Dataset Information

Responses of two marine top predators to an offshore wind farm.

ABSTRACT: Quantifying the likely effects of offshore wind farms on wildlife is fundamental before permission for development can be granted by any Determining Authority. The effects on marine top predators from displacement from important habitat are key concerns during offshore wind farm construction and operation. In this respect, we present evidence for no significant displacement from a UK offshore wind farm for two broadly distributed species of conservation concern: common guillemot (Uria aalge) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Data were collected during boat-based line transect surveys across a 360 km² study area that included the Robin Rigg offshore wind farm. Surveys were conducted over 10 years across the preconstruction, construction, and operational phases of the development. Changes in guillemot and harbor porpoise abundance and distribution in response to offshore wind farm construction and operation were estimated using generalized mixed models to test for evidence of displacement. Both common guillemot and harbor porpoise were present across the Robin Rigg study area throughout all three development phases. There was a significant reduction in relative harbor porpoise abundance both within and surrounding the Robin Rigg offshore wind farm during construction, but no significant difference was detected between the preconstruction and operational phases. Relative common guillemot abundance remained similar within the Robin Rigg offshore wind farm across all development phases. Offshore wind farms have the potential to negatively affect wildlife, but further evidence regarding the magnitude of effect is needed. The empirical data presented here for two marine top predators provide a valuable addition to the evidence base, allowing future decision making to be improved by reducing the uncertainty of displacement effects and increasing the accuracy of impact assessments.

SUBMITTER: Vallejo GC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5677494 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Responses of two marine top predators to an offshore wind farm.

Vallejo Gillian C GC Grellier Kate K Nelson Emily J EJ McGregor Ross M RM Canning Sarah J SJ Caryl Fiona M FM McLean Nancy N

Ecology and evolution 20170918 21

Quantifying the likely effects of offshore wind farms on wildlife is fundamental before permission for development can be granted by any Determining Authority. The effects on marine top predators from displacement from important habitat are key concerns during offshore wind farm construction and operation. In this respect, we present evidence for no significant displacement from a UK offshore wind farm for two broadly distributed species of conservation concern: common guillemot (<i>Uria aalge</ ...[more]

PMID: 29152170

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Project description:OBJECTIVES:To assess the physical strains of employees in the German offshore wind industry, according to job type and phase of the wind farm (under construction or operation). DESIGN:Web-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING:Offshore wind farm companies operating within the German exclusive economic zone. PARTICIPANTS:Male workers with regular offshore commitments and at least 28 days spent offshore in the past year (n=268). OUTCOME MEASURES:Physical strains (eg, climbing, noise, working overhead, with twisted upper body or in confined spaces, vibration, heavy lifting, humidity, odours). RESULTS:The most frequently mentioned physical strain was 'climbing' with 63.8% of the respondents reporting to be always or frequently confronted with climbing and ascending stairs during offshore work. Work as a technician was associated with a greater exposition to noise, vibrations, humidity, cold, heat, chemical substances, lifting/carrying heavy loads, transport of equipment, working in non-ergonomic positions and in cramped spaces, as well as climbing.Indeed, statistical analyses showed that, after adjusting for phase of the wind farm, age, nationality, offshore experience, work schedule and type of shift, compared with non-technicians, working as a technician was associated with more frequently lifting/carrying of heavy loads (OR 2.58, 95%?CI 1.58 to 4.23), transport of equipment (OR 2.06 95%?CI 1.27 to 3.33), working with a twisted upper body (OR 2.85 95%?CI 1.74 to 4.69), working overhead (OR 2.77 95%?CI 1.67 to 4.58) and climbing (OR 2.30 95%?CI 1.40 to 3.77). Working in wind farms under construction was strongly associated with increased and decreased exposure to humidity (OR 2.32 95%?CI 1.38 to 3.92) and poor air quality (OR 0.58 95%?CI 0.35 to 0.95), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:Workers on offshore wind farms constitute a heterogeneous group, including a wide variety of occupations. The degree of exposure to detrimental physical strains varies depending on the type of job. Technicians are more exposed to ergonomic challenges than other offshore workers.

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Responses of two marine top predators to an offshore wind farm.

Publications

Responses of two marine top predators to an offshore wind farm.

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