Feasibility study for meta-analysis of red-throated diver displacement

To assess the feasibility and levels of stakeholder interest in undertaking a meta-analysis of data on displacement of red-throated divers by offshore wind farms.

Red-throated divers winter around the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Irish Sea. Many offshore wind farms (OWF) have been constructed in these areas and there is evidence of red-throated divers being displaced from many of these developments. Additionally, they are displaced from a buffer area surrounding the wind farm. The size of the buffer has been disputed but, in the UK, was generally presumed to be 2-4km from the edge of the wind farm. However, there is increasing evidence of displacement occurring at much greater distances.

The effects of these developments on red-throated diver distribution are usually only considered in isolation and comparisons between multiple developments have not been previously undertaken. Ideally, all data from developments across the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Irish Sea would be combined in a single meta-analysis that would give a single consolidated assessment of the extent of displacement of red-throated divers at offshore wind farms across Europe.

These results would help reduce future consent risk for individual offshore wind farms through improving the evidence base on the extent of displacement of red-throated divers from a wind farm. The meta-analysis would also facilitate undertaking a cumulative effects assessment at the scale of the North Sea for this highly mobile migratory species. Additionally, results of the meta-analysis may reduce the need for future post-consent monitoring using digital aerial survey, potentially freeing up resources for tackling other more strategic questions, such as obtaining an understanding of the consequences of displacement on red-throated diver populations.

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