Info!
UPDATED 1 Sept: The EI library in London is temporarily closed to the public, as a precautionary measure in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The Knowledge Service will still be answering email queries via email , or via live chats during working hours (09:15-17:00 GMT). Our e-library is always open for members here: eLibrary , for full-text access to over 200 e-books and millions of articles. Thank you for your patience.

Bird collision avoidance study

"Pioneering study finds seabirds avoid offshore wind turbines much more than previously predicted "

The report outlines the methodology of the multimillion pound collaborative study commissioned by 11 leading wind developers, The Crown Estate, The Crown Estate Scotland and Marine Sotland and supported with UK Government funding.  Advice came from leading ornithologists, and environment advisers such as Natural England and the RSPB.

The report concluded that the bird species studied exhibited behaviours that lead to their avoidance of operational wind turbines - they move in areas between the turbines rather than flying over or under them.  There was little bird activity during darkness.

However there is still uncertainty about wind farms beyond 3km, and the effect of fishing trawler activity near to windfarms.

The conclusion is that in collision risk modelling (CRM) in the UK, higher avoidance rates should be used - but a range of values should be used rather than a mean value.

Online Resource details


Please login to save this item