Seabird sensitivity maps for minimising impacts of marine wind farms: Development, application and problems

Abstract

To minimise the impacts of marine wind farms on seabirds, early planning stages should incorporate sensitivity mapping. In this review, we discuss sensitivity map development and explore associated problems and applications. Large-scale sensitivity maps display seabird distribution densities collected by boat and aerial surveys over multiple years, during various seasons and in several geographical areas; small-scale maps display tracking data for breeding seabird populations during the breeding period. Using distribution densities, the sensitivity maps are constructed by incorporating a species-specific index of risks (i.e. flight height) and an index of conservation status. Large-scale maps can be constructed easily if extensive and long-term seabird distribution data are available. Small-scale maps display the sensitivity of target populations associated with wind farm construction at fine temporal and spatial resolutions. Currently, the number of applicable species are limited due to methodological restrictions. As the methods for species tracking advance, small-scale maps will become easier to produce. Incorporation of the habitat model to a small-scale map allows for feeding site and flight path prediction for target populations in particular years or geographies, yielding a versatile prediction tool. For both map types, the risks of collision and displacement are evaluated individually; therefore, the establishment of a sensible integration method is needed.