm and constituted 29% of the tracks. Given the small sample size obtained in 2004, this percentage does not seem different from the 21% recorded during autumn 2003. As also observed in 2003, the majority of tracks approach-
ing the wind farm from northerly directions, changed their orientation and passed to the west around the wind farm, which is comparable to the 2003 pattern. At the eastern side of the wind farm a higher proportion of birds in 2004 performed
a northerly deflection at distances of 300-1000 m from the turbines, whereas in the autumn of 2003 birds coming from this direction showed a southward deflection. These different patterns at the eastern rows may have been due to the differences in seasons compared, as more birds tend to deflect northwards during spring migration than during autumn migration, when birds generally
are moving south. Of northward migrating birds during spring 2004, deflection towards the wind farm in migration orientation occurred at distances of more than 2 km from the wind farm. As also recorded in 2003, many radar tracks of
birds disappeared from the radar within close range of the wind farm, e.g., due to change of flight direction, or landing on water. This is confirmed
through the behavioural observations of Common Scoters approaching the wind farm during spring 2004. Whatever the precise nature of these disappearances, the loss of tracks on the radar screen in all probability reflects a behavioural
response to the wind farm by approaching birds. Since most bird tracks disappeared at distances of about 400-500 m from the outer turbines
of the wind farm this distance may represent a threshold distance for several bird species. This change in migration orientation in relation to the
wind farm may have started at much longer distance, as seen for northward migrating birds. As expected, no collisions were observed.
Birds that flew in closer than ca. 400 m from the wind farm during southward movements showed an adjustment in orientation to make a perpendicular
passage in between the rows of turbines, either flying south or west when approaching the north and east side of the wind farm, respectively.
As recorded during autumn 2003, birds that passed in between turbines during daytime generally tended to make more precise adjustment
in relation to the orientation of turbine rows than birds that passed in between turbines during night. Consequently, the risk of collision seems
to be higher during periods of low visibility, i.e. during night or foggy conditions, compared to situations when birds have visual contact with
the turbines.


Title:
Investigation of birds during the operational phase of the Nysted offshore wind farm. Preliminary notes on the issue of potential habitat loss

Short description:
The document contains a preliminary presentation of results from aerial surveys of bird numbers and distribution in the Nysted wind farm area from the first half of 2004. Pages 44

Main results:
Report describes presence and distribution of the most numerously occuring species in the study area. The majority of waterbirds avoided the area of the wind farm (as in the base-line period). Only three species occured with any abundance in the wind farm area (eider, long-tailed duck and herring gull)


Title:
Bird numbers and distributin in the Horns Rev offshore wind farm area. Annual status report 2004

Short description:
This report presents data from four aerial surveys of birds in the Horns Rev wind farm area in 2004. Three surveys from the winter and spring of 2004 are thoroughly reported here. The fourth survey
of 9 September 2004 is reported in general terms, but not included in presentations of distribution and effect analyses of the wind farm. Data from this survey will be thoroughly dealt with in a future
report. Pages 34

Main results:
Common Scoter was by far the most numerous bird species in the study area in 2004 as well as during the previous years of investigations. More than 95,000 individuals were observed in 2004. Herring Gull was the second most numerous species in 2004, with more than 4,400 birds observed. Divers, Gannet, Eiders, Little Gull, Arctic/Common Tern and Guillemot/Razorbill were relatively
regular in the study area, and are treated in detail in this report.
Divers, Common Scoter and Guillemots/Razorbills showed an increased avoidance of the wind farm area (and zones within 2 and 4 km of it) after
the erection of the wind turbines. In contrast, Herring Gulls, Little Gulls and Arctic/Common Terns showed a decreased avoidance of the wind
farm area. Common Scoter showed a difference in the spatial distribution within the study area in 2004 compared to previous years. Shallow offshore areas
west of the wind farm became important to the species, with occurrence of birds in the westernmost parts of the survey area. Furthermore, the
seasonal shift in offshore appearance of Common Scoter described in previous reports seems to have changed into a more permanent presence during
winter. This leads to the hypothesis that a food resource has formed in these areas, which was not present during the pre-construction period.
Given the apparent general changes in Common Scoter distribution in the study area comparison of pre- and post-construction distribution analyses
for this species must be interpreted with caution. Despite this the data strongly indicate that common scoters respond to the presence of the
wind turbines by avoidance of that area. The area southeast of the wind farm, previously used by Common Scoter and particularly in February
through April, became less attractive to the species. Simultaneously areas west and north of the wind farm, with previously very few Common
Scoters, supported greater numbers of this species, while only very few birds were recorded within the wind farm. The reason for the change in avoidance of the wind farm area for divers, Common Scoter and Guillemot/Razorbill is unknown. Disturbance effects from the wind turbines is one possible reason.
Disturbance from increased human activity associated with maintenance of the wind turbines could be another. But changes in the distribution
of food resources in the study area could potentially play a role too.
The change in gull and tern preference for the wind farm area is likely to have been caused by the presence of the wind turbines and the associated
boat activity in the area.


Title:
Investigations of migratory birds during construction and operation of Nysted offshore wind farm at Rodsand. Annual status report 2003.

author:
Johny Kahlert, Ib Krag Petersen, Anthony D. Fox, Mark Desholm, Ib Clausager

Short description:
This report presents data on monitoring investigations of birds carried
out during spring and autumn 2003 in relation to the Nysted offshore wind farm at Rødsand. Information presented covers the spring migration period of 2003 during which the wind farm was under construction. Observations therefore reflect the reactions of migrating birds to the presence of foundations and the support ships in the vicinity. Data are also presented for autumn 2003 by which time all the turbines had been erected and were in operation. Migration routes were mapped using the same techniques as those used during the base-line investigations of 1999-2002, combining radar
techniques by day and night with specific species identification
during daylight hours using telescopes. Radar tracks were entered to
a GIS platform to compare the base-line with subsequent monitoring
results. In addition, the distribution and abundance of waterbirds, which
included spring migrants and wintering birds, were monitored in
and around the wind farm by sequential aerial surveys as during the
base-line years. Pages 81

Main results:
Autumn migrating waterfowl showed significant differences in their
mean orientation within the approaching area of the wind farm between
all four years of investigation. The analyses of the orientation
of individual bird flocks in relation to their distance from the wind
farm showed that the year-effect differed across years dependent on the distance from the wind farm. Due to small sample sizes and certain
wind conditions the wind effects found in the baseline studies
could not be incorporated into the 2003 analyses. It was therefore not
possible to demonstrate a convincing change in migration orientation
at a specific distance from the wind farm following construction of
the wind farm. However, the standard deviation of migration orientation
increased significantly during the daytime at distances closer
than 3000 m to the wind farm in 2003 and closer than 1000 m during
the night. These results support the hypothesis that migrating birds
show a response to the wind farm, specifically reacting by increased
lateral avoidance to the north and south of the wind farm. They also
conform to the predictions under the hypotheses that (i) the deflection
will occur close to the wind farm and (ii) that the deflection will
occur closer to the wind farm at night than during the day.
Observations in autumn 2003 offered no support for a severe avoidance
response to the wind farm, in terms of a substantial reverse migration
of birds turning back eastwards from the eastern edge of the
wind farm compared with the base-line.Base-line studies showed that between 24% (2002) and 48% (2000) of tracks registered in autumn by radar passed the eastern border of the proposed wind farm area. After the wind turbines were erected in 2003, significantly less (9%) tracks of waterbird flocks registered by
radar passed the eastern border. This result was confirmed controlling
for the effects of cross-winds, time of day (4-7% by day compared
to 11-24% by night) and latitudinal position.
Generally, the major spring migration route of waterbirds lies north
of the wind farm area. During spring 2003, 11% of all migrating waterfowl
tracks passed the eastern edge of the wind farm area, less
than in 2001 (16%) and 2002 (25%), but the difference was not significant
during the day. Hence, during daylight hours there was no support
for the hypothesis that birds avoided the wind farm area during
the construction phase in spring 2003.
Data relating to migrating land birds are not discussed in any great
detail in this report. Temporary suspension of the studies in autumn
2002, extremely low spring migration intensities of raptors, pigeons
and passerines in all years provide insufficient information for a full
analysis of the effects on these species during construction and operation
of the wind farm.
Waterbird migration intensity within the wind farm area varied considerably
with weather conditions both locally and on a flyway scale
making predictions at a local scale difficult to model, and statistical
comparisons complex. Nevertheless, the results from spring and
autumn 2003 clearly demonstrated reduced intensity of migration in
the wind farm area, based on density of radar tracks. These responses
were undoubtedly partly the results of the "shadow effects" cast on
the radar screen by individual turbines. However, because many of
the tracks appear beyond such turbines shadow and emerge from the
outer side of the wind farm, the intensity of migration in the area
between the erected turbines was considerably less than at outside
and compared with base-line years. This is confirmed from individ-ual tracks identified to species, which showed that many flocks and
individuals take avoidance action and fly around the park without
ever venturing between the turbines. Furthermore, those that do continue
into the wind farm adjusted their flight trajectories and tended
to fly down the visually clear corridors between the rows of turbines.
Both these features combine to explain the overall reduction in migration
track densities within the wind farm.
Despite general support for the hypotheses outlined above, it is important
to stress that these results provide little evidence for or
against the effects of the construction of wind turbines on migrating
waterbirds. The data were collected in just one year and construction
phase of the turbines extended over a relatively short period. It is
therefore difficult to draw many reliable conclusions from the single
case study. Although the results suggest substantial avoidance (and
provide data on the nature of that avoidance) by autumn migrating
waterbirds of the newly constructed wind farm, it is important to
stress that these results come from one single monitoring year. They
are gathered under the particular conditions prevailing in that year
and before any likely effects of longer-term habituation or other behavioural
responses to its presence.
Four aerial surveys of staging and wintering birds were conducted in
the study area in 2003, one in each of the months of January, March,
April and December. Thus a total of 25 surveys has been performed
since August 1999.
The main construction phase of the Nysted windfarm was defined to
commence by January 2003 and the operational phase by August
2003. Thus the three early surveys of 2003 represented the construction
phase data set, while the December survey comprised the first
data set from the operational phase of the wind farm.
At the time of the January 2003 survey ice cover was observed in
large parts of the survey area, causing changes in bird distribution
patterns. Therefore data from this survey were excluded from part of
the data analyses.
The most numerous species recorded in 2003 were Tufted Duck
(12,205), Eider (3,142), Mute Swan (2,882) and Long-tailed Duck
(2,797). Of these only Eider and Long-tailed Duck occurred frequently
in the offshore areas.
To ensure maximum compatibility between base-line data and construction
data only data from March and April of the base-line phase
were used to analyse construction activity impact on bird distributions.
Given the small number of surveys during construction, no
firm conclusion can be drawn about the construction phase. However,
long-tailed duck and eider showed reduced preference for the
wind farm area during construction, whereas the relative number of
herring gulls increased slightly in the wind farm area.
Since only one survey exists during operation of the wind farm results
must be supported by further surveys before conclusions concerning
habitat loss for staging and wintering birds at Nysted Wind
Farm can be drawn.


Title:
Development of the fouling community on turbine foundations and scour protections in Nysted offshore wind farm, 2003

author:
Jorgen Birklund, Anders Hojgard Petersen

Short description:
Deployment of foundations and stones including scour protection around the foundations were conducted between the autumn 2002 and the spring 2003. Surveys in October 2003 showed that a fouling community of common mussels, barnacles and macroalgae and associated mobile species of crustaceans and fish was developed during the first reproductive season. Pages 38

Main results:
Common mussels and barnacles were the quantitatively dominant organisms and the biomass on the vertical shafts was about ten times higher than on the stones. The biomass was uniform independent of direction (W, E, N and S) but changed due to a decline in barnacles and mussels with increasing depth.
The community of macroalgae was dominated by redalgae. The diversity and biomass increased with depth and was about two times higher on stones than on shafts probably due to a less intensive competition for space and a reduced wave action at greater depth.An analysis of the biomass of macroalgae in relation to direction was inconclusive and further analysis must await renewed surveys of the development of macroalgae. The biomass and abundance of invertebrates and the biomass of macroalgae on the shaft and stones was reduced at the transformer station compared to the turbines. The seabed work and the traffic have been more intense around the transformer due to additional
deployment of connecting cables on the seabed. The associated sediment spill of the extra earthwork and re-suspension of sediment caused by the propellers of the ships may have hampered the settling and growth of organisms and reduced the biomass and abundance of the fouling community in the first reproductive season.


Title:
Infauna monitoring. Horns Rev offshore wind farm. Annual status report 2003.

author:
Michael Bech, Simon B. Leonhard, John Pedersen

Short description:
The monitoring programme of the benthic fauna was carried out in September 2003 after the wind farm had become operational.The survey in September 2003 included collection of bottom fauna at 6 turbine sites, a total of 18 stations in the wind farm, and at 6 stations in a designated reference area outside the wind farm area. The stations in the wind farm were situated respectively 5, 25 and 100 metres in a
leeward direction from the scour protection of the wind turbine towers at each turbine site. The bottom samples were collected by SCUBA divers. Additional samples were collected for sediment analysis. Pages 59

Main results:
The main difference between the survey in 2001 and in 2003 was the decline of the Pisione remota population and an increase in the population of Goodallia triangularis. Presence of new species to the infauna community at Horns Rev, the bristle worms Euzonus flabelligerus and Polygordius appendiculatus, typically associated with coarse sand, might be a result of changes in sediment characteristics towards coarser sediments. The particle size of the sediment in the wind farm area increased from a range of 228–426 µm in September 2001 to a range of 404–699 µm in September 2003. It is unlikely that storm events, hydrodynamic changes or heavy shipping traffic during the construction phase could have caused the changes. Parallel with the increase in particle size in the wind farm area, a comparable increase in particle size was found for the reference area. It is important to note that Horns Rev is a highly dynamic environment with migrating bedforms, and therefore an area with constant resuspension and reworking of the sediment. Reductions in current regimes are modelled to less than 15% within 5 m from the edge of the
scour protection of turbine foundations, and literature shows that hydrodynamic changes have been found to have only small impact on the infauna community very close to deployed hard substrate habitats. No significant impact on the infauna in the wind farm area was detectable concerning distance-related effects. Though general reductions in the population size of some of the character species in the surveyed areas might be related to changes in the sediment structure, the infauna community at Horns Rev showed no obvious sign of stress response as a consequence of possible impact from construction and operating activities.
New species typically associated with hard substrate habitats were introduced in the infauna survey in 2003. The small crustaceans J. marmorata found in numbers in infauna samples probably cannot build tubes and establish themselves on the sandy bottom. Drifting organisms caught by the current at the foundations or the occurrence of small stones colonised by fouling organisms presumably caused the presence of J. marmorata and other fouling species found
on the seabed. J. marmorata and other epifouling organisms were found locally dominating the community at the turbine foundations in abundances more than 300,000 individuals/m2.


Title:
Hard Bottom substrate monitoring. Horns Rev offshore wind farm 2004 Survey report No. 1

Short description:
In connection with the implementation of the monitoring programme concerning the ecological implication of the effect of the introduction of hard substrate related to the Horns Rev Wind Farm, the third survey was carried out in the period 24–31 March 2004. The survey covered collection of fauna and flora samples from the scour protection and at
the wind turbine towers at six turbine sites. Samples of fouling communities were collected at six turbine sites at the Horns Rev Wind
Farm by SCUBA divers. As well as the visual studies and the photographic documentation, the studies on the turbine
towers included the collection of quantitative samples by divers to determine the composition of species, abundance, and biomass. Pages 15

Main results:
The vegetation was generally sparsely developed and restricted to the sublittoral zone just under the water line at the turbine sites. Only a few species of seaweed were recorded. With respect to the fauna, the fouling communities found on both the turbine towers and the scour protections were generally identical, although there were distinct differences between the coverage and number of individual species. The most numerous species found were the amphipod Jassa marmorata, which were found in large numbers covering almost the total surface locally of both the towers and the stones. The common mussel Mytilus edulis generally was found only on the turbine towers in the upper 2-3 meters under the water surface. The common mussel was locally very abundant especially were the starfish Asterias rubens were absent for example on the banisters. On the turbine towers, the giant midge Telmatogeton japonicus was recorded numerous in the splash zones. A total number of 7 species of fish were observed primarily being located to the scour protections. The rock gunnel was the most common on the scour protection. The majority of the fish species observed is typical associated with hard bottom substrate.


Title:
Hard Bottom substrate monitoring. Horns Rev offshore wind farm. Annual Status report 2004

Short description:
As part of the monitoring programme concerning the ecological impact from the introduction of hard substrate related to the Horns Rev Wind Farm, the second survey on the fouling communities since the erection of the wind farm in 2002 was performed in March and September
2004. The survey is a continuation of the survey performed in 2003.Sampling was performed by SCUBA diving. Quantitative samples were collected from stone blocks and mono-piles while semi-quantitative (not precisely counted records) observations
on flora- and fauna fouling communities were made according to a modified Braun-Blanquet scale along transects on both the scour protections and the mono-piles. Fish species were observed
and in addition standard gill nets were used for specific test fishing. For documentation, under water video recordings were made. Pages 78

Main results:
Compared to the fauna community in the wind farm prior to the erection of the wind turbines and the establishment of the scour protections, the fauna communities on the introduced hard substrates are completely different. Larger hard structures did not exist in the area and the fauna inside the wind farm areas consisted mainly of typical infauna species characteristic for sandbanks in the North Sea. At the turbine sites, new habitats were introduced changing thesubstrates form pure sand to foundations of steel, gravel and stones and a typical epifaunal  community has replaced the native infaunal community. The newly established epifaunal community will continuously undergo changes due to ecological succession enabling a climax community to be formed. A climax community is not expected within 5-6 years after hard substrate deployment and occasionally disruption of community succession due to effects from storm events and hard winters may even prolong this process until a stable community isattained. More species found on wrecks in other parts of the North Sea are likely to be found at Horns Rev in the future.


Title:
Infauna monitoring. Horns Rev offshore wind farm. Annual status report 2004.

author:
Michael Bech, Rune Frederiksen, John Pedersen, Simon B. Leonhard

Short description:
The monitoring programme of the benthic fauna was carried out in September 2003 and 2004 after the wind farm became operational. The survey in September 2004 included collection of bottom fauna at 6 turbine sites, a total of 18 stations in the wind farm, and at 6 stations in a designated reference area outside the wind farm area. The bottom samples were collected by SCUBA divers. Additional samples were collected for sediment analysis. Fauna samples were carefully sieved through a 1.0 mm test sieve. In the laboratory, samples were analysed for identification of species composition, abundance and biomass. Pages 64

Main results:
A total of 40 species were identified from the surveys in the Horns Rev area in September 2004 while 42 species were identified in 2003 and 47 species in September 2001. The decline in the number of species occurred both inside the wind farm and reference areas, which indicates that the decline could be a combination of changes in sediment characteristics and natural variation rather than an effect from the establishment of the wind farm. More species were not associated with the hard substrate at the turbine sites in 2004 compared to 2003,
while in 2001, more species were associated with fine-grained sand.The median sediment grain size increased from 2001 to 2003 to 2004, which suggests that the
velocity of the current increased, but modelling calculations on current speed predicted a 2% reduction in the wind farm area and up to a 15% reduction very close to the scour protection. These results agreed with the grain sizes found at the stations 5, 25 and 100 metres from the scour protection. At most stations, the medium grain size was 5 metres lower from the scour protection compared with the station 100 metres from the scour protection, which indicates that the velocity of the current was lower close to the scour protection. No significant impact on the infauna in the wind farm area was detectable concerning distance-related effects.Though general reductions in the population size of some of the character species in the surveyed areas might be related to changes in the sediment structure, the infauna community at Horns Rev showed no obvious sign of stress response as a consequence of possible impact from construction and operating activities. New species were observed in 2003 and 2004 and some of these might be a result of sediment characteristics, less predation or natural variation. The recording of other species might be a result of the introduction of hard bottom habitants in the wind farm area. The density of the most abundant bivalves and bristle worms was higher in the wind farm area indicating that the potential decrease in predation pressure from birds contributed to increasing differences between the densities of their favoured prey. Bird observations showed predominant foraging activity outside the wind farm area. An indirect effect of increased pressure from fish predation due to a ban against fishing inside the wind farm area is considered negligible as the fish attracted to the turbine foundations mainly forage on the foundations.
In general, the abundance of the most common species increased in the wind farm area between 2003 and 2004 whereas the reference area remained unchanged from 2003 to 2004.


Title:
Effecs of the Horns Reef wind farm on harbour porpoises. Interim report to Elsam Engineering A/S for the harbour porpoise monitoring program 2004.

author:
Jakob Tougaard, Jonas Teilmann, Jacob Rye Hansen

Short description:
This report was requested by Elsam Engineering A/S. It consists of a
summary of results obtained in 2004 from the ongoing monitoring
program of harbour porpoises in and around Horns Reef offshore
wind farm. Due to substantial maintenance activities on the turbines
in Horns Reef wind farm in 2004, it was decided to suspend the
monitoring program temporarily. Monitoring will continue in 2005
and the data presented here will be included in the analysis for the
2005 annual report.
The report cannot be read on its own, and should be considered a
supplement and update to the latest annual report on the project
(Tougaard et al. 2004) as well as previous reports.Harbour porpoises in and around the wind farm are monitored from visual surveys and by means of acoustic dataloggers (T-PODs). Pages 23

Main results:
Statistical analysis of the data has not been carried out, but will be included in the 2005 annual report. No clear conclusions can thus be drawn at this point.
Both surveys and T-POD data are consistent with results from 2003 from an overall point of view. Porpoises were observed inside the wind farm on several occasions on ship surveys and acoustic activity recorded inside the wind farm (positions 5 and 6) are at levels not immediately discernible from 2003. Further analysis, which includes important factors such as type of T-POD (version 1 or the generally more sensitive version 3) and time of year are needed in order to
draw further conclusions.


Title:
Harbour porpoises on Horns Reef - effects of the Horns Reef wind farm. Annual status report 2003.

author:
Jacob Tougaard, Jacob Carstensen, Oluf D. Henriksen, Jonas Teilmann, Jacob Rye Hansen

Short description:
Occurrence and distribution of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in and around the off-shore wind farm on Horns Reef, Denmark, was investigated. This report describes data collected in 2003 as part of an ongoing monitoring program, covering a period before construction of the wind farm (baseline), the construction period in 2002 and one year following construction of the wind farm.
Data from acoustic dataloggers (T-PODs) and visual surveys conducted
from ships confirmed the presence of harbour porpoises inside the wind farm area during all periods investigated. Pages 67

Main results:
Comparison with baseline data from 1999-2001 and with control areas outside the wind farm did not show a statistical significant change in sighting rates inside the wind farm area in the first year following construction relative to baseline. T-POD data showed a pronounced effect of the construction of the wind farm on the indicators “encounter duration” (measure of how long porpoises remain
close to the POD) and “waiting time” (measure of time interval between
porpoise encounters. Both parameters seem to indicate higher levels of porpoise activity during construction (encounter duration went up, waiting time went down) compared to baseline. A partial return to baseline levels was seen for these two indicators in 2003.


Title:
Effects of the Nysted offshore wind farm construction on harbour porpoises - annual status report for the acoustic T-POD monitoring programme during 2003

author:
Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Jacob Carstense, Jacob Tougaard, Jonas Teilmann

Short description:
The report describes the effects on harbour porpoises from the complete construction period of the Nysted offshore wind farm. Harbour porpoise activity in the area has been monitored using acoustic data loggers (T-PODs) that detect harbour porpoise echolocation activity. The echolocation activity is considered as a direct masure of the presence of harbour porpoises. The impacts on harbour porpoises are analysed using a BACI design, where the presence of harbour porpoises is monitores in wind farm area and control area before and during the constuction. Pages 30

Main results:
A significant decrease of harbour porpoise activity was found as a result of the construction work in the wind farm area where the average period between two consecutive harbour porpoise encounters increased from approximately 8 hours prior to the construction to approx. 64 hours during the construction while a slight increase in activity was recorded in the reference area. Most harbour porpoises therefore avoided the area during the construction probably due to noise disturbance or lack of apropriate food.


Title:
Effects of the Nysted offshore wind farm construction on harbour porpoises - the 2002 annual status report for the acoustic T-POD monitoring programme

author:
Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Jonas Teilmann, Jacob Carstensen

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
report / study regarding a research project (technical report)

Short description:
Harbour porpoise echolocation activity is permanently monitored on
a year round basis with acoustic porpoise detectors (T-PODs) in the
construction area as well as in a reference area situated
approximately 10 kilometres east of the wind farm area.
More than 600 days of T-POD data has been gathered from 6 T-PODs
before and during the first part of the construction. The data gathered
before the onset of the construction work is compared with the data
obtained during the construction in a BACI study, to evaluate
potential changes in harbour porpoise activity as a consequence of
the construction of the wind farm. Pages 45

Main results:
A significant general decrease in the echolocation activity was found
in the wind farm area under the construction. A large barge mounted vibrator has been used to drive steel sheet piles into the seabed for stabilisation of a single foundation. The vibrator has been in operation for several limited periods (1-10 hours) during a few months time. A very distinct and significant effect on harbour porpoise echolocation activity was found in both the wind farm area and the
reference area during the vibrations. The effects from the operation of
the vibrator lasted for some hours after each use. It is concluded that the construction of the Nysted Offshore Wind Farm has created a measurable, temporary decrease in the activity of harbour porpoises in the construction area, as predicted in the environmental impact assessment report (Bach et al. 2000).


Title:
Effect from the construction of Nysted offshore wind farm on seals in Rodsand seal sanctuary based on remote video monitoring.

author:
Susi Manuela Clermont Edren, Jonas Teilmann, Rune Dietz, Jacob Carstensen

Short description:
This report describes the effect of the construction of Nysted Wind Farm on the seals hauling out in Rødsand seal sanctuary. A remote-controlled webbased camera system was used to monitor the seals in daylight hours. The camera systems, powered by solar and wind energy are designed to operate under extreme weather conditions. Live images are transmitted to a land station, from where it is streamed to the Internet. The cameras are operated remotely and pictures are stored every 5 seconds. Two cameras were mounted on a 6 m high tower in Rødsand seal sanctuary. The tower is placed about 300 m from the seals preferred haul-out site without any notable effect
on the seals. Pages 30

Main results:
The seasonal variations in the presence of seals in the Rødsand sanctuary
were clearly distinctive with a generally low presence during winter months
increasing in spring and reaching its maximum in August when seals were
almost permanently present at the sand bank. The diurnal variation showed
the highest presence during the middle of the day.
The distinct seasonal and diurnal patterns of seal occurrence were confirmed
by the marginal category probabilities derived from a multinomial model.
The diurnal variation corresponded to a overall mean of 6.3 seals around
noon decreasing to less than 1 in the early morning and late evening by
translating the categories into mean number of seal as above.
Southerly winds around 4-8 m/s increased the number of seals on land. If the
wind came from the south (S) there would be a yearly mean of 5.0 seals on
land, whereas if the wind was from the north (N) there would only be a
yearly mean of 1.5 seals on land. The yearly mean number of seals on land
increased from 2.0 seals at 0 m/s, reaching a maximum of 3.4 seals at 6.1
m/s and decreased to 0.2 seals at 20 m/s. Wind speed between 0 and 12 m/s
generally resulted in high abundance, whereas strong winds did not favour
seals on land.
There was no change in the disturbance rate during the construction period,
probably due to a regulation on boats to pass the sanctuary in adequate distance.
This indicates that remote boat traffic and other activities that the
seals have experienced previously, although intensified during construction
did not affect the number of seals on land.
The number of seals on land increased 12.5% from a yearly mean of 2.79
seals in the baseline period to 3.14 seals in the construction period. Five
months had seals observations in both the baseline and the construction period,
and four of these had a significant difference in the category probabilities
for the two periods. There was a decline in the number of seals on land
from April 2002 to April 2003, whereas data from May, June and July all
showed increases from 2002 to 2003. August was not significant.
There was, however, a significant decrease in the number of seal on land
during the ramming periods, that was carried out during at a single foundation
located approximately 10 km SW of the seal sanctuary. The observed
reduction of seals varied among months ranging from 8 to 100%. When correcting
for other variables in the model the reductions varied between 31 and
61%. The seals may have chosen to stay in the water, swim away or haul out
further away from the wind farm than Rødsand.
The construction work on the wind farm situated approximately 4 km away
from the Rødsand seal sanctuary had in general no or little effect on the
presence of seals. Even two grey seal pups were recorded during the construction period.


Title:
Progress report on aerial surveys of seals at Rodsand seal sanctuary and adjacent seal haulout sites during January-July 2004.

author:
Jonas Teilmann, Rune Dietz, Susi Manuela Clermont Edren

Short description:
As requested by Energy E2 A/S, this short progress report on data collected during aerial surveys of the Rødsand seal sanctuary and adjacent haulout sites during the first half of 2004. Data from previous surveys are also shown for comparison with 2004 results. Analyses of data are still incomplete and await completion at the end of the year. The purpose of this progress report is thus solely to make the collected raw data available to Energy E2 A/S. Pages 15

Main results:
Final analysis and conclusions will be reported in the 2004 annual report for
the project. These preliminary results suggest that the seals move between these two localities and that no obvious negative effect from the operation of the wind farm is seen. However, conclusions on the effect of the operating wind farm awaits further data collection and data analysis in the coming annual reports.


Title:
Effects on seals at Rodsand seal sanctuary from the construction of Nysted offshore wind farm based on aerial surveys

author:
Jonas Teilmann, Jacob Carstensen, Rune Dietz, Susi Manuela Clermont Edren

Short description:
This report describes the results of the aerial seal surveys at Rødsand seal sanctuary, Southeast Denmark and adjacent seal haulout sites in southwestern Baltic. The work was carried out to investigate the potential effect from the construction of Nysted Offshore Wind Farm. Rødsand seal sanctuary is a part of seal management area 4, and the area is believed to consist of a more or less closed population with little exchange to other management areas. Although the harbour seal is relatively stationary there may be movements between the haul-out sites within the area. A possible reaction to disturbance from the construction of the wind farm may be that the seals use other haulout
sites than Rødsand to a higher extend. Monthly aerial counts of harbour and grey seals in southwestern Baltic (management area 4) were conducted from March 2002 to January 2004 except for a pause from October 2002 - January 2003. Furthermore, aerial survey counts from late August from 1990-2000 are included as part of the
baseline data. The surveys provide information on the seasonal use of the different seal haulout sites. Pages 22

Main results:
The seal epidemic killed between 11 and 44% of the seals in management
area 4 but in 2003 the population was recovering with about 19%. Based on
the aerial surveys conducted during the moulting period in late August 2003
the seal stock (corrected for animals not being on land) at Rødsand had increased
15% from about 200 in 2002 to about 230 in 2003. This indicates
that the population increase at Rødsand was similar to the increase for the
total area and that there was no effect on the population increase from the
wind farm.
During the construction of the wind farm Rødsand seal sanctuary was still
the most important haulout site (34%, 2003 estimate) in management area 4
during summer while the locality remains less important to the harbour seals
during October-March. There was no significant shift in proportion of seals
at Rødsand relative to the other localities from baseline to construction.
The seasonal proportion of seals at Rødsand relative to the other localities
has changed significantly from baseline to construction, due to a large, positive
change in proportion from baseline to construction period in May. The
other months did not show a significant shift, also there was no significant
general seasonal variation over the entire period (1990-2003). The significant
seasonal variation between Rødsand to Vitten/Skrollen suggest that at
least some of the seals in the localised area move between these two localities
in June and July, and return to Rødsand in August and September.
Based on the aerial surveys there are no indications that the construction
activities may have affected the local Rødsand population differently from
other population fluctuations in the southwestern Baltic Sea.


Title:
Hydroacoustic monitoring of fish communities in offshore wind farms. Annual report 2004. Horns Rev offshore wind farm.

author:
Christian B. Hvidt, Lars Bruenner, Frank Reier Knudsen

Short description:
The objectives of this project were to test the possibility of using hydroacoustic techniques as alternative methods to traditional techniques to assess the fish assemblage inhabiting offshore wind farms and to investigate the possible effect from the wind farm
and hard bottom substrates (turbine foundations) on fish abundance.
The field study was carried out October 9-10, 2004 and consisted of four horizontal hydroacoustic survey transects each covering impact and reference areas. Transects were surveyed in order to achieve identical impact and reference transect pairs concerning
environment, topography and time correspondence. Pages 22

Main results:
From the hydroacoustic results, no or very little effect from the wind farm or from hard bottom substrates was found on the fish densities at Horns Rev Wind Farm at the time of the survey. The execution of the field study and the subsequent analysis of recorded data of the project have exposed the need for minor alterations including extended night surveys, the addition of more or longer transects, and considerations of the seabed topography, time of year and weather conditions. In conclusion:
• The hydroacoustic technique is a suitable technique to evaluate fish densities.
• A large diurnal variation of fish densities was encountered in the entire study area.
• The results indicate that offshore wind farms attract fish beyond a distance of 500
metres and it is recommended to select reference areas further away.
• A significant higher density of fish in connection to turbine foundations (hard
bottom substrates) was only found in one out of four transects.


Title:
Sandeels in the wind farm area at Horns Reef

author:
Henrik Jensen, Per Sand Kristensen, Erik Hoffman

Short description:
The report summarises preliminary results from a survey carried out in the Horns Rev area in March 2004 and contrast these results to those from previous survey carried out in February-March 2002, concerning the impact of the construction of the wind farm on the sandeels population in the area. The effect of the wind farm of the sandeels was evaluated on the basis of changes in distribution and densities of al. Species of sandeels combined. It was mapped in conjunction with seabed sampling. Pages 26.

Main results:
At all locations fished during both of the years a markedly increase in density of sandeels (all species combined) was observed in the impact area from 2002 to 2004. This increase coincides with a small decrease in densities in the control area (away from the wind farm/impact area). Average densities of sandeels in the impact area increased about 300% from 2002 to 2004, whereas densities decreased about 20% in the control area. It is therefore concluded that the construction of the wind farm has had no negative impact on sandeels in this area.
A large change was found in the species composition and densities of sandeels from 2002 to 2004.
The density of A. tobianus and H. lanceolatus increased markedly from 2002 to 2004 whereas the density of A. marinus decreased markedly. The largest increase in densities of sandeels from 2002 to 2004 is due to a large increase in densities in the impact area in 2004 of sandeels smaller than 8 cm (all 1-group sandeels, although there was some uncertainty in the age determination of A. tobianus <6 cm). Of these most of the sandeels smaller than 6 cm were A. tobianus and most of those from 6-8 cm were H. lanceolatus.
The variation in sandeel abundance, which is observed from 2002 to 2004 in the Horns Reef area, is likely to be due to environmental factors influencing recruitment in sandeels. The decrease in A. marinus, observed in the Horns Reef area from 2002 to 2004, may be an example of this as the abundance of A. marinus seems to have followed a similar decrease in most of the North Sea in the same time period.
The possible effect of the wind turbines on sandeel predation mortality was not evaluated in this report, due to a lack of information about changes in diet, distribution, and densities of sandeel predators. Although the influence of environmental factors on recruitment is a likely explanation to the increase in sandeel abundance, observed in the wind farm area from 2002 to 2004, changes in predation mortality may also have contributed to the observed changes in densities.
The sampling design used was found to be appropriate for mapping areas where the distribution of seabirds and sandeels overlap. Overall, there is no indication that the construction of the wind farm area has had a negative effect on sandeels in this area. There was no indication of an increase in the content of silt/clay and very fine sand in the impact area from 2002 to 2004. Further, there was no indication of a decrease in densities of sandeels (all species combined) in the same area from 2002 to 2004.


Title:
Statistical analysis of data from the fisheries survey. Nysted offshore wind farm at Rodsand.

Short description:
The purpose of the note is to pont out some statistical methods with a better utilisation of the data. The note solely deals with the sampling of fish and fry. In order to provide a comprehensive base for the evaluation of the final monitoring programme the note also gives a survey of the main statistical methods with relevance to the present data (parametric or non-parametric models, univariate and multivariate analysis) Pages 18

Main results:
Recommendations were formulated for sampling programmes and data analysis methods.


Title:
Monitoring programme status report 2003. Fish at the cable trace. Nysted offshore windd farm at Rodsand

author:
Christian B. Hvidt, Michael Bech, Maks Klaustrup

Short description:
The purpose of the report is to investigate the potential effect of electromagnetic fields created by underwater power cables of Nysted offshore wind farm. The report evaluates results from 2003 and compares it with baseline studies. The field study consisted of time-regular series sampling from fykes located in four pound nets placed pair wise along the cable. The oceanographic parameters (temperature, salinity, speed and direction) were masured. Statistical tests were applied to distinguish if the catch on each side of the cable occured at approx. the same time. Also statistical tests were conducted to analyse if each species distribution east and west of the cable changed significantly in comparison with baseline data. Pages 68

Main results:
A total number of 15023 individuals with a total weight of 881.4 kg representing 36 species were caught during the sampling period. The cable trace did not cause a major change in overall distribution of number and weight of the total catch before and after the cable was put into use in 2003.. A chi square analysis of the distribution of fish before and after the cable was put into use showed that only eel and brisling had changed their distribution significantly (eel was caught in higher numbers on the west side of the cable). There is a need of further investigation in very vicinity of the cable to definite establish if electromagnetic field from the cable has an impact on the fish fauna


Title:
Progress report on remote video monitoring of seals at Rodsand seal sanctuary during January-July 2004

author:
Susi Manuela Clermont Edren, Jonas Teilmann, Rune Dietz, Pernille Bondo Harders

Short description:
As requested by Energy E2 A/S, this short progress report on data
collected on seals hauling out in the Rødsand seal sanctuary during the
first half of 2004. Data from the baseline is also reported in this note
and compared with the data for the operation phase in 2004. Analyses
of data are still incomplete and await completion at the end of the
year. The purpose of this progress report is thus solely to make the
collected raw data available to Energy E2 A/S.
Final analysis and conclusions will be reported in the 2004 annual
report for the project. Pages 9


Title:
Progress report of the acoustic T-POD monitoring during January-July 2004

Short description:
The report consists of an interim summary of results obtained in the first half of 2004 from the ongoing monitoring program of harbour porpoises in and around Nysted offshore wind farm. It is a suplement and update to COD -DK-108. Pages 12

Main results:
Daily frequency and waiting time between encounters indicate that fewer harbour porpoises were present in the wind farm area in the first half of 2004 as compared to the baseline, but the same time some recovery from the disturbance caused by construction of the wind farm may have occured.


Title:
Sandeels and clams in the wind turbine park at Horns Reef.

Short description:
The purpose of this report is to evaluate the results of the survey carried out in February and March 2002 before the wind turbine park was constructed. The distribution and relative abundance of sandeels and shellfish in the area of the wind turbine park at Horns Rev was mapped in conjunction of seabed sampling during three surveys in February and March 2002. Pages 45

Main results:
Sandeels were found in the sediment at all of the sample locations in the area of the wind turbine park and in the control area. The mean density of sandeels in the sediment was 0.0102 m-2 (10,200 km-2) in the control area and 0.0096 m-2 (9,600 km-2) in the impact area. The most abundant species of sandeel in both the impact and the control area was H. lanceolatus followed by A. marinus and A. tobianus. No G. semisquamatus was caught during the surveys.The construction of the wind turbine park is not supposed to effect the sandeel population in the Horns Reef area because the impact area seems to constitute a small fraction of a larger area with sandeel habitat. However, within the area of the wind turbine park sandeel abundance might be affected if the surface sediment changes due
to the construction of the wind turbine park or if the abundance of sandeel predators increases in the impact area after the wind turbine park has been build (the so called artificial reef effect). To investigate if these effects will occur the field programme that was carried out in February/march 2002 (the subject of this report) will have to be repeated after the wind turbine park has been constructed.The most common species of shellfish on Horns Reef in both the Wind Turbine park and control area were brown shrimps (Crangon crangon) at an abundance of between 15,000 and 31,000 pr. km2. Syndosmya (Abra) alba a small bivalve was observed at an abundance of around 16,500 pr. km2 in the wind turbine park and around 2,500 in the control area. The clam (Spisula solida) were observed at an abundance of 1,300 pr. km2, which are much lower than observed in 1993, when the abundance were around 17,000 pr. km2. Potent ially a high abundance of S. solida may appear in the future, but how soon and how large is difficult to predict from the data compiled in this report.


Title:
Cost Benefit Analysis of Government Support Options for Offshore Wind Energy

Short description:
The report covers  a comparative assessment of the costs and benefits to the state of a number of support options for Offshore Wind Energy in Irish Waters.  The objective of the study is to assist the Irish Government and its advisors in deciding on the viability of committing State resources to supporting the development of OWE through: A research and development programme;  a demonstration programme and a full-scale deployment programme.  There are 77 pages in the report.

Main results:
The Main Conclusions of this study are: 1. OWE offers clear environmental benefits compared to fossil-fired generation because no CO2 NO x or Sox emissions are poduced during operation. 2. There are several barriers to OWE development in Ireland, including inter alia high capital costs, the non-availablity of debt finance, uncertainties regarding the future structure of the Irish Electricity market,  and the anticipated inability of the transmission system to accommodate increased levels of intermittent generation. 3. As Ireland is not currently a significant developer of core OWE technology, an Irish R&D programme should focus primarily on the integration of OWE into the Irish energy supply system. 4. The costs of delivered energy from OWE projects is dependent on project capital costs, plant availability and O&M costs. 5. There are other costs associated with deployment of large-scale wind generation plant in Ireland and /or off its coast, inlcluding inter alia the reinforcement of the transmission system and the provision of adequate spinning reserve. 6. The most important objective of an Irish OWE demonstration programme should be to provide a learning experience for key players in the sector and to increase their levels of confidence in OWE.  7 Demonstration projects will not deliver large-scale levels of deployment unless OWE generation can earn a premium price over a long term. 8.  The Demonstration Projects themselves will also require a mechanism to provide a pemium price for electricity sales.  Grant support would reduce the investemnt cost to the developer and lower the breakeven energy price required for projects.  9.  There is little consensus within the sector in Ireland as to an appropriate size for demonstration projects, except that most developers would favour larger demonstration projects.  10. A demonstration programme based on ~5 MW projects(s)  would be too small to either develop sufficient marketplace confidence for incorporate economies of scale.  11.In the short term, the large scale deployment fo OWE in Ireland would require a State funded mechanism to provide a premium price for generation.  12. Enhanced interconnection of European transmission systems is a stated objective fo the the European Commission.  Increased levels of interconnection between Irish and neighbouring transmission systems would benefit OWE in Ireland. It could provide an opportunity for Ireland to develop its OWE resource as a significant export industry selling  Renewable Energy into European markets in the medium to long term.  However, there could be significant costs associated with exporting OWE, including the costs of interconnection and grid reinforcement.  13.  The long-term success of RE technologies , including OWE, dependent on how the full external costs fo generation are internalised, i.e how the environmental benefit is valued.  There is currently great uncertainty  in asssigning monetary values to the environmental benefits of RE.  Future international trading arrangements for green certificates and alllocation mechanisms for emissions savings benefits have yet to be developed.


Title:
Assessment of the Impacts of offshore wind Energy Structures on the Marine Environment

Short description:
The Marine Institute commissioned this study to examine the impact of offshore wind energy structures (wind farms) on the marine environment.  The objective of the study was to prepare a desk review of the current stated knowledge on the impact of offshore wind energy structures on the marine environment.  The study was completed by consultants by means of  a series of tasks, which had been set out in a proposal submitted to the Marine Institute (BOC Ref. 99A0279) in response to an invitation to tender.  The Report is structured to provide the data generated by the study under a number of main headings.  These include: Physical impacts of wind farm structures; potential for offshore wind farm structures as sites for artificail reefs;  impacts of structures on the biology of areas in which wind farms may be built.  A range of organisations with an interest in offshore wind energy developents were contacted and some were consulted to assess their concerns in relation to offshore wind farms.  These included developers, regulators, other marine resource users and environmental organisations.  The study reviewed information available from published sources and websites.  The report is 56 pages long.

Main results:
According to the report current technologies, economics constrain the development of offshore wind farms to water depths of 10 to 15 metres. The thrust of future research programmes in the field of offshore wind frams should focus initially on issues of interest in these depths, particularly on the East Coast.  Because of their importance in physical environmental impact terms, there should  be a library research programme to keep abreast of developments on offshore wind tur bine foundations on an ongoing basis. Localised studies on the value of the fishing industry and other beneficial uses in the sea areas of most interest to wind farm developers should be undertaken. This background data is required for the purposes of discussions on the areas of leases, access, impacts and possible compensation.  A desk and field research study on the effects of cables on marine flora and fauna should be undertaken. Demonstration projects are urgently required to derermine the costs and benefits of fishery exclusion areas to:species of fishery and angling importance; social aspects of fishery communities; economic conditions of fishery communities and impacts on other marine life. These projects will provide facts and experience in an Irish context to identify whether, when and where fishery proteted areas may have direct and indirect benefits to Irish Fisheries. This is relevant to wind farms and to wider fishery management and nature conservation.


Title:
Assessment of Offshore Wind Energy Resources in the Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland

author:
Kirk McClure Morton, National Wind Power, Brady Shipman Martin, Harland & Wolff SHI, Queens University, Belfast

Short description:
The following mattters which are considered to have the greatest relevance to the study have been examined: 1. Energy Policy. 2. Magnitude of wind speeds and available energy. 3. Existing and future offshore technology. 4. Physical and constructural constraints. 5. Environmental issues. 6. Statutory permissions. 7. Construction practicability. 8. Grid capacity and related electrical aspects. 9. Development costs.

Main results:
It emerges from the study that is technically feasible and practical to exploit the wind energy resource around the coastline of ireland. Whilst a number of practical constraints, legislation and environmental issues have been identified it was concluded that the island's territorial waters provide a very significant wind energy resource.


Title:
Environmental Impact Statement, Arklow Bank Wind Park, Non Technical Summary

original title:
Environmental Impact Statement, Arklow Bank Wind Park, Non Technical Summary

Short description:
This 22 page report which was prepared for Sure Partners Ltd looks at the backround to the Arklow Windbanks Project.  The report gives a description of the existing environment and looks at the environmental impact to the physical envrionment, biological environement, birds, marien mammals, archaeological sites and human beings.

Main results:
Sonar scans and interpretation of geophysical data are used to identify areas where archaeological features are located on the bank.  These areas would be preserved in situ by avoidance.    Due to the distance from Arklow there will be not be any noise nuisance associated with the wind park on land.  The report states that the development of the wind park will not have any impact on undersea cables or interfere with telecommuncations in the vicinity.  The long - term impact of the development on the marine benthos will be a permanent loss of habitate from the footprint around the turbine.  The impact of decommissioning on the biological environment will be:  an increase in suspended solids during the removal of the foundations and cables, a loss of habitat on the foundations and increase in noise in the area due to boating activities and pile removal or cutting.  Ongoing bird monitoring would be carried out during both theconstruction and the operational phase.  A short -term impact of the development during construction on marine mammals is  the increased suspended solids and noise generated during the construction work.


Title:
Offshore Wind Farm At Codling Bank - Non Technical Summary Volume 2 of 43

Short description:
This forty page document summarises the proposal to build, operate and decommission a 220 turbine offshore wind farm at Codling Bank off the east coast of Ireland, including the key findings of the environmental assessments carried out for the scheme.   A series of detailed studies and surveys have been commissioned  by the joint developers and coordinated by Natural Power Consultants Ltd and Kirk McClure Morton.  The baseline studies wre aimed at builidng up a detailed picture of the interaction of the physical, ecological and human environment at the site.  Surveys were commissioned to study the are from boreholes drilled to 35km under the seabed to surveying of the birds flying above the site.  The findings of these studies shaped the finer detail of site selection and site design allowed the most effective mitigation measures to be sleecteed to reduce the environmental affets fo the scheme.  The baseline studies provided the necessary data to allow an assessment of the effects fo the construction, operation and decommissioning of the offshore wind farm, on the more important physical, ecological and human elemnts of the Codling area following the implementation of mitigation measures.    The baseline studies have been coordinated to allow an understanding of the interaction between for example benthic life and sediment distribution.  This then allows the assessment of indirect effects I.e the knock on effects on sea mammals from any direct impact of the construction of the wond fram on fish for example.

Main results:
Sediment suspension levels withing the Codling Bank area were modelled for baseline conditions prior to development and for piling and cable laying activities during the construction of the wind farm.  It was found that background sediment suspension levels would only be exceeded for 1-2 % of the installation time within 300m of the construction activity.  Typical deposition of sediment on the seafloor would generally not exceed  0.6  in the vicinty of construction work and this would be rapidly dispersed furhter downstream by subsequent tides.  A preliminary risk assessment has been carried out and a number of mitigation measures have been put in place. Marine  Benthos - Direct effects on benthic habitats through permanent loss of the seabed at foundation locations would be very small and in a 'worst case' I.e gravity foundation, would amount to an area of only 25 m diameter for each turbine.  There would be some indirect effects on the seabed communities resulting from sediment disturbance and smothering of seabed in the vicinity of wind farm elements during construction.  However the benthic communities found in the wind farm area are tolerant of short term turbine construction cable laying would be fairly rapid,with recuitment of species from surrounding populations.  The effects of the presence on the wind farm during its opeational life, on sediment movements and other hydrographic processes have already been found to be negligible.  Therefore no significant indirect impacts are expected on the benthic communities within the wind farm area or the wider area of the Codling Bank. Fish -  During the construction phase, underwater noise and vibration levels resulting from piling hammers could potenially reach up to 236 decibels (dB) if monopile foundations are used.  Construction noise would be considerably less for other foundation types and other construction activities.  More noise-senisitve fish with swimbladder, such as cod, herring,  salmon and trout have hearing thresholds of around 100120 dB but do not show alarm or avoidance or other behavioural responses until received sound levels exceed 170-180 dB.  Source noise levels above this limit would only be generated as the turbine foundation are driven into the top layers of the seabed.  Noise levels would decrease as piling continued.    It is likely that fish would be attacted to the new habitat and shelter created by the foundation structures placed in the seabed.  Although fish such as whiting, cod and plaice may benefit from the shelter provided by foundations the overall impact of this change would be a redistribution in population rather than significant increases in fish populations.  Birds - The Codling Bank area was not considered to be of particular sensitivity for birds.  The nearest protected area for breeding or overwintering birds lies on the coast at the Murrough more than 13 km from the wind farm.  Nevertheless comprehensive boat and aircraft bird surveys have been carried out over an area of more than 580 km2 to allow a full picture to be formed of the importance of the Codling Bank and the wider area for bird populations of the Irish Sea.  The most important potential impacts  were considered to be: disturbance of birds through construction activity and later through movement and noise from wind turbines during the operating period, and subsequent displacement of birds from the wind fram area; and collision risks with turbine blades. Collision risks for migrating birds were considered along with resident species.  The response of many of the seabirds recorded in the wind farm area to wind turbines is not well understood.  However,  since the wind farm area does not contain higher concentrations of seabirds that surrounding areas of the Irish sea, in the absoloute worst case assumption that all birds using the site would not use it during the construction and opeation of the wind farm and morwover would not find other suitable areas, this wold not have a significant effect on the global or Irish Sea population of any species.  Collision risks would be negligible or zero for the four most important species in the Study Area since during the year round monthly surveys  100% of flying Manx shearwaters, guillemot, and shags and 99% of razorbills flew at heights below 7m. More detailsed analysis of collision risks for speciesthat were observed flying over 7m (but not necessarily above 30m) in height during surveys, namely kittiwakes and gannets showed that these species were unlikely to be at significant risk of collision with turbine blades.  Three species of cetecean were recorded during the years monthly surveys: the harvour porpoise, Risso's dolphin and the minke whale.  Harbour porpoise was by far the most abundant with 84 indidividuals sighted on 12 out of 16 survey days.  Based on the sighting data collected during the baseline surveys, the Codling Bank area does not appear to be as important for this species as other areas in the south western Irish Sea for which similar survey data is available.  Following familiarisation with the physical presence of the wind farm, it is expected that porpoise and other small ceaceans such as the Risso's dolphin may exploit wind farm sites as feeding areas.  No significant effects are predicted for marine mammals during construction, operation or decommissioning of the wind farm.  Marine mammals would continue to be monitored during bird surveys during the construction and operating peroid for up to 3 years to allow the findings of the assessment to be confirmed.Landscape -   Despite the somewhat lengthy period of construction, the greatest impact would arise during the first year. Furthermore, the construction activities would affect what is a relatively confined area of the overall seascape.  For these reasons, the construction phase of the proposed development scheme was considered to have a minor effect on the seascape generally.  No anomalies were recorded within the wind farm that had the potential to be the remains of wrecks.  A number of anomalies were identified along with alternative cable routes to land.  Five of these were considered to have some potential to be remains of shipwrecks and have been recommended for avoidance by the final cable route.  Concerning the lanfall sites of the two alternative cable routes, the area of greatest sensitivity where the  cable would be routed directly onto the shorew beside a known archaelogoical site and complex. Archaeology -   It is strongly advised that the works programme seeks to avoid any impact in this location with archaelogical site area. Noise -  Noise of unloading, loading   and assembly at the construction post is not expected to be greater than the noise from existing port operations at the ports considered as having potential for use, and would therefore require any special permissions.  Impact of construction noise within the port would therefore not be significant.  Offshore Noise - During the operational period, the predicted noise levels from the wind turbines would be well below the lower noise limit suggested by the guidelines issued by the Working Group on Noise from Wind Turbines, at even 5 km from the site, and therefore noise form wind turbines is considered to have no significant effects on the amenity of local residences nor on those using the amenities such as footpaths, beaches or golf courses on either coast which lie more than 13 km from the nearest turbine.  Marine Navigation Effects - Local fishermen place pots for catching whelk around the banks and over the proposed wind farm area.  However, no trawling currently occurs on the site and therefore this restriction is thought to have no impact on current activity.  Aviation and Military Impacts - The Department of Defence have been consulted and hey have confirmed that the Naval Service have no observations or objections to the proposed development.


Type of institution:
other: Environmental & ecological consultants

Title:
Nocturnal flight activity of sea ducks near the windfarm Tunø Knob in the Kattegat

original title:
Nachtelijke vliegbewegingen van zee-eenden bij het windpark Tunø in de Oostzee

author:
I. Tulp, H. Schekkerman, J.K. Larsen, J. van der Winden, R.J.W. van den Haterd, P. van Horssen, S. Dirksen en A.J. Spaans

Short description:
The questions to be answered in this study were:
* Do seaducks show nocturnal flight activity?
* Does the windpark influence the flightpattern of Ducks in the area at night?
* How do flying Eiders respond to wind turbines in the immediate vicinity of the park?

Applied methods: 
Observations of the behaviour of sea ducks in situations with and without windturbines during full moon periods with variations in cloud cover. The observations with windturbines were carried out from an observation tower that was located at a distance of 600 m from the nearest turbine and was elevated 5 m over the water surface (visual  and radar observations => ship radar Furuno FR 8111 range 1.5 nm (2.85 km)). The observations without windturbines (radar observations) were carried form a small ship (ship radar range 0,75-1,5 nm, without echo trail)  

No of pages: 85

Main results:
Besides the results regarding noctural flight movements of Eiders: general, regarding noctural flight movements of Common Scoters: general and flight movements of Eiders in the vicinity of the windfarm, the following consequences for effects of offshore windfarms were found: 1. flight activity in direct vicinity of windfarm is lower than further away from it. Effect strongest in moonlit nights and relatively small at dusk. 2. In the trade-off of Eiders to fly outside or through the windfarm or leave the area altogether different factors are important: the size of the gap between turbines, the length of the detour and the availability of alternative feeding/resting areas. 3. Long continuous formations perpendicular to general flight direction of ducks must be avoided. 4. Distance between turbines within clusters should be minimised.


Title:
Monitoring of birds in the Near Shore Windfarm

Related to specific offshore wind farm:
guideline (e.g. for ecological examinations)

Short description:
preliminary study to analyze methods for birdresearch in the Near Shore Windfarm

Main results:
Description of possible researchmethods with advantages and  disadvantages; A. for researching collision victims a new method should be developed. B. for researching disturbing effects the existing methods and resources fulfil all needs. Guidelines: 1. initial investigation of characteristics of NSW-location; 2. Determining the chance of collision; 3. Survey of change in behaviour of local birds; 4. Survey of change of flight patterns of migratory birds; 5. Interpretation and report of the obtained data.


Title:
Terms of reference, procurement base line studies North Sea Wind

original title:
Terms of reference, procurement base line studies North Sea Wind

Short description:
Terms of reference for procurement base line studies North Sea Wind Farms NSW (and WP Q7).

Main results:
Terms of reference for base line studies for 1) Benthic fauna: occurrence, density, population structure and spatial variation of seabed species , 2) Demersal fish fauna: occurrence, density, population structure and migration patterns and spatial variation, 3) Pelagic fish fauna: occurrence, density, population structure, migration patterns and spatial variation, 4) Sea mammals: occurrence, density and migration patterns, 5) Marine birds: occurrence and density and establish the (foraging) behaviour and (daily) flight patterns (altitudes).


Title:
Environmental Impact Assessment Off Shore Windfarm Q7-WP

original title:
Milieueffect rapport Offshore Windpark Q7-WP

Short description:
Environmental Impact Assessment for the Off Shore Windfarm Q7-WP

Main results:
Most relevant impacts of the Off Shore Windfarm Q7-WP: just a small impact expected for most of the aspects.


Short description:
Strategy of approach for baseline study lot 1 (Benthic) of the Near Shore windfarm


Title:
Strategy of approach, Lot 2 Demersal Fish Fauna

original title:
Strategy of approach, Lot 2 Demersal Fish Fauna

Short description:
Strategy of approach for baseline study lot 2 (Demersal Fish Fauna) of the Near Shore windfarm


Title:
Base line studies North Sea wind farms: strategy of approach for pelagic fish (lot 3)

original title:
Base line studies North Sea wind farms: strategy of approach for pelagic fish (lot 3)

Short description:
Strategy of approach for baseline study lot 3 (Pelegic Fish Fauna) of the Near Shore windfarm


Title:
Detailed strategy of approach, lot 4 Assessment of the reference situation of the near Shore Windpark (NSW) for Harbour Porpoises

original title:
Detailed strategy of approach, lot 4 Assessment of the reference situation of the near Shore Windpark (NSW) for Harbour Porpoises

Short description:
Strategy of approach for baseline study lot 4 (Harbour porpoises) of the Near Shore windfarm


Title:
Detailed strategy of approach, lot 5 Marine Birds

original title:
Detailed strategy of approach, lot 5 Marine Birds

Short description:
Strategy of approach for baseline study lot 5 (Marine Birds) of the Near Shore windfarm


Title:
Strategy of approach Non marine birds (Lot 6)

original title:
Strategy of approach Non marine birds (Lot 6)

Short description:
Strategy of approach for baseline study lot 6 (Non Marine Birds) of the Near Shore windfarm


Title:
Environmental Impact Assessment Near Shore Windfarm

Short description:
Environmental Impact Assessment of the Near Shore Windfarm

Main results:
Most relevant environmental impacts of the Near Shore Windfarm.


Title:
Strategic Environmental Assessment Near Shore Windfarm

original title:
Milieu-Effectrapport Locatiekeuze Demonstratieproject Near Shore Windpark

publisher:
Novem on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs & the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Watermanagement

Short description:
Strategic Environmental Assessment of the  Near Shore Windfarm

Main results:
Most relevant strategic environmental impacts  of the Near Shore Windfarm. Determination of the best location for the Near Shore Windfarrm


Title:
North Sea Wind Farms: NSW Lot 1 Benthic Fauna. Final Report (ZBB607.2-F-2004)

original title:
North Sea Wind Farms: NSW Lot 1 Benthic Fauna. Final Report (ZBB607.2-F-2004)

author:
N. Proctor, J. Allen, S. Jarvis, A. Crossfield, O. Dawes, A. Leighton, L. McNeill and W. Musk

Short description:
Final report  for baseline study lot 1 (Benthic) of the Near Shore windfarm

Main results:
Overview of benthic species in the NSW area and the two reference areas


Title:
Preliminary Study into Bird Research Methods for the MEP-NSW (RIKZ/2003.045)

original title:
Preliminary Study into Bird Research Methods for the MEP-NSW (RIKZ/2003.045)

Short description:
The report treats the existing and future methods of measuring and calculating bird collision risks. Furthermore the report treats in detail the way research on disturbance can be carried out as well as methods for investigating barrier effects.

Main results:
Overview of advantages and disadvantages of Bird research Methods


Title:
Baseline studies wind farm for demersal fish

original title:
Baseline studies wind farm for demersal fish

author:
RIKZ, TNO, Animal Sciences Group, Royal Haskoning

Short description:
Baseline studies on demersal fish for the monitoring programme of the NSW-demonstration project.

Main results:
For all species of flatfish, the annual variation in abundance in the Dutch coastal zone is large, though most species were found in evrey season investigated. For demersal fish largest effect of NSW is closure or the area to fishing, indirectly via sediment sturcture and availibility of benthos and directly of zero fishing mortality. Detection of an effect on fish biomass through a monitoring programme is not completely unfeasible.


Title:
Base line studies North Sea wind farms: Final report pelagic fish

original title:
Base line studies North Sea wind farms: Final report pelagic fish

Short description:
Baseline studies on pelagic fish for the monitoring programme of the NSW-demonstration project.

Main results:
Pelagic fish community in Dutch coastal zone consists of nine species that show large temporal variation. Small-scaled effects of wind farms on pelagic fish may be detected if they alter spatial patters to a large enough extent, though this remains dificult to predict. In the baseline situation, there was no patters in the spatial distribution of pelagic fish in and just around the planned wind farm area.


Title:
Baseline data on the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, in relation to the intended wind farm site NSW, in the Netherlands

original title:
Baseline data on the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, in relation to the intended wind farm site NSW, in the Netherlands

Short description:
Baseline studies on harbour porpoises for the monitoring programme of the NSW-demonstration project.

Main results:
This study documents the status of the harbour porpoise in a localised coastal area west of the Dutch province of North-Holland. It discusses research methods, and results.


Title:
Baseline studies North Sea Wind Farms: Lot 5 Marine Birds in and around the future site Nearshore Windfarm (NSW)

original title:
Baseline studies North Sea Wind Farms: Lot 5 Marine Birds in and around the future site Nearshore Windfarm (NSW)

author:
Alterra, RNIOZ, Bureau Waardenburg, Biometris

Short description:
Baseline studies on marine birds for the monitoring programme of the NSW-demonstration project.

Main results:
18 species of seabirds were seen in sufficient numbers to warrant further examination. Seabird behaviour, including flight heights, flying directions, several different foraging and feeding behaviours, association behaviour (to fishing vessels, marine mammals, offshore platforms, hydrographical fronts, etc.) were noted for the birds seen. The aim was two-fold: to find the most vulnerable birds with respect to collissions to turbines and to help explain some obvious anomalies in distribution patterns.


Title:
Areas of specific ecological value on the Dutch continental shelf

original title:
Gebieden met bijzondere ecologische waarden op het Nederlands Continentaal Plat

publisher:
Rijkswaterstaat, Rijksinstituut voor Kust en Zee, RWS/RIKZ & Alterra

General::
other: areas of specific ecological interest/value

Short description:
In this report suggestions are made for demarcation of areas of specific ecological interest on the Dutch Continental Shelf. These suggestions are based on inventories of characteristic natural values of the areas.

Main results:
Suggestion of demarcation of 5 areas of IBN 2015: Doggersbank, Klaverbank, Centrale Oestergronden, Friese Front and Kustzee (Coastal area). 4 new areas of special interest were identified: Zeeuwse Banken, Borkumse Stenen, Bruine Bank and Gasfonteinen. Most significant effects on ecosystem: fishing, shipping, noise. Wind farms may have positive effects on fish and soilfauna. Effects of cables are considered marginal on ecosystem.


Title:
Assessment of the Effects of Noise and Vibration from Offshore Wind Farms on Marine Wildlife (DTI/Pub URN 01/1341, ETSU W/13/00566/REP)

author:
G Vella, I Rushforth, E Mason, A Hough, R England, P Styles, T Holt, P Thorne

Short description:
The report was commissioned to assess the effect of noise and vibration from offshore wind farms on marine wildlife. Its key aims were to review relevant studies, reports and other available information, identify any gaps and uncertainties in the current data and make recommendations, with outline methodologies, to address these gaps.  The work consisted of three phases: (1) Review relevant literature and consult stakeholders, (2) Identification of gaps and uncertainties, and recommendations for required action, (3) an inventory of studies.  107 pages

Main results:
An inventory MS Access database was produced on planned and ongoing studies and projects relevant to the assessment of the effects of offshore wind farms on marine life. On the basis of studies reviewed, the main conclusions were that: there have been few studies to characterise offshore wind farm-generated underwater noise; on the basis of available data, seals and toothed whales are likely to show initial avoidance to wind farms, followed by habituation and possibly attraction (on the basis of the wind farms supporting feeding grounds); the reaction of baleen whales is unknown in the absence of data on their audible sensitivity - it is postulated that they may show a behavioural response to low frequency sound which wind farms are likely to produce, and that the significance of this response will depend on proximity to whale migratory routes.  It is expected that effects on fish population dynamics will be determined by immigration/ attraction of fish to wind farms following construction.  No adverse noise-related impacts on marine invertebrates are expected. It also recommends a monitoring programme for assessment of the full effects.


Title:
An Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Offshore Wind Farms (ETSU W/35/00543/REP)

Short description:
The project was commissioned to help develop an agreed approach to the formal environmental assessment (EA) of large scale offshore wind farms around the UK coast and to highlight key research requirements to address identified key environmental issues.   76 pages.

Main results:
The report identifies generic issues that are likely to be important in the development of offshore wind farms.  Of these, some require additional work, as follows: (1) A checklist on marine environmental issues associated with offshore wind farms, (2) Full characterisation of the noise and vibration generated by offshore wind farms, (3) Further study of the effect of noise and vibration on the biological environment, (4) Strategic review of potential effects upon fisheries - positive and negative, (5) Study to assess the visual aspects of offshore wind farms for use in future Eas and public information exercises, (6) Further assesment of the effect of operational wind farms on birds, (7) Assessment of the effects of wind farms on sediment transport and wave climate, (8) Review of the degree of interference of wind turbines with radar, (9) Chemical notification scheme, (10) Cumulative environmental assessment of offshore wind farms.  The report also recommends discussion with the UK Offshore Operators Association, to establish what can be learnt and transferred from the oil and gas to the offshore wind industry.  There is also a table in the report which, against each stage in the development, operation and decomissioning of an offshore wind farm, lists possible effects and their likely importance.


Title:
Continuation of bird studies at Blyth Harbour Wind Farm and the Implications for offshore Wind Farms (ETSU W/13/00495/REP)

availability by web:
Can be ordered from the British Library public catalogue at:  http://blpc.bl.uk/#http://Can be ordered from the British Library public catalogue at:  http://blpc.bl.uk/#

Short description:
A study of the incidence of bird strikes at the existing Blyth wind farm. The objectives were: (1) To focus on the uncertainties over the impacts of the wind turbines on the Eider Duck and monitor the implications for this local population over the medium term [>3 years] and (2) to acquire data on bird flight rates and strike rates in a generic form. The aim is to predict the likely impact of future wind farm developments, in particular for the offshore environment. Four areas of work: i) Wind farm casualties were identified during the weekly monitoring of stranded corpses from the background mortality. ii) Detailed counts of Eider Duck in and around Blyth harbour were undertaken on a monthly basis and an assessment made of the bird's provenance. iii) Detailed three hour watches were undertaken on a sample of the wind turbines at Blyth to quantify the frequency of flights between the wind turbines; iv) Prior to the construction of the two wind turbines 1km offshore, the flight activity of birds in this area was monitored during thirty two watches of two hours duration. These were carried out in daylight.

Main results:
1. The beach serches for bird corpses carries out over the period of the three year study have indicated a background mortality of 1.613. 2. Eider Ducks were identified in the first study as more prone to collision with the rotor blades than originally anticipated. However in the second three years study period no Eider Duck deaths have been attributable to the wind turbines. 3. Approximately 80% of all flight activity takes place below rotor height. Activity within the height of the rotor is primarily limited to the two large species of gulls. The low level of recorded casualties would seem to indicate that the resident bird species have acclimatised to the presence of the wind turbines. A possible correlation was identified between strond and particularly gusty wind conditions coupled with poor visibility and bird casualties. 4. The total activity recorded offshore varied between 4 and 106 birds/hour.


Title:
Guide to Best Practice in Seascape Assessment (Report No.5)

author:
M Hill, J Briggs, P Minto, D Bagnall, K Foley & A Williams

Short description:
The guide offers a method of assessing the value and quality of coastal landscapes and sea views. It draws on well-established methods for landscapes assessment in Britain and Ireland and modifies them to suit the very different environment of the coastline and sea - the 'seascapes'. It does not replace existing landscape assessment methods, but provides the additional dimensions required where coastline and marine components to need to be considered as well.  It uses pilot investigations on the coast of Wales and Ireland.  58 pages.

Main results:
The report concludes that seascapes can usefully be grouped according to particular characteristics that are valued or as complete units where some similarity has been identified as important. This seascape characterisation can be used as a tool of exploration, for example to establish the distribution of character types, or of seascapes with low susceptibility, high capacity or any other factor.  The increasing use of GIS computer techniques can enable maps showing the distributions to be available at a glance.  Decisions can then be made on which seascape units of particular character (or derived) types can best assimilate specific kinds of the development or change and what areas require similar special attention to conserve, enhance or restructure character and to form the most appropriate mitigation measures for development located in each character type.  Above all, it concludes that these key characteristics can be identified for protection from adverse change and guidelines can be produced to show the actions required where it is necessary to introduce change.


Title:
Proposed UK Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) - Guidance on Navigational Safety Issues (Marine Guidance Note  275)

publisher:
Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) HM Government

Short description:
These Guidance Notes are to be used by wind farm developers seeking consent for marine works from the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions under Section 34 of the Coast Protection Act of 1949.
The considerations and criteria should be used in addressing the full navigational impact of offshore wind farms proposed for all UK sites.


Title:
Wind Turbines and Aviation Interests.  European Experience and Practice (ETSU W/14/00624/REP)

Short description:
The aim of this report is to establish the European approach to the effects of wind turbines on civil and military aviation, and to determine the applicability of these experiences and practices to the concerns and needs of UK stakeholders. To this end, there were three objectives:
- To document the experiences and practices relating to wind turbines and civil and military aviation in Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden;
- To consider relevant regulatory and institutional factors, influencing the consequences of any effects and how they are managed;
- To generate text suitable for incorporation in UK guidelines on Wind Energy, Defence and Civil Aviation Interests.   Pages 95.

Main results:
Different countries have different methods of approaching wind farms and the potential effect on aviation. Pre-planning consultation process in the UK is one of the most developed in Europe. Safeguarding of technical sites and equipment for civil aviation, and military technical sites is less stringent in other countries than in the UK. The UK is unique in its allowance of low flying in a relatively populated country. The issue of Search and Rescue Operations was more prominent in other countries than in the UK, as was illumination and marking of wind farms. In summary, broadly speaking, the conflict of interest between wind energy and aviation is regarded as less significant in other countries than in the UK, albeit to varying degrees.


Title:
Potential Effects of Offshore Wind Developments on Coastal Processes (ETSU W/35/00596/00/REP)

Short description:
The overall aim of the study has been to identify, review and assess the potential effects on coastal processes related to the development of offshore wind farms around the UK coast. Within the context of this study, coastal processes are deemed to include the diffraction and focusing effects on waves and currents and their effect on long shore drift and erosion. Taking the UK's Round 1 offshore wind farms as the case in hand, the work consisted of an assessment of the applicability of existing computer models and an evaluation of the significance of the effects on coastal processes across the development site and over adjacent areas.   127 pages

Main results:
Round 1 wind farms are relatively close to shore, in comparatively shallow water and with exposure to a good offshore wind resource.  At these locations, tides and tidal currents, waves, wave-driven currents, and wave-current interaction are the main coastal process issues.  Modelling results suggest that, at a regional level, there is unlikely to be a significant effect on coastal processes.  It is important to note that the studies are based on an assessment of short term impacts related to a set of idealised cases and supported only by theoretical considerations. There is a recommendation for monitoring of operational wind farms to validate or modify the model results. It also states that the environmental impacts on the wind farm scheme, in terms of wave and current loading, are likely to be far more severe, and that the problems associated with locally generated scour will need to be dealt with.


Title:
The effect of wind turbines on the bird population at Blyth Harbour (ETSU W/13/00394/REP)

Short description:
A programme to monitor the effects of the Blyth Harbour wind turbines on the local bird population was started prior to construction.  Blyth harbour wind farm consists of Nine 300 kW wind turbines on the harbor breakwater at Blyth.  It was commissioned in 1992. The harbor and adjacent rocky and sandy shorelines were known to comprise important areas for shorebirds and wildfowl. Internationally significant populations of Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima and Sanderlings C. canutus occur in the area, as well as a nationally important population of Eider ducks Somateria mollissima [Common Eider]. The area also supported large populations of gulls, Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo, and non-marine species. In comparison to other coastal sites around
the UK, overall avian activity in the area was therefore considered to be high. 
The methodologies for the monitoring programme were based on the Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) principle.  Counts were conducted for key species, and behaviour recoreded.  Bird activity in the area was calculated using Orloff andFlannery (1992) techniques, modified for reduced study area.  Some novel techniques to control for other causes of mortality, and to account for non-recording of mortality due to birds sinking, were developed.

Main results:
Relatively few collisions were recorded (34 to 1995). Cormorants avoided flying close to turbines. Eiders relatively more prone to collision in early years (but rates thought to decline in later years). Purple sandpiper showed high tolerance to construction activity.


Title:
High Level Environmental Screening Study for Offshore Wind Farm Developments - Marine Habitats and Species Project (ETSUW/35/00632/00/00)

Short description:
This report provides an awareness of the environmental issues related to marine habitats and species for developers and regulators of offshore wind farms. The information is also relevant to other offshore renewable energy developments. The marine habitats and species considered are those associated with the seabed, seabirds, and sea mammals. It describes the habitats and species, including protected areas, that could be encountered, and provides guidance on assessing sensitivity. It also explores the potential biodiversity gains from wind farm development.  40 pages

Main results:
The report concludes that the following key ecological issues should be considered in offshore wind farm EIAs in respect of likely effects: changes in benthic communities within affected area and indirect impacts on fish and their predators; potential changes to hydrography, wave climate, coastal processes and the ecology of the region; effects on spawning or nursery areas of commercially important fish and shellfish; effects on mating and social behaviour in sea mammals; effects on feeding water birds, seal pupping sites and damage of sensitive or important intertidal sites where cables land; potential displacement of fish, seabird and sea mammals from preferred habitats; potential effects on species and habitats of marine natural heritage importance; potential cumulative effects on seabirds, due to displacement of flight paths, and any mortality from bird strike, especially in sensitive or rare species; possible effects of electromagnetic fields on feeding behaviour and migration, especially in sharks and rays; potential marine conservation and biodiversity benefits of offshore wind farms as artificial reefs and no-take zones.


Title:
Development of a methodology for the assessment of cumulative effects of marine activities using Liverpool Bay as a case study - CCW Contract Science Report 522

Short description:
CCW undertook the development of a methodology for cumulative effects assessment (CEA) for offshore industries. A review of current theories for CEA was undertaken, and the final report provides a proposed methodology which will assist CCW staff and developers undertaking cumulative effect assessment for offshore activities in a consistent manner. Liverpool Bay, located off the north Wales coast was used as a case study, to test and develop the chosen CEA methodology. Study objectives were to: review current understanding of potential cumulative effects from offshore industries from a nature conservation and landscape/seascape perspective; to produce a GIS database and analysis tool for CEA; to identify current and predict likely future cumulative effects from offshore industries in Liverpool Bay on habitats and species of importance; to identify data gaps, and recommend further data and research requirements for undertaking CEA for offshore activities. 3 Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) were identified providing a focus for assessment - potential feeding habitat for common scoter, spawning habitat for plaice and sole, visual seascape value.  These were used as examples to develop the methodology.  87 pages

Main results:
Vulnerability of the VECs were calculated for each effect, from all current and proposed activities in Liverpool bay. This resulted in maps of vulnerability according to the nature of the activities. Significance of effects is not assessed.  Recommendations for CEA were: fill gaps in data gaps on type and distribution of biotypes; fill gaps in digital data for use in GIS; develop knowledge on ecological requirements and sensitivities of marine species and habitats to human activities; research into the surface effects of activities (eg noise and visual disturbance) on key environmental resources; link this work with other related work.


Title:
Safeguarding Our Seas: A Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of our Marine Environment

publisher:
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

Short description:
This report sets out the vision of the UK government for the sustainable development of the marine environment.
It sets out what has already been achieved and current policy for the full range of activities that take place in UK waters and the
coastal zone such as fishing, aquaculture, shipping, ports, offshore oil and gas extraction and offshore renewable energy.  82 pages

Main results:
The Renewable Obligation sets an ambitious target for energy supply companies. On offshore wind, it says "we will work through OSPAR to develop a comprehensive set of criteria that can be used when deciding on applications for the development of offshore wind energy installations, and to develop advice on BAT for the location, construction, operation and removal of offshore wind energy parks in a way that both develops their potential and safeguards marine ecosystems."


Title:
Windfarms and Birds : An analysis of the effects of windfarms on birds, and guidance on environmental assessment criteria and site selection issues

Short description:
The purpose of the report was to analyse the impact of wind farms on birds, establishing criteria for their environmental impact assessment and developing guidelines on precautions to be taken when selecting sites for wind farms.  It reviews the outcome of studies for onshore and offshore wind farms.  37 pages

Main results:
The main results of the analysis were: (1) Disturbance: the effects are variable and species-, season- and site-specific. (2) Collision risk and mortality: the majority of studies show very low collision mortality rates, but this can be significant in numbers eg Altamont pass, Tarifa. The importance of wind farm location and layout onshore and offshore is apparent from studies. (3) Habitat loss: direct habitat loss offshore small-scale, but postulates that it may be an issue for future larger schemes.  The report provides a matrix of sensitivity of different species to each of disturbance, barrier to movement, collision and direct habitat loss/damage.  It also makes recommendations as follows: (1) research by government and industry to improve understanding of wind farm impacts, with dissemination of results in international journals and English summaries; (2) SEAs by national governments of wind energy plans and programmes.  SEAs should include bird population maping, bird habitats, flyways and migration routes; (3) It recommends mapping of no-go locations for nature conservation reasons, such as migration crossings; (4) incentives and technology development to reduce dependency on shallow waters.


Address:
School of Biological Sciences, Jones Building

Title:
The potential effects of electromagnetic fields generated by cabling between offshore wind turbines upon elasmobranch fishes

Short description:
The report starts with a literature review relating to electroreception in elasmobranchs and relevant literature on offshore wind farm developments. It reviews the current situation regarding offshore wind developments, focusing on their environmental impacts. It summarises the current status and extent of relevant biological knowledge of british elasmobranchs. It provides the results of a pilot study, which demonstrates the response of the benthic elasmobranch, the dogfish scyliorhinus canicula, to two electric fields, one simulating prey and the other the maximum potential output from unburied undersea cables. Finally, the report provides recommendations for future research considerations. 73 pages

Main results:
Literature review: neurobiologyof electroreception has been widely researched.  Active electroreception in electric fish had received a lot of attention, but only 2 studies on active electrolocation by elasmobranchs.  The behaviour of elasmobranchs in regard to their electric sense was is neglected in the literature.  No published research was found on the effects of electromagnetic fields produced by undersea cables on fish.  Experimental study: this took a worse case scenario of an unburied 150kV cable with a current of 600A.  Results: S.Canicula avoids electric fields at 1000μV/m; the avoidance response was highly variable among individuals and had a relatively low probability of occurring; the same species were attracted to a current of 8μA, which is consistent with the predicted bioelectric field emitted by prey species.  Recommendations were: further biological research, concentrating on species use of the inshore habitats and behavioural responses to electric fields; electric field research, in particular quantification of fields within different substrate and insitu measurement; GIS mapping and interrogation, to guide decisions on wind farm location.


Title:
Barrow Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Impact Assessment

availability by web:
copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.warwickenergy.com/pdf/nontech.pdf#http://copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.warwickenergy.com/pdf/nontech.pdf#

Main results:
The results of the numerous studies that have been commissioned as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment have concluded that the proposed development: 1. will not result in any significant negative impacts on the local environment or local community; 2. will contribute to both regional and national targets for renewable energy production, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and helping to combat climate change; 3. will have a beneficial effect on the local economy and may act as a catalyst in bringing significant manufacturing activity to the region.


Title:
Offshore Wind Energy Generation: Phase 1 Proposals and Environmental Report

Short description:
In spring 2003, an announcement of a second competition for site leases (second licensing round), for offshore windfarms, was made. This competition will focus on three Strategic Areas. These have been identified and defined borders that, in certain localities, cross the
boundary of UK territorial waters. To assist decision-making on the
design and terms of the competition the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has commissioned a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in line with the requirements of the ‘SEA’ Directive 1. The SEA has resulted in preparation of this Environmental Report
on the proposals. Pages 227

Main results:
The SEA describes the environmental situation, and existing human activities, providing a baseline and an information resource for developers.  It then assesses the potential for significant impacts against the projected growth of offshore wind farms.  A risk-based analysis derived the main concerns as potential effects on: sediment transport processes; conservation sites, biodiversity habitats and species; collision risk, displacement, disturbance and barrier effects on birds; collision and subsequent loss of inventory from cargo vessels; collision and loss of life from passenger ferries. Positive impacts were assessed as: potential fisheries and biodiversity recovery areas should they offer refugia from other activities; job creation during construction and operational phases; contribution to reduction in greenhouse gas and other atmospheric emissions; improved balance of payments; increased energy security. An anlysis of seascape issues suggested that developments would have a significant visual impact at less than 8-13km from shore, varying by the nature of the seascape.  The main uncertainties were: physical processes associated with large and multiple site development; impacts on benthic environment from major development; extent of impact on birds; underwater operational noise on marine mammals; electric fields effects on marine mammals, migratory fish and elasmobranchs; impacts on recreational and tourism income.  It was concluded, with certain caveats, that the potential constraints on achieving the aims of the draft programme were not sufficient to prejudice its success.


Title:
Offshore Wind Farms - Guidance note for Environmental Impact Assessment in respect of FEPA and CPA Requirements - Version 2
in respect of FEPA and CPA requirements

publisher:
Marine Consents and Environment Unit (MCEU)

Short description:
The purpose of this guidance is to assist the offshore wind farm industry and their consultants; the primary aim being to provide scientific guidance to those involved with the gathering, interpretation and presentation of data within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the consents application process in England and Wales. The guidance is intended to supplement the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI’s) guidance "Offshore Wind farm Consents Process". Guidance provided by this document refers only to those requirements necessary to enable the assessment of an application under Food and Environmental Protection Act 1985 (FEPA) and Section 34 of the Coast Protection Act 1949 (CPA).  48 pages

Main results:
This guidance note has described the information required within an EIA with regard to FEPA and CPA applications only and has set out areas of study that will require impact assessment under the two licence applications.


Address:
Renewable Energy House, 1 Aztec Row, Berners Road

Short description:
The conference took place at the Tower Thistle Hotel, in London, and was divided into 8 sections on two days: 
- Introduction 'Taking Stock' 
- 'Round One' Summary 
- Grid 
- Construction and Contracting
- Environmental Data 
- Finance 
- Continuing the Dialogue 
- Moving on


Title:
Burbo Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Main results:
The environmental assessment shows that there will be no significant impacts on coastal processes, bird and marine life, archaeology or shipping.


Address:
5 Woolgate Court, 55-57 St. Benedict’s Street

Title:
Norfolk Offshore (Cromer) Wind Farm Project - Environmental Statement

Main results:
Impact Significance: Negligible: The impact is not of concern; Minor adverse The impact is undesirable but of limited concern; Moderate adverse The impact gives rise to some concern but is likely to be tolerable (depending on scale and duration); Major adverse The impact gives rise to serious concern; it should be considered as unacceptable; Minor beneficial The impact is of minor significance but has some environmental benefit; Moderate beneficial The impact provides some gain to the environment; Major beneficial The impact provides a significant positive gain.


Title:
UK Offshore Wind Farm at Gunfleet Sands - Environmental Impact Assessment

availability by web:
copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.gunfleetsands.co.uk/Non%20Technical%20Summary.pdf#http://copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.gunfleetsands.co.uk/Non%20Technical%20Summary.pdf#

Main results:
In conclusion, the Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Farm Project is not considered to have a significant adverse effect on any physical, biological or social aspects of the region, provided that the recommended mitigation measures are followed. Overall, the project has potential to bring beneficial effects to the area.


Title:
Inner Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm - Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

availability by web:
copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.offshore-wind-power.com/projects/inner-dowsing-nts.pdf#http://copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.offshore-wind-power.com/projects/inner-dowsing-nts.pdf#

Main results:
The likely effects of the Inner Dowsing wind farm have been reviewed. It is considered that the proposed offshore wind farm would have few significant adverse environmental effects and of these most can be reduced or prevented through mitigation measures.


Title:
Kentish Flats Offshore Windfarm - Environmental Statement

availability by web:
copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.kentishflats.co.uk/PDF/kentish_flats_nts.pdf#http://copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.kentishflats.co.uk/PDF/kentish_flats_nts.pdf#

Main results:
In summary, impacts on the biological communities, marine mammals, fish and shellfish species, birds and conservation sites as a result of operation, construction and decommissioning of the Kentish Flats windfarm are not generally considered significant. Where construction may have some impacts these have been suitably mitigated so that the residual impacts are considered insignificant. The cumulative impact assessment has investigated the potential in-combination effects on the biological, physical and human environments. In all cases, potential cumulative impacts have been found to be insignificant and in most cases these projects can not act incombination at all.


Title:
Lynn Offshore Wind Farm - Environmental Statement

availability by web:
copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.amec.com/uploadfiles/LynnNTS.pdf#http://copy of the non-technical summary at http://www.amec.com/uploadfiles/LynnNTS.pdf#

Main results:
With suitable mitigation, all environmental impacts considered in the Environmental Assessment will be minor or not significant. The exceptions to this are landscape and visual effects which have been classed as significant from specific locations and in certain weather conditions.


Address:
Riverside House, Meadowbank, Furlong Road

Title:
North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm - Environmental Statement

availability by web:
copy of non-technical summary at http://www.natwindpower.co.uk/northhoyle/northhoyle.pdf#http://copy of non-technical summary at http://www.natwindpower.co.uk/northhoyle/northhoyle.pdf#

Main results:
The construction and operation of North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm will have some direct and indirect environmental impacts, but none of these are considered significant. An assessment of cumulative impacts with other wind farm projects mooted for development in Liverpool Bay has been undertaken, which has concluded that there will be no cumulative impacts in combination with any other projects impacts. The surveys undertaken in and around the site of the wind farm and cable route have not shown any species populations which are rare, sensitive or would render it necessary for any part to be designated for the purposes of nature conservation. The environmental impacts of the wind farm were assessed, in relation to the European designated sites and any cumulative impacts with other developments. These assessments conclude that an Appropriate Assessment, under the Habitats Regulations, is not required.


publisher:
Powergen Renewables (now Eon Uk Renewables)


Address:
Customer Service Centre, Lingley Mere, Lingley Green Ave-nue

Title:
Scarweather Sands Offshore Windfarm - Environmental Statement


Title:
Aerial Surveys of Birds in Proposed Strategic Areas for Offshore Wind Farm Development, Round 2: Preliminary Report, Winter 2002/2003

Short description:
BASELINE STUDY: A programme of bird surveys was funded by DTI and developed by RSPB in conjunction with WWT and the JNCC, to include aerial surveys of the three strategic areas in winter 2002/03. This report provides preliminary results from aerial surveys in the Greater Wash strategic area, undertaken by WWT in early 2003.  A series of transects were flown at 4km intervals, and observers recorded the number of birds encountered.  This was combined with data from a GPS, used to record the flight path of the plane, so that location was accurately recorded.  Pages 19

Main results:
A series of maps shows the distribution of key bird species or species groups in 4x4 km cells, calculated as the number of birds encountered corrected for survey effort.


Title:
Wind Energy and Aviation Interests: Interim Guidelines

author:
Wind Energy, Defence & Civil Aviation Interests Working Group

Short description:
The aims of these guidelines are to: (1) provide a single source of information on all aspects of the impact of wind turbines on aviation, both civil and military, (2) Identify the range of interactions between wind energy and aviation interests, (3) Outline the measures adopted to address the issues which are likely to arise from such interations, (4) Identify the organisations involved in these processes.  62 pages

Main results:
The report is a guideline for those developing projects in the UK. It provides information on the different aviation-related interests - the agencies themselves and how ther are organised, and their concerns with relation to wind energy. It also provides guidance on addressing these concerns through the consultation and planning process.


Address:
Paternoster House, 65 St Paul's Churchyard

Title:
Monitoring & Evaluation of Blyth Offshore Wind Farm: Navaid Requirements for UK Offshore Wind Farms (ETSU W/35/00563/REP/2, DTI/Pub URN 01/787)

Short description:
The report details the navigational aid requirements laid down for Blyth offshore wind farm, as specified by Trinity House. It reviews the effecitiveness of the aids, and difficulties encountered, and comments on the practicalities of using a similar system for larger offshore wind farms.  20 pages

Main results:
The navigational aid specification appears to be correct, with the exception of radar reflectors which were not proving very effective (but this has not caused difficulties as the turbine towers are providing an adequate radar reflection). It is thought the radar reflectors may work better further offshore, and so it is recommended that they are not eliminated for future projects. Installation of the Navigational aids was problematic as it necessitated the use of scaffolding for installation on the pre-installed turbines. It is thus recommended that in future, they are as far as possible fitted on the turbines pre-installation.


Address:
The Crown Estate, 16 Carlton House Terrace, London

Title:
A Baseline Assessment of Electromagnetic Fields Generated by Offshore WindFarm Cables.  COWRIE-EMF-01-2002

Short description:
BASELINE STUDY: This study undertook modelling and direct measurement of the electric and magnetic field components of EMF.  An AC Conduction Field Solver model and Eddy Current Field Solver model were used within the Maxwell 2D software programme which allows the simulation of electromagnetic and electrostatic fields in structures with uniform cross-sections by solving Maxwell's equations using the finite-element method.  The modelling was based on EMF generated by a 132kV XLPE 3-phase submarine cable designed by Pirelli with an AC current of 350A buried to 1m.  A method is provided for calculating the induced E-field around a low frequency AC powe cable due to the emanating B-field.  This requires insitu measurement of the B-field generated by an operational cable.  To consider mitigation, the models simulated changes in permeability of the power cable armour and conductivity of the cable sheath and armour.  71 pages

Main results:
In terms of the potential significance of the modelled results to electrosensitive fish, the following conclusions were made: EMF emitted by industry standard 3-core power cable will induce E-fields; in the case modelled, this resulted in a predicted E-field of approximately 91μV/m (=0.9μV/cm) in seawater above a cable buried to 1m. This level of E-field is on the boundary of E-field emissions that are expected to attract and those that repel elasmobranchs; the induced E-fields calculated from the B-fields measured insitu were also within the lower range of detection by elasmobranchs; the options for mitigation using either changes in permeability or conductivity indicate that the induced E-field can be effectively reduced.  However, unless highly specialised materials and manufacturing processes are used with high permeability values, the E-field will still remain within the lower range of detection by elasmobranchs. Hence any reduction in E-field emission using existing materials could minimise the potential for an avoidance reaction by a fish if it encountered the field but may still result in an attraction response; another important consideration is the relationship between the amount of cable, either buried or unburied, producing induced E-fields and the available habitat of an electrosensitive species; there is also a need to determine if the power cable operating frequency (50Hz) and associated sub-harmonic frequencies have any effect on the EMFs that are detectable by IK electrosensitive fishes; further studies are recommended to direct future research to fully understand the interaction of the induced E-fields from subsea power cables with electrosensitive fish and any implications of the B-fields for organisms that rely on a magnetic sense.


Title:
Towards standardised seabirds at sea census techniques in connection with environmental impact assessments for offshore wind farms in the UK

author:
Nederlands Instituut Voor Onderzoek Der Zee

Short description:
The aim of this document is to provide guidance for bird counts in relatively small areas of sea, using either ships or aircraft, or both.  Existing methods are reviewed and compared.  The aim is to provide a standardised protocol for condusting surveys at any UK offshore wind farm.  39 pages

Main results:
A matrix is provided which assess the effectiveness of a variety of census techniques for a variety of objectives such as assessment of collision risk or estimation of sea bird abundance.


Short description:
The conference took place at the Tower Thistle Hotel, in London, and was divided into 8 sections on two days: 
- Introduction 'Where are we now?' 
- Building and Operation 
- Finance and Insurance
- Legal & Consents and Best Practice
- Technical Review and Developments
- Environment
- Grid
- Creating Jobs and Winning Hearts


Title:
Predicting the displacement of common scoter Melanitta nigra from benthic feeding areas due to offshore windfarms - Interim Reports 1 to 4

author:
Centre for Applied Marine Sciences, School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, BANGOR

Short description:
The aim of this document is to address the disturbance/displacement of birds from the vicinity of the turbines and provide a tool for predicting impacts that are currently uncertain. It focuses specifically on Common Scoter because most of the proposed UK sites lie within or close to significant consentrations of the Common Scoter.

Main results:
- A model to assist in predicting the effect of offshore windfarms (individually and cumulatively) on Common Scoter due to habitat loss and change 
- Guidance material on the use of the model to assist developers in carrying out EIA’s


Contact name:
Laura Cummins - Maritime Security Execytive Office

Title:
Steps taken to address navigational safety in the consent regime for establishment of wind farms off the UK coast 1

Short description:
The report is a guideline for all offshore wind farms planned, constructed and operated under UK authority. It refers to the use of routeing measures, eg "safety zones" and "areas to be avoided", to protect installations and only during their operational phase.  7 pages

Main results:
The guidelines provide steps required of wind farm developers, design requirements for emergency rotor shut-down and operational requirements.


Address:
QinetiQ Customer Contact Team, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road

Title:
Wind farm impacts on Radar aviation interests

Short description:
The aim of this document is to provide a detailed understanding of the interaction between wind farms and radar systems. The study has focused on the development and validation of a computer model that can be used to predict the radar reflection characteristics (Radar Cross Section) of wind turbines and understand the complex interaction between radar energy and turbines.  176 pages

Main results:
- Single wind turbines do not create a significant ‘radar shadow`.                                                                                                                  - The design of the tower and nacelle should have the smallest Radar Cross Section (RCS) as possible. The RCS of these components can be effectively reduced though careful shaping and choice of construction materials. 
- Large turbines do not necessarily lead to large RCS.  
- Spacing the turbines within a wind farm such that only one turbine can appear in any radar range cell has advantages in identifying the wind farm, filtering out the turbines and in tracking aircraft over the farm area.


Title:
Marine Renewable Energy and the Natural Heritage: an Overview and Policy Statement

Short description:
The paper is an overview of the potential impacts on the natural heritage from different sources of marine renewable energy development (underwater cabling, offshore wind farms, offshore wave, tidal stream, shoreline wave and tidal barrage) and the locational considerations that should guide it. It also sets out SNH's policy approach towards marine renewables.  40 pages

Main results:
SNH considers that, if sensitively designed and sited, marine renewables have the potential to have a lesser adverse effect than land-based renewable developments of a comparable capacity. SNH also recommends certain principles that should be adopted when developing marine renewable energy projects.


Title:
Atlas of UK Marine Renewable Energy Resources

author:
ABPmer, Garrad Hassan & Partners Ltd, Met Office, Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory

Short description:
The work is being undertaken as part of the DTI's Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) programme, covering Oil & Gas and Marine Renewable agendas. The project's aim is to quantify and map the potential offshore wind, tidal and wave resource at a regional level within the limits of the UK Continental Shelf.

Main results:
A geographical information system (GIS) database was created with resource data (tide, wave and offshore wind). The database allows the interogation of the resource data and the assessment of the generating potential form the three sources.


Title:
Potential Impact of Underwater Noise and Vibration - Interim Report Nov 04

Short description:
Assessment of sub-sea acoustic noise and vibration from offshore wind turbines and its potential impact on marine wildlife. This project aims to provide field data in relation to the potential impact of sub-sea acoustic noise and vibration produced from offshore wind turbines. Building on existing desk based research the field data will be assessed to determine any behavioural or other effects on marine wildlife.

Main results:
-  A detailed desk study identifying marine organisms in UK coastal waters which may be affected by noise and or vibration arising from construction and operation of a windfarm and, where available, information on their hearing spectra and sensitivities, and likely behavioural changes from exposure to different levels of noise and vibration. Review should include distances over which marine mammals can communicate, and collation of information on noise data available from existing windfarms.
-  Interim reports including measurements taken at a selection of depths, distances and directions and in a variety of tidal, climatic and season conditions with and without background noise, using an appropriate range of frequencies. This data will provide an early indication of the frequency and amplitude of noise levels and levels of vibration and will assist in the determination of present and future applications. Data from this exercise should be fed to the various stakeholders at the earliest opportunity in the form of mitigation guidance and development of good management practices.


Title:
Burbo Bank Offshore Wind Farm - Navigation Risk Assessment

Short description:
The study assesses the navigational impact and associated risk of the proposed Burbo Bank site based on the latest shipping data available for the area and quantitative modelling. The study also determines the likely effect of the development on navigation ofr the purposes of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.  94 pages

Main results:
Overall, the risks to shipping posed by the Burbo Bank Offshore wind farm are assessed to be minimal. It is considered unlikely that ships on the Queens Channel route will interact with the proposed wind farm. The increase in ship collision frequency in the area is and average of 1 collision per 3,000 years.


Title:
Consultation for Offshore Wind Energy Developments - Best Practice Guidelines

Short description:
The document tries to identify the stakeholders that need to be consultated and informed on what is proposed for offshore wind development and the consequences, positive or negative, and to engage with them in a variety of different ways, enabling everybody to have their opinions heard and their ideas taken seriously.  32 pages

Main results:
The guidelines set out the importance of:  - Identifying the stakeholders and enabling early consultation with them  - Following up after consultation finishes to give feedback to stakeholders about the project in the future, identifying all the issues perceived by stakeholders, including environmental, economic, and social
effects, both positive and negative.


Title:
Guidance Notes - Offshore Wndfarm Consents Process for England and Wales

Short description:
This guidance aims to assist offshore windfarm developers in England and Wales in all aspects of licensing and consents together with specific guidance on the requirements of an Environmental Impact Assessment, including the scope and content of a Scoping Report and an Environmental Statement. It also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the consents process in England and Wales only, including the DTI, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Department for Transport (DfT) and the National Assembly for Wales (NAW)). It also covers the safety zones and decommissioning provisions of the Energy Act 2004 which, whilst not formally part of the consents process, may be of interest to Round 2 developers.  28 pages


Title:
BWEA Recommendations for Fisheries Liaison

Short description:
The recommendations are intended as guidelines for developers of offshore wind and the fishing community. They are based on best practice developed through the experience of the UK's fishing community, and the offshore oil & gas and cable industries. 36 pages


Title:
A Pilot Study of Breeding Tern Foraging Ranges in NW England and East Anglia in Relation to Potential Areas for Offshore Windfarms

author:
Allcorn R, Eaton MA, Cranswick PA, Perrow M, Hall C, Smith L, Reid JB, Webb A, Smith KW, Langston RHW & Ratcliffe N

Short description:
The report presents the results of the surveys of tern distribution within two of the proposed Round 2 Development Regions (the Greater Wash and the North West Strategic Areas, the latter extending from Liverpool Bay to the Solway). It also reviews literature on tern foraging ecology and possible effects of offshore wind farms on terns. Preliminary recommendations are made for siting opportunities and constraints within both areas (subject to site-specific Environmental Impact Assessments and to JNCC marine Special Protection Areas - SPA - designation proposals). Recommendations for further survey work are also made.  33 pages

Main results:
Main results were: (1) The aerial surveys showed that most birds were located relatively close to the colony. Terns were more evenly distributed through the offshore areas of North Norfolk. (2) The furthest from the shore that Little Terns were observed was 2.5km. Little Terns were seen more than 3.5km away from the nearest colony but 90% of observations occurred within 2.5km. (3) Little Terns mostly occur close to the colony at all sites and most of the observations were of terns fishing in the breaking tideline adjacent to their colonies. (4) The offshore developments proposed will be between 8km and 13km from shore and this is almost certainly well beyond the foraging range of any Little Tern colonies. Therefore such developments are unlikely to have any direct influence on this species.


Address:
Geotek Ltd, 3 Faraday Close, Drayton Fields

Title:
Public Consultation website for Strategic Environmental Assessment prior to licensing for offshore energy

Short description:
Public consultation website, with various information and documents for download (archaeology, conservation, physical and chemical environment, oil & gas), combining the oil & gas with renewable energy consultations.


Title:
Results of the electromagnetic investigations and assessments of marine radar, communications and positioning systems undertaken at the North Hoyle wind farm by QinetiQ and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Short description:
QinetiQ and MCA carried out experimental field tests, for the first time in the UK, investigating the potential effect of wind farm structures on marine radar, communications and navigation systems. The MCA trials assessed all practical communications systems used at sea and with links to shore stations, shipborne and shore-based radar, position fixing systems, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS). The tests
also included basic navigational equipment such as magnetic compasses. The QinetiQ trials were designed to test the theoretical results calculated in previous work. The previous work had calculated the expected effects of the wind turbines at the North Hoyle wind farm on marine communications, GPS and radar systems. Four trials, covering the areas of GPS, VHF communications and radar tracking and radar clutter were performed by QinetiQ. The results will be used to inform the offshore wind farm consents process and those whose operations could be affected by resulting developments.  Pages 84

Main results:
- No problems with basic GPS reception, - No compass deviation created by the turbines and their cabling, - The wind farm structures had no noticeable effects on any voice communications system, vessel to vessel or vessel to shore station, - The wind turbines produced blind and shadow areas in which other turbines and vessels could not be detected unless the observing vessel was moving, - etc


author:
S. J. Dolman, M.P. Simmonds and S. Keith

Short description:
The paper was submitted to the Scientific Committee at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission, held in Berlin in May 2003. It outlines the potential environmental impacts of marine wind farms with reference to cetaceans and highlights the lack of knowledge about the possible environmental consequences of their proposed widespread development. An overview is given of the current and future extent of marine wind farms globally, with a particular focus on northern Europe. Pages 18


Title:
Blyth Harbour Wind Farm - Operational Aspects

Short description:
The principle aim of this report is to review the actual wind turbine performance against expectations. The wind turbine performance was monitored against the predicted performance, including power curve performance, wind regime and availability.

Main results:
The project has demonstrated the difficulties of operating a wind farm at sea. It has highlighted: 1. the importance of thorough testing of machines before they are installed, 2. the importance of design of every single component (there were no major design issues just lots of small ones), 3. the importance of robust installation designs (demonstrated by the cable fault) and the importance of robust contingency plans (demonstrated by the delay in replacing the damaged blade and generators). One of the main conclusions was that better planning could have saved a lot of time.


Title:
Teesside Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Phases in OWE projects life-cycle:
other: in planning - submitted application


Title:
Investigation into Best Practice Guidance for the Use of Remote Techniques for Observing Bird Behaviour in Relation to Offshore Windfarms

author:
Mark Desholm , Tony Fox and Patrick Beasley

Short description:
Remote sensing systems are essential in order to cost-effectively gather data on the three-dimensional trajectories and volumes of birds moving through a proposed windfarm site pre- and post- construction. The report assesses the ability of different radar systems to meet the needs of such data gathering challenges and examines the ability of other systems to deliver cost effective solutions to the gathering of collision rate data. In the latter case, only one system, the Thermal Animal Detection System (TADS) has been effectively trialled to date in such applications.

Main results:
1. Conventional marine navigation radar currently offers the simplest approach to the collection of data by tracking bird movements in two dimensional space to provide an overview of bird flight trajectories.  2. The report recommends the application of TADS to verify species identification and confirmation of flock size during poor visibility and during darkness.  3.The use of infrared imagery derived from TADS offers the best, if not the only, current opportunity to sample the intensity of bird collisions post construction (method succesfully trialed in Denmark).


Title:
Study of the Socio-Economic Impacts of Round 2 Offshore Windfarms on Fishing Activities

Short description:
The socio-economic study will provide quantitative information about the potential effects of proposed development that Ministers will be able to consider in their decision-making.  Objectives of the study are: 1.Provide a description of the fishing activities in the three strategic areas of Round 2 wind farm developments. 2.Consult with representative parts of the fishing industry for the purpose of describing and evaluating key concerns of fishery stakeholders, determining the socio-economic implications and developing ideas for mitigation options to fleets that may be disadvantaged. 3.Provide direction and discussion how to assess the cumulative effects of the wind farm developments on fisheries.


Title:
Assessment of the Significance of Changes to the Inshore Wave Regime as a Consequence of an Offshore Wind Array

Short description:
This research will assess the significance of changes to the nearshore wave regime as a result of the construction of offshore windfarms, based primarily on unique field measurements, but including scenario-testing using numerical modelling techniques. The research is concentrated at a specific site (i.e. Scroby Sands), which was identified as the worst-case scenario for impact on coastal processes, from the 1st round of applicants for wind farm development to the Crown Estate.


Title:
Development of Generic Guidance for Sediment Transport Monitoring Programmes in Response to Construction of Offshore Windfarms

Short description:
This research will assess the magnitude and significance of changes to the nearshore sediment transport and sediment transport pathways as a result of the construction of an offshore windfarm on Scroby Sands. Its main objects are: 1. To collect a dataset of waves and currents over a spring/neap cycle on sandbanks for use in calibration and validation of numerical models for potential impacts of windfarms.
2. To assess gross changes in sediment transport pre- and post-construction. 3. To undertake suspended sediment monitoring during windfarm construction to monitor potential effects of piling and ship movements. 4. To liaise with numerical modellers on the implementation of the validation and to help develop further models. 5. To produce a GIS showing the sedimentological and hydrographic distributions for use in interpretation and licensing procedures. 6. TO interpret the significance of findings for the management of windfarm licensing.


Title:
Aerial Surveys of Water Birds in Strategic Wind farm areas

Short description:
The Round 2 windfarm Strategic Environmental Assessment (Offshore Wind Energy Generation: Phase 1 Proposals and Environmental Report for consideration by the Department of Trade and Industry April 2003) identified a significant baseline data gap for Round 2 areas on the distribution and main flight paths of seabirds including migratory, feeding/roosting patterns and their behavioural response to windfarms.  The study will address these issues.


Title:
Production of a Methodology for Assessing the Marine Navigational Safety Risks of Offshore Wind farms

Short description:
The purpose of this project is to develop a consistent methodology to assess the effect of offshore wind farms on navigation risk and marine safety.


Title:
Guidance for Offshore Wind Farm Developers on Seascape Impact Assessment

Short description:
This desk-based study will produce practical guidance for developers and their landscape consultants for offshore wind farm sites on seascape issues. It aims to standardise and improve the guidance offered to developers by Government agencies in England and Wales thereby improving the quality of seascape assessment.


Title:
Study to assess fishing activities that may be carried out in and around offshore wind farms

Short description:
The objectives of the study are to: 1.identify which fishing activities might be possible in or around offshore wind farms, 2. determine whether the interactions between offshore wind farms and fishing will necessarily produce conflicts of interest or whether they can work together successfully, 3. understand the impacts of wind farms on fisheries, 4. review fish and shell fish species and their related fisheries, 5. review fishing vessels trypes, 6. see how seabed infrastructure might affect fishing operations, 7. investigate how the physical marine environment can affect fishing operations.


Title:
Proposed UK Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) - Guidance on Navigational Safety Issues.

Short description:
This guidance note highlights issues that need to be taken into consideration when assessing the impact on navigational safety from offshore renewable energy developments, proposed for United Kingdom internal waters, territorial sea or in a Renewable Energy Zone, when established, beyond the territorial sea.


Title:
Effects of offshore wind energy developments on navigation and commercial shipping. URN 99/1344

Short description:
Report of a project carried out under the DTI's New and Renewable Energy Programme.


Title:
Inquiry into Proposed Offshore Windfarm at Scarweather Sands off Port Talbot and Porthcawl (and Addendum)

Short description:
Inspector's report after a public enquiry was held in November 2003.

Main results:
The inspector concluded that there are clear benefits in favour of the proposal. The main issues of concern raised during the public inquiry were effects on seascape and tourismand visual impact, however the evidence are conflicting. The inspector's conclusion is "that the environmental and economic benefits of the proposal do not outweigh the real and significant harm to the visual quality of Porthcawl and the surrounding area that would be result from this particular proposal on this particular site".


Address:
Marine Consents and Environment Unit (MCEU), Area 3A, Ergon House, Horseferry Road

Title:
Food and Environment Protection Act (1985) Licence - North Hoyle

Short description:
Licence for deposit in the sea of substances, related to the construction of an offshore windfarm. The licence sets out conditions for the type of work to be carried out, the substances authorised for deposit and monitoring consitions pre- and post-construction.


Title:
Food and Environment Protection Act (1985) Licence - Rhyl Flats


Title:
Food and Environment Protection Act (1985) Licence - Kentish Flats


Title:
Food and Environment Protection Act (1985) Licence - Barrow


Title:
Food and Environment Protection Act (1985) Licence - Burbo


Title:
Food and Environment Protection Act (1985) Licence - Lynn


# General list

General:
report/study regarding a research project


General:
program / strategy paper (e.g. of the government)


General:
guideline / Terms of Reference (e.g. for ecological examinations or for EIA proceedings)


General:
map (e.g. of suitable areas for wind farms)


# Influencing factors

Influencing factors:
disturbing effects of construction/maintenance traffic


Subject:
other: fauna (mammals, fish, invertebrates)


Influencing factors:
other: potential fish production enhancement


Influencing factors:
other: changes in the marine biological environment


Subject:
men (coastal inhabitants, tourists etc.)


Influencing factors:
other: Effects on the environment around and in, the windfarm area


Influencing factors:
other: The food resources for fish and birds.


Influencing factors:
other: Science, to further the development of POD's in the field


Influencing factors:
other: The temporary and permanent effects of the erection of the windfarm


Influencing factors:
other: the shading of the bottom vegetation and sedimentation on plants and animals as a consequence of sediment spill


Influencing factors:
other: destruction and disturbance of the bottom fauna and common mussels while sluicing/excavating power cables


Influencing factors:
other: destruction of the bottom fauna and common mussels while dredging and constructing the foundations


Influencing factors:
introduction of new habitats (scours and foundations)


Influencing factors:
introduction of hard bottom substrates (foundations, scours)


Influencing factors:
development of hard bottom substrates (foundations, scours)


Influencing factors:
other: hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics and morfology


Influencing factors:
other: all potential influencing factors


Influencing factors:
hard bottom structures (foundations and scours)


# Influencing factors list

Influencing factors choice:
disturbing effects of construction/maintenance traffic


# Institutions

Institution name:
Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie, BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency)


Institution name:
Forschungszentrum Jülich, Projektträger PTJ (Research Centre Jülich, Project Management Organizations)


Institution name:
Landesamt für den Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer, Tönning (National Park Office Schl.-Holst. Wadden Sea, Tönning)


Institution name:
Universität Kiel, Institut für Meereskunde (University Kiel, Institute for Marine Research)


Institution name:
Universität Kiel, Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westküste, FTZ (Unversity Kiel, Research- and Technology Centre Westcoast, FTZ)


Institution name:
Deutsches Meeresmuseum Stralsund (German Oceanographic Museum, Stralsund)


Institution name:
Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Ruhr University, Bochum)


Institution name:
Bundesforschungsanstalt für Fischerei, Hamburg (Federal Research Centre for Fisheries, Hamburg)


Institution name:
Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI), Bremerhaven (Afred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven)


Institution name:
Institut für Vogelforschung (IfV), Vogelwarte Helgoland (Institute of Avian Research, Helgoland)


Institution name:
Institut für Ostseeforschung (IOW), Warnemünde (Baltic Sea Research Institute Warnemünde)


Institution name:
Universität Hannover, Curt-Risch-Institut für Dynamik, Schall- und Messtechnik, (University of Hannover, Curt Risch Institute of Dynamics, Sound and Measurement Technology)


Institution name:
Deutsches Windenergie Institut (DEWI) (German Wind Energy Institute)


Institution name:
Institut für technische und angewandte Physik (itap), Oldenburg (Institute of Technical and Applied Physics, Oldenburg)


Institution name:
Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Landschafts- und Umweltplanung (Berlin University of Technology, Department of Landscape Planning and EIA)


Institution name:
Planungsgruppe Ökologie + Umwelt, Hannover


Institution name:
Germanischer Lloyd WindEnergy GmbH, Hamburg


Institution name:
Technical University Hamburg-Harburg, Department of Ship Structural Design and Analysis


Institution name:
Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg (TUHH), Department of Ship Structural Design and Analysis


Institution name:
Institut für Vogelforschung, Vogelwarte Helgoland (Institute of Avian Research, Helgoland)


Institution name:
Bundesamt für Naturschutz (Federal Agency for Nature Conservation)


Institution name:
Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westküste, Büsum (


Institution name:
Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westküste (FTZ), Büsum (Research and Technology Centre Westcoast, Büsum)


Institution name:
Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde (IOW), (Baltic Sea Research Institute Warnemünde)


Institution name:
RIKZ/National Institute for Coastal and Marine Management


Institution name:
Department of Trade ad Industry (DTI) Oil and Gas


Institution name:
Deutsches Meeresmuseum (Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei), German Oceanographic Museum


Institution name:
Carl-von-Ossietzky-Universität Oldenburg, Institut für Chemie und Biologie des Meeres (ICBM), (Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg, Institute for Marine Chemistry and Biology)


Institution name:
Bundesforschungsanstalt für Fischerei, Institut für Seefischerei (Federal Research Centre for Fisheries, Institute for Sea Fisheries)


Institution name:
Bundesforschungsanstalt für Fischerei, Institut für Ostseefischerei (Federal Research Centre for Fisheries, Institute for Baltic Sea Fisheries)


Institution name:
Universität Hannover, Institut für Strömungsmechanik und Elektronisches Rechnen im Bauwesen (ISEB), (University of Hannover, Institute for Fluid Mechanics and Computer Applications in Civil Engineering)


Institution name:
Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety)


Institution name:
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology)


Institution name:
Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Wohnungswesen (Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing)


Institution name:
Bundesministerium für Verbraucherschutz, Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture)


Institution name:
Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (Federal Ministry of Defence)


Institution name:
unter Beteiligung der Deutschen Energie-Agentur (dena) (contributions by: German Energy Agency)


Institution name:
Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Landschaftsarchitektur und Umweltplanung (Berlin University of Technology, Department of Landscape Planning and EIA)


Institution name:
Universität Hannover, Geographisches Institut (Hannover University, Institute of Geography)


Institution name:
Universität Lüneburg, Professur Öffentliches Recht, insbes. Energie- und Umweltrecht  (University of Lüneburg)


Institution name:
Institut für Technik und Umweltrecht, Juristische Fakultät der TU Dresden


Institution name:
Universität Duisburg-Essen, Institut für Grundbau und Bodenmechanik, (University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute for Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering, Rock Mechanics and Tunneling)


Institution name:
Universität Hannover, Institut für Stahlbau, (University of Hannover, Institute for Steel Construction)


Institution name:
University of Hannover, Institute for Structural Analysis (ISD)


Institution name:
Institut für Angewandte Ökologie Forschungsgesellschaft mbH (Institute for Applied Ecology Ltd)


Institution name:
University of Kiel, Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences


Institution name:
Universität of Kiel, Research- and Technology Centre Westcoast, FTZ


Institution name:
Baltic Sea Research Institute Warnemünde (IOW)


Institution name:
University of Rostock, Institute of Maritime Systems and
Fluid Engineering


Institution name:
University of Hannover, Fluid Mechanics Institute


Institution name:
Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung


Institution name:
TU Berlin (Berlin University of Technology, Department of Landscape Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment)


Institution name:
Döhren Mohr Rechtsanwälte (Dr. Rüdiger Nebelsieck)


Institution name:
Ostseeinstitut für Seerecht und Umweltrecht der Universität Rostock


Institution name:
Schifffahrtsinstitut Warnemünde e.V. an der Hochschule Wismar


Institution name:
Offshore-Bürger-Windpark Butendiek GmbH & Co. KG


Institution name:
WINKRA Offshore Nordsee Planungs- und Betriebsgesellschaft mbH


Institution name:
Enova Projektentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG


Institution name:
FTZ Westküste, Chistian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Büsum, Germany


Institution name:
Applied Signal Processing Group, Dept. Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Lougborough University, Loughborough, UK


Institution name:
Instituut voor Bos- en Natuuronderzoek (IBN-DLO)


Institution name:
Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (IECS), University of Hull


Institution name:
Vertegaal Ecologisch Advies en Onderzoek


Institution name:
Department of Communications Marine & Natural Resources


Institution name:
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)


Institution name:
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)


Institution name:
Whale and Dolphi Conservation Society (WDCS)


Institution name:
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)


Institution name:
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), the Wetlands Advisory Service (WAS)


Institution name:
Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)


Institution name:
Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) HM Government


Institution name:
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)


Institution name:
University of Liverpool, Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Environmental Research and Consultancy


Institution name:
Powergen Renewables (now Eon Uk Renewables)


Institution name:
Solway Offshore Ltd (subsidiary of TXU Energi)


Institution name:
ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (ABPmer)


Institution name:
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Offshore Renewables Consents Unit


Institution name:
Marine Consents and Environment Unit (MCEU)


# Kind of publication list

Kind of publiaction:
report / study related to a specific windfarm proj


# Marine ecosystem

Marine ecosystem:
other:spatial analysis of the fishery data


Marine ecosystem:
other: literature study and analysis of existing data


Subject:
other: fauna (mammals, fish, invertebrates)

Marine ecosystem:
other: literature studies and analysis of existing data


Marine ecosystem:
other: noise measurements and calculations


Marine ecosystem:
other: scratch samples taken from piles by divers


Marine ecosystem:
other: Inclusion of coincidental countings from other research


Marine ecosystem:
other:Inclusion of several data from other research investigations


Subject:
men (coastal inhabitants, tourists etc.)


# Other publication details

SEA specification:
discussing the future SEA in respect of offshore wind farm plannings

EIA specification:
requirements for the application of EIA within the licensing procedure of offshore wind farms in the German EEZ

Habitats assessment specification:
requirements for the Habitats Assessment in respect of offshore wind farm plannings in the German EEZ

Protected areas specification:
Natura 2000 sites, in context of the Habitats Assessment

Avoidance and mitigation specification:
proposals for avoidance and mitigation measures


Avoidance and mitigation specification:
proposals for measures to avoid and reduce the impacts caused by the grid connection


Avoidance and mitigation specification:
formulation of avoidance and mitigation measures


Spatial planning specification:
report on environmental requirements which should be taken into account when identifying suitable areas for offshore wind farms


Protected areas specification:
proposals for the selection of protection areas in the German EEZ


Protected areas specification:
proposals for the selection of protection areas in the German EEZ; The Oderbank and the 'Pommersche Bucht' form the main points for the presense of harbour porpoises.


Protected areas specification:
proposals for EU bird protection areas in the German EEZ, pages 44 and 48 (North and Baltic Sea)


Spatial planning specification:
surveys in potential suitable areas for windfarms, benthic site evaluation


Protected areas specification:
nominated NATURA 2000 sites in the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas


Spatial planning specification:
information on potentially suitable areas for offshore wind farms in the German EEZ


Protected areas specification:
Derivation of scientific criteria for identification and delimitation of marine Special Protection Areas (SPA) according to Art. 4, Para. 1 and 2 of the Birds Directive, respectively proposed Sites of Community Interest under the Habitats Directive in the German EEZ


