12.10. Measures Adopted as Part of the Array

74. As part of the Array design process, a number of designed in measures have been proposed to reduce the potential for impacts on commercial fisheries (see Table 12.10   Open ▸ ). They are considered inherently part of the design of the Array and, as there is a commitment to implementing these measures, these have been considered in the assessment presented in section 12.11 (i.e. the determination of magnitude and therefore significance assumes implementation of these measures). These designed in measures are considered standard industry practice for this type of development.

Table 12.10: Designed In Measures Adopted as Part of the Array

12.11. Assessment of Significance

75. Table 12.6   Open ▸ summarises the potential effects arising from the construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Array, as well as the maximum design scenario against which each impact has been assessed. An assessment of the likely significance of the effects of the Array on the commercial fisheries receptors caused by each identified impact is given below.

Temporary loss or restricted access to fishing grounds

76. This impact relates to the temporary loss and/or temporary restricted access to fishing grounds due to construction and decommissioning activities related to the installation of the floating wind turbines and their associated mooring and anchoring systems and OSP jacket foundations, and the installation of inter-array and interconnector cables. This impact is considered temporary because it is only applicable throughout the duration of the construction and decommissioning phases. The long term loss of access is considered for the operation and maintenance phase in the following impact: Long term loss or restricted access to fishing grounds.

                        Construction phase

                        Magnitude of impact

77. During construction of the Array, associated infrastructure and cabling, commercial fisheries will be prevented from fishing where construction activities are taking place, plus 500 m safety zones around structures where active construction works are ongoing, 50 m safety zones will otherwise be in place up until full commissioning of the Array, and up to 500 m advisory safe passing distance for mobile installation vessels. The total construction duration for the Array will be eight years, with a number/range of construction activities being undertaken simultaneously across the Array.
78. This impact will lead to a localised loss of access to fishing grounds and access to the fish and shellfish resources within these grounds for a range of fishing opportunities during the construction phase, which will directly affect fleets over a medium term duration (i.e. less than 12 years, as per definition in Table 12.7   Open ▸ ). The impact is predicted to be intermittent with localised exclusion surrounding construction activities.
79. In terms of the area impacted by construction activities, in total a maximum of 43.58 km2 of seabed will be temporarily disturbed during seabed preparation activities and installation of inter-array and interconnector cables (which equates to 5% of the total Array); and a mooring line cross-sectional area of 1.54 km2 per wind turbine (which for 265 foundations equates to 408 km2 and 47.54 % of the total Array). In addition, there will be 500 m safety zones around structures under construction (equating to 0.79 km2 per structure) and 500 m advisory safe passing distances for mobile installation vessels (equating to 0.79 km2 per vessel).
80. Of paramount importance to the commercial fisheries assessment is the assumptions around potential access to fishing grounds within the Array throughout the different project phases. During the construction and decommissioning phases a buoyed area will be implemented and given that construction/decommissioning activities can occur anywhere within the Array at any given time it is assumed that while fishing is not prohibited, it is unlikely to resume.
81. The impact is of relevance to international fishing fleets and is described below on a fishery-by-fishery basis.

Demersal otter trawl and demersal seine

82. Within the commercial fisheries local study area, a Nephrops fishery is targeted by UK demersal otter trawlers, that catch Nephrops, together with mixed demersal species including haddock, monkfish, whiting and halibut. Demersal otter trawl and demersal seine gear is also deployed to target mixed whitefish species, including haddock. These Nephrops and mixed demersal otter trawl fisheries are understood to occur outside and to the east of the Array, specifically within ICES rectangle 42F0. This is evidenced by landing statistics ( Figure 12.2   Open ▸ , Figure 12.3   Open ▸ and Figure 12.4   Open ▸ ) VMS data (see Figures 4.29 and 4.30 of volume 3, appendix 12.1) and consultation with SWFPA and SFF ( Table 12.3   Open ▸ ).
83. The information provided during consultation with the commercial fishing industry indicated that haddock were targeted by demersal otter trawl/demersal seine historically within ICES rectangle 42E9 including within the Array. This is corroborated by landing statistics which indicate landings of haddock specifically in the years 2011 to 2013, which raised the overall value of the catches from 42E9 during these years ( Table 12.5   Open ▸ ). VMS data has been interrogated for the years 2011 to 2020, and corroborates this trend of higher quantities of landings during the period 2011 to 2013 (see Figures 4.27 and 4.28 of volume 3, appendix 12.1). The VMS data indicates that landings were taken from the area north of the Array, as well as within parts of the Array. Mapping provided by the SFF corroborates the presence of this fishery, with evidence of demersal otter trawling and demersal seine within parts of the Array. Specifically, demersal trawling is evidenced in the north, central and southern portions of the Array; and demersal seine is evidence in the central portions of the Array, over what is considered harder ground typically targeted by this gear type. Industry consultation indicates that the area within ICES rectangle 42E9 had been specifically targeted for a smaller size class of haddock is that is above the Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) (and therefore landings are legally permitted for human consumption), but sizes are typically smaller than the size class currently landed. In the period 2011 to 2013, the area overlapping the Array was specifically understood to support this small size class of haddock. The reason for the decline of this fishery may be related to a number of possible reasons, including the Landing Obligation (MMO, 2015) legislation implemented in 2016 and 2017 for haddock in the North Sea, together with changes in processing capabilities and availability of EU labour to process ‘small’ haddock post Brexit.
84. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. Based on the current baseline assessment, the magnitude of impact is therefore considered to be low for the demersal otter trawl and demersal seine fleets.

Pelagic otter trawl

85. The landing statistics indicate that pelagic species (notably herring) are occasionally caught by UK, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch and German fishing fleets within the commercial fisheries local study area. Pelagic trawling vessels are typically large (typically > 25 m in length), targeting highly mobile species (herring and/or mackerel Scomber scombrus) that consistently move/shoal during spawning migrations. Any activity by pelagic vessels within the Array is highly likely to be a sporadic, transitory event. Highly mobile pelagic species, that move in shoals and are not associated with specific seabed habitats, are assumed to be available to catch across large areas, i.e. if a shoal of herring cannot be caught within the Array, this shoal is expected to move to an area where they can be caught. Therefore, while the access to the water column within the Array may be affected; the opportunity to catch pelagic fish is not wholly lost. VMS data collated by the MMO indicate activity by pelagic vessels to the east of the Array (in ICES rectangle 42F0) and north of the Array (in ICES rectangle 43E9) (see Figures 4.23 and 4.24 of volume 3, appendix 12.1). Consultation has been undertaken with the SPFA, a key pelagic fishing stakeholder, which confirmed that the Array is not targeted by Scottish pelagic vessels. This activity was confirmed through VMS data provided by SFPA for the Scottish pelagic members based on data from 2013 to 2021 (see Figures 4.25 and 4.26 of volume 3, appendix 12.1) and corroborated by Geographic Positional System (GPS) plotter data of the pelagic vessels. In addition, surveillance data records indicate pelagic trawl activity by UK, Norwegian, German, Danish and Dutch registered vessels to the north of the Array (in ICES rectangle 43E9) (see Figures 4.46 and 4.46 of volume 3, appendix 12.1). To summarise, all available evidence, including VMS, plotter data, surveillance data, landings statistics and industry consultation indicate that very limited landings are taken by pelagic vessels from within the Array. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude of impact is therefore considered to be low for the pelagic otter trawl fleets (including UK, Norwegian, German, Danish and Dutch registered vessels).

Dredge

86. The UK dredging fleet targets scallops inshore from the Array, in ICES rectangles 41E8, 42E8 and 43E8 within the commercial fisheries regional study area. The dredge fleet does not operate across the Array as evidenced by VMS (Figures 4.36 to 4.38 of volume 3, appendix 12.1), surveillance data (Figure 4.47) and landings statistics. Scallops are found on clean firm sand and fine gravel and in currents which provide good feeding conditions. The targeted scallop grounds that run parallel to east coast of Scotland are well established and do not extend into the Array. There is a low potential for future scallop grounds emerging across the Array, but exploratory fishing on transit to and from established scallop grounds is possible. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude of impact is therefore considered to be low for the scallop dredge fleet.

Potting

87. The UK potting fleet targets lobster and crab across a wide area, from inshore grounds, extending out towards and beyond the 12 nm boundary, and within ICES rectangles 41E8, 42E8 and 43E8 within the regional study area. The potting fleet does not operate across the Array as evidenced by VMS data (Figures 4.39 and 4.40 of volume 3, appendix 12.1), inshore spatial mapping (Figure 4.41 of volume 3, appendix 12.1), surveillance data (Figure 4.47 of volume 3, appendix 12.1) and landings statistics. The limitations of VMS data, in that they are not representative of vessels under 15 m in length is noted and therefore the assessment draws upon the inshore mapping, surveillance data and landing statistics as more robust and representative data sources of potting activity. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude of impact is therefore considered to be low for the potting fleet.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

88. The mobile fleets targeting demersal, pelagic and dredge fisheries across the Array are typically >15 m in length and operate across large areas of the North Sea. Given adequate notification, it is expected that these vessels will be in a position to avoid construction areas. All mobile fleets are considered to have a large operational range. All pelagic gear fleets (typically >25 m in length) are considered to have an extensive operational range, be highly adaptive and resilient to change.
89. The mobile fleets targeting pelagic and dredge fisheries are considered to have moderate-high levels of alternative fishing grounds; are deemed to be of low vulnerability, high recoverability and low-medium value. The sensitivity of these receptors is therefore, considered to be low.
90. The mobile demersal otter trawl and demersal seine fisheries are considered to have moderate to high levels of alternative fishing grounds; are deemed of low to medium vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. However, unlike the pelagic and dredge fisheries, there is evidence (through confidential commercial fishing vessel plotter data provided by the fishing industry) that the Array has been fished by demersal otter trawl and demersal seine gear. This recorded activity, coupled with the inability to deploy these gear types within the Array during the construction phase, has therefore led to the sensitivity of these receptors to be assessed as medium.
91. The UK potting fleet are typically <15 m in length and operate across more distinct areas of ground, typically 0 nm to 12 nm from shore, but also extending beyond 12 nm, in areas that are already heavily exploited and are therefore more sensitive to disruption. The UK potting fleet are deemed to be of medium vulnerability, medium recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

                        Significance of the effect

92. Demersal otter trawl and demersal seine fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
93. Pelagic and dredge fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms. Within the negligible to minor range as defined in the significance matrix, this effect is considered to be minor due to the duration of the eight year construction phase and recognition that while fishing activity is very low, the ability for exploratory fishing within the Array is lost.
94. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

95. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Decommissioning phase

                        Magnitude of impact

96. At the end of the Array’s operational lifetime, it is expected that all infrastructure above the will be fully removed where feasible, with the exception of cable and scour protection (depending on final material deployed). Driven piles and/or DEAs installed as part of the wind turbine anchoring system which are embedded deep in the seabed are expected to remain in-situ. Static portions of inter-array cables and interconnector cables that are buried may be left in situ or method of decommissioning is yet to be determined. Legislation, guidance and good practice will be kept under review throughout the lifetime of the Array and will be followed at the time of decommissioning. Environmental conditions and sensitivities will also be considered since removal of structures may result in greater environmental impacts in comparison to leaving in situ.
97. The decommissioning sequence will generally be the reverse of the construction sequence and involve similar types and numbers of vessels and equipment. It is assumed that the decommissioning phase will have a similar duration as the constriction phase, i.e. across eight years in a single campaign.
98. The magnitude of impact is the same or similar to that assessed during construction as described in paragraphs 77 to 87.
99. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore considered to be low for all commercial fishing fleets.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

100. The sensitivity of the commercial fishing receptors is the same or similar to that assessed during the construction phase as described in paragraphs 88 to 91 and summarised as low for pelagic and dredge fisheries, and medium for demersal otter trawl, demersal seine and potting.

                        Significance of the effect

101. Demersal otter trawl and demersal seine fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
102. Pelagic and dredge fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms. Within the negligible to minor range as defined in the significance matrix, this effect is considered to be minor due to the duration of the decommissioning phase and recognition that while fishing activity is very low, the ability for exploratory fishing within the Array is lost.
103. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

104. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Long term loss or restricted access to fishing grounds

105. Long term loss or restricted access to fishing grounds may arise due to the physical presence of the wind turbines and floating foundations, including mooring and anchoring systems, OSPs and inter-array and interconnector cabling, as well as operation and maintenance activities within the Array. This impact is relevant to the operation and maintenance phase of the Array and may cause direct impacts to receptors.

                        Operation and maintenance phase

                        Magnitude of impact

106. This impact will lead to a localised loss of access to fishing grounds and to the fish and shellfish resources within these grounds for a range of fishing opportunities during the period of operation and maintenance, which will directly affect fleets over a long term duration (i.e. the 35 years operation and maintenance phase of the Array, which is greater than 12 years, as per definition in Table 12.7   Open ▸ ). The impact is predicted to be continuous, throughout the operation and maintenance phase.
107. In terms of the area impacted by the physical presence of the Array, a mooring line radius of 700 m and cross-sectional area of 1.54 km2 per wind turbine is assessed (which for 265 foundations equates to 408 km2 and 47.54 % of the total Array), together with a minimum wind turbine spacing of 1,000 m. Overall, during the operation and maintenance phase, it is assumed that fishing is not prohibited from resumption, but is unlikely to resume within the Array throughout the operation and maintenance phase. This assumption is based on the perception of risk to fishers operating within a floating offshore wind farm and has been informed by industry consultation ( Table 12.3   Open ▸ ).
108. During the operation and maintenance phase, fishing will not be prohibited from within the Array. Given the mooring line radius of 700 m and minimum wind turbine spacing of 1,000 m, it is assumed that due to fisher’s perception of risk it is unlikely that they would choose to resume active fishing within the Array throughout the operation and maintenance phase.
109. It is acknowledged that static fishing gear trials have been undertaken at Hywind floating offshore wind farm (Wright et al., 2023). Crab creels, Nephrops creels, fish traps and jigging gear were all successfully operated within trial areas within and between the five floating wind turbines at Hywind. The gear deployed was for a trial scale, (i.e., not at commercial scale), with the objective to ascertain which static fishing methods were feasible. The crab and Nephrops creels were each set in a fleet of 20 creels; eight fish traps and three hooks on the jigging line which drifted with the vessel in the tide. For all gear types there were no safety issues, gear snagging or fishing gear lost during the trial. Overall, the study “demonstrated that under the right sea and weather conditions, it is possible to fish safely within the Hywind floating offshore wind farm with the static fishing gear tested” (Wright et al., 2023).
110. The defined fishing trial areas within the Hywind study were based on 200 m distance from turbines, infrastructure and dynamic cabling. It is not currently possible to define whether fishing areas can be established within the Array based on the maximum design scenario. It is therefore assumed that commercial scale fishing will not resume within the Array during the operation and maintenance phase.
111. The impact is of relevance to international fishing fleets and is described below on a fishery-by-fishery basis.

Demersal otter trawl targeting Nephrops:

112. The evidence to inform the assessment is the same or similar to that described for the construction phase. The Nephrops demersal otter trawl fishery is not expected to be impacted by the Array, as grounds are identified to be located outside the Array. Nephrops fishing grounds are highly specific to benthic muddy habitats where Nephrops burrow; given that habitat shift changes (i.e. from sandy gravel to mud) are not expected as a result of the Array, it is considered highly unlikely that a Nephrops fishery would establish within the Array at any point in the future. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, long term duration, continuous and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore considered to be low for the demersal otter trawl fleets targeting Nephrops.

Demersal otter trawl and demersal seine targeting haddock and mixed demersal

113. The evidence to inform the assessment is the same or similar to that described for the construction phase in paragraphs 77 to 87. The Nephrops demersal otter trawl fishery is not expected to be impacted by the Array, as grounds are identified to be located outside the Array. Concern has been raised by the Scottish fishing industry in relation to the potential return of a ‘small’ haddock fishery within and around the Array. Historic evidence corroborates the existence of such a fishery, specifically during 2011 to 2013, as demonstrated through VMS data (Figures 4.27 and 2.28 of volume 3, appendix 12.1) and landing statistics (Figure 4.8 of volume 3, appendix 12.1). The time-period of the decline of the haddock landings in ICES rectangle 42E9 coincides with the implementation of the landing obligation for North Sea haddock in 2016 and 2017. Overall, while it is feasible that the ‘small’ haddock fishery could resume at some point in the future and within the 35 years of operation and maintenance phase, there is no evidence within the current baseline assessment that landings of haddock are increasing and existing legislation (i.e., the landing obligation) may make this area less attractive to target for ‘small' haddock. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, long term duration, continuous and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore considered to be low for the demersal otter trawl and seine fleets targeting haddock and mixed demersal.

All other fleets (i.e. pelagic trawl, dredge and potting fisheries)

114. The evidence to inform the assessment is the same or similar to that described for the construction phase in paragraphs 85 to 87 and summarised as low for all other fisheries. While the duration of impact is long term (35 years), compared to the medium term duration for construction phase (eight years), the magnitude remains consistent across both time periods due to the low level of fishing activity within the Array by these fishing fleets.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

115. The mobile fleets targeting demersal, pelagic and dredge fisheries across the Array are typically >15 m in length and operate across large areas of the North Sea. Given adequate notification, it is expected that these vessels will be in a position to avoid construction areas. All mobile fleets are considered to have a large operational range. All pelagic gear fleets (typically >25 m in length) are considered to have an extensive operational range, be highly adaptive and resilient to change. However, the mobile fleets are considered to be more vulnerable to this impact (as per sensitivity defined in Table 12.8   Open ▸ ) due to the length of the operation and maintenance phase and the assumption that fishing would not resume within the Array by any mobile fleet due to the presence of mooring systems within the water column. Overall the mobile fleets would not be able to recover to the level of fishing opportunities pre-construction of the Array.
116. The mobile fleets targeting demersal, pelagic and dredge fisheries are considered to have moderate-high levels of alternative fishing grounds; are deemed to be of medium-high vulnerability, low recoverability and low-medium value. The sensitivity of these receptors is therefore, considered to be medium.
117. The UK potting fleet are typically <15 m in length and operate across more distinct areas of ground, typically 0 nm to 12 nm from shore, but also extending beyond 12 nm, in areas that are already heavily exploited and are therefore more sensitive to disruption. The UK potting fleet are deemed to be of medium vulnerability, medium recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

                        Significance of the effect

118. Demersal trawl and seine fishery targeting haddock: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
119. Demersal trawl fishery targeting Nephrops, dredge and pelagic trawl fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
120. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

121. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Displacement of fishing activity into other areas

122. Loss of access to fishing grounds during the construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Array may lead to increases in fishing effort in other areas that may already be exploited, thereby leading to gear conflict and increased fishing pressure on adjacent grounds.

                        Construction phase

                        Magnitude of impact

123. Conflict over diminished grounds may occur if displaced vessels explore grounds traditionally fished by other gear types; and/or displaced vessels relocate to actively fish grounds already targeted by the same gear. For example, this could include displaced demersal otter trawlers exploring areas fished by potters and thereby causing gear conflict or gear entanglement between potting lines and trawl gear and/or displaced demersal otter trawlers focusing effort in areas already fished by demersal otter trawlers and therefore increasing competition in that area.
124. The impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and with medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The impact is of relevance to international fishing fleets as described below.

Dredge

125. While the previous example describes displacement scenarios for dredge fleet, displacement from the Array is not expected to affect the dredge fishery operating between 6 nm to 12 nm and beyond 12 nm to the west of the Array, based on the distance from the Array to these grounds, together with the established dredge fishery in this area (noting that the Array is 80 km from shore). This assessment is based on the very low levels of current fishing within the Array, which is therefore predicted to cause minimal displacement.

Demersal trawl and seine

126. VMS data indicate that there are areas north and east of the Array that are targeted by demersal gear types. Displacement from the Array is not expected to affect the demersal trawl and seine fisheries operating in the commercial fisheries regional study area. This assessment is based on the very low levels of current fishing within the Array, which is therefore predicted to cause minimal displacement.

Pelagic

127. Pelagic otter trawlers from all nationalities may occasionally operate within the Array, however, these vessels operate throughout the entirety of the North Sea, west of Scotland and Celtic Sea across a range of established fishing grounds. Displacement is not expected to affect pelagic fleets due to the fishing not being directly associated with seabed types and the target species being highly mobile.

Potting

128. This gear type is typically more at risk to displacement effects than mobile gears. This is due to the potential for mobile gear to damage potting gear that is left on the seabed. Displacement from the Array is not expected to affect the potting fisheries operating in the commercial fisheries regional study area. This assessment is based on the very low levels of current fishing within the Array, which is therefore predicted to cause minimal displacement.
129. The impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and reversible. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low for demersal, dredge and potting fisheries and negligible for pelagic fisheries.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

130. All mobile commercial fisheries fleets (including demersal trawl, demersal seine, pelagic trawl and dredge fisheries) operating within and around the Array are considered to have high availability of alternative fishing grounds (including current focus of effort), and an operational range that is not limited to the Array or commercial fisheries local study area. All mobile fleets are deemed to be of low vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of all mobile fleets is therefore, considered to be low.
131. The UK potting fleet operates across large areas inshore from the Array. This form of static fishing gear is considered to have a high vulnerability to gear conflict interactions since it is left unattended on the seabed. There is potential for any displacement from mobile vessels to lead to exploration of other fishing grounds outside the Array, which includes areas currently targeted by potters. While grounds targeted by potters may not be suitable for other mobile gears due to substrate, the potential for gear conflict is well recognised and becomes a more prevalent concern with increasing marine spatial squeeze (Plymouth Marine Laboratory, 2024). The UK potting fleet are, therefore, deemed to be of high vulnerability, with medium recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the UK potting fleet is therefore, considered to be medium.

                        Significance of the effect

132. Demersal otter trawl, demersal seine and dredge fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
133. Pelagic trawl fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be negligible, which is not significant in EIA terms.
134. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

135. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Operation and maintenance phase

                        Magnitude of impact

136. Exclusion from fishing grounds during the operation and maintenance phase of the Array may lead to increases in fishing effort in other areas that may already be exploited thereby leading to gear conflict.
137. The magnitude of impact of displacement during the operation and maintenance phase is expected to be the same or similar to that during construction for all commercial fishing fleets (see paragraphs 123 to 129). While the duration of impact is long term (35 years), compared to the medium term duration for construction phase (eight years), the magnitude remains consistent across both time periods. There is potential for fleets to adapt to the presence of the Array and for displacement effects to lessen with time; however given the potential for ongoing impacts and the assumption that fishing would not resume within the Array, the magnitude is considered to align with that assessed for construction. The impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, long term duration, intermittent and with high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. Based on the justifications above, the magnitude is therefore, considered to be low for demersal otter trawl, demersal seine, dredge and potting; and negligible for vessels deploying pelagic gear.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

138. The sensitivity of the commercial fisheries receptors is the same as that presented for the construction phase in paragraphs 130 to 131, summarised as low for mobile pelagic and demersal fisheries and medium for potting fisheries.

                        Significance of the effect

139. Demersal otter trawl, demersal seine and dredge fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
140. Pelagic trawl fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
141. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

142. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Decommissioning phase

                        Magnitude of impact

143. Exclusion from fishing grounds during the decommissioning phase of the Array may lead to increases in fishing effort in other areas that may already be exploited thereby leading to gear conflict.
144. The magnitude of impact of displacement during the decommissioning phase is expected to be the same or similar to that during construction for all commercial fishing fleets (see paragraphs 123 to 129). The impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and with high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. Based on the explanations above, the magnitude is therefore, considered to be low for demersal otter trawl, demersal seine, dredge and potting; and negligible for vessels deploying pelagic gear.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

145. The sensitivity of the commercial fisheries receptors is the same as that presented for the construction phase in paragraphs 130 to 131, summarised as low for mobile pelagic and demersal fisheries and medium for potting fisheries.

                        Significance of the effect

146. Demersal otter trawl, demersal seine and dredge fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
147. Pelagic trawl fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be negligible, which is not significant in EIA terms.
148. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

149. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Interference with fishing activity

150. This section assesses the LSE1 arising from Array related vessel traffic and changes to shipping patterns as a result of any potential navigational channels leading to interference with fishing activity (i.e. reduced access) during construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning.

                        Construction phase

                        Magnitude of impact

151. Vessel movements (i.e. construction vessels transiting to and from areas undergoing construction works) related to the construction of the Array and all associated infrastructure will add to the existing level of shipping activity in the area (see volume 2, chapter 13 for a full assessment of additional vessel movements).
152. Up to 7,902 return trips by construction vessels (and site preparation vessels) may be made throughout the construction phase and will include vessels which are Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre (RAM). Project vessels will be managed by marine coordination, including the use of traffic management procedures such as the designation of entry and exit points to and from the buoyed construction area. Project vessels will also carry AIS and be compliant with relevant Flag State regulations, including the COLREGs, and comply with the procedures set out in the NSVMP (which will be a condition of consent).
153. Safety zones will be applied for including up to 500 m around structures where vessels are undertaking construction work and 50 m around partially completed or completed surface piercing structures prior to commissioning of the wind farm. Such safety zones will protect project vessels involved in construction which may be RAM. If on-site as deemed necessary via risk assessment, guard vessels will also assist with monitoring safety zones and alerting third‑party traffic to their presence.
154. Details of construction activities, including the presence of safety zones and any use of advisory safe passing distances, as defined by risk assessment, will be suitably promulgated to maximise awareness of ongoing construction activities.
155. Additionally, the use of International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) G1162 (IALA, 2021) compliant lighting and marking including lights, marks, sounds, signals and other aids to navigation as required by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will further maximise awareness, both in day and night conditions including in restricted visibility. This includes the buoyed construction area which will be agreed with the NLB and within which project vessels undertaking construction activities will most likely be located during construction activities.
156. It is noted that continuous liaison with the fishing industry will be undertaken including location and duration of construction activities; further details are provided in the outline FMMS (volume 4, appendix 23).
157. The magnitude for fleets deploying pelagic gear is considered negligible, based on the operational range of such large vessels that typically fish for distinct time periods (e.g. a number of days/weeks) throughout the year. All other fishing fleets are considered to be able to avoid vessel movements related to construction of the Array based on prior provision of construction details (timings and locations) allowing fishing vessels to plan their activities; use of traffic management procedures including entry and exit points for Project related vessels; use of buoyed construction area and adherence to the NSVMP.
158. The impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, short term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low for all fisheries.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

159. Potting gear can be vulnerable to increased construction vessel movements within supply routes to and from entry and exit points due to risk of entanglement of construction vessel propellers with marker buoys of fishing gear. It is noted that established shipping routes do currently cross the Array, and that the construction vessels are likely to follow these routes where possible. The UK potting fishery is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.
160. All other fishery fleets are expected to be in a position to avoid the Array construction areas. Demersal trawl fisheries (including otter trawl and demersal seine) and dredge fishery are deemed to be of low vulnerability, high recoverability and medium-high value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be low.
161. The pelagic fisheries are deemed to be of very low vulnerability, very high recoverability and medium-high value. The sensitivity of these receptors is therefore, considered to be low.

                        Significance of the effect

162. Demersal otter trawl, demersal seine, dredge and pelagic trawl fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
163. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

164. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Operation and maintenance phase

                        Magnitude of impact

165. Up to 508 return trips from vessels may be made throughout the operation and maintenance phase and will include vessels which are RAM. As per the construction phase, project vessels will be managed by marine coordination, carry AIS and be compliant with relevant Flag State regulations. Also, safety zones will be applied for including up to 500 m around structures where vessels are undertaking major maintenance work.
166. The magnitude of impact of interference of fishing activity due to the presence and transiting of maintenance vessels during the operation and maintenance phase is decreased compared to in the construction phase (see paragraphs 151 to 158) given that fewer project vessels will generally be on-site at any time, noting the much longer duration of the operation and maintenance phase. The impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, long term duration, intermittent and with high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. Based on the low level of project related vessel activity across a long time period, the magnitude is therefore, considered to be negligible for all fisheries.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

167. The sensitivity of the commercial fisheries receptors is the same as that presented for construction in paragraphs 159 to 161, summarised as low for mobile pelagic and demersal fisheries and medium for potting fisheries.

                        Significance of the effect

168. Demersal otter trawl, demersal seine, dredge and pelagic trawl fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be negligible and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be negligible, which is not significant in EIA terms.
169. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be negligible and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be negligible, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

170. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Decommissioning phase

                        Magnitude of impact

171. The magnitude of impact of interference of fishing activity due to the presence and transiting of vessels during the decommissioning phase is expected to be the same or similar to that during construction for all commercial fishing fleets (see paragraphs 151 to 158). The impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and with high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. Based on the justifications above, the magnitude is therefore, considered to be low for all fisheries.

                        Sensitivity of the receptor

172. The sensitivity of the commercial fisheries receptors is the same as that presented for construction in paragraphs 159 to 161, summarised as low for mobile pelagic and demersal fisheries and medium for potting fisheries.

                        Significance of the effect

173. Demersal otter trawl, demersal seine, dredge and pelagic trawl fisheries: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
174. Potting fishery: overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

                        Secondary mitigation and residual effect

175. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Increased snagging risk, which could result in loss or damage to fishing gear

                        Construction phase