20.10. Conclusion

232. The inter-related effects for all topics have been assessed and are detailed above. It has been concluded that the inter-related effects across the lifetime of the Array will not result in combined effects of greater significance than the assessments presented for each of the individual phases and therefore the effect is not significant in EIA terms. It has also been concluded that multiple effects will not interact in a way that is likely to result in greater significance than those assessments presented for individual receptors. None of the potential impacts arising from the Array alone or in combination with other projects, will result in significant adverse effects on prey species and predator species.
233. The ecosystem effects assessment concluded that whilst colonisation of hard structures, scour protection and cable protection has the potential to lead to localised increases in fish species through potential reef effects, any increases would be localised and are not expected to lead to a significant increase in prey species.
234. Predator species most vulnerable to changes in prey availability arising from the Array impacts include harbour porpoise, minke whale and kittiwake. However, as significant changes to prey species as a result of the Array alone and in combination with other projects are not predicted, significant effects on the key predator species are also not predicted.
235. It is concluded that there will be no adverse effects on seabirds arising from changes in the behaviour or availability of prey species for seabirds as a result of the Array. As outlined above, the majority of seabird species have a variety of target prey species and have large foraging ranges, meaning that they can forage for alternative prey species or move to other foraging areas if prey becomes temporarily unavailable due to construction activities.

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[1] No specific major accidents and disasters receptors were identified and therefore to avoid duplication of receptors listed under other topic chapters, the chapter has not been included in this assessment.

[2] Inter-related effects specific to climatic effect receptors are discussed in a separate In Combination Climate Impacts (ICCI) document (volume 3, appendix 17.3).

[3] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning.

[4] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning.

[5] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning.

[6] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[7] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[8] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[9] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[10] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[11] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[12] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[13] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[14] Plunge divers dive into the sea from a height to catch prey, whereas pursuit divers dive and can then swim underwater in pursuit of prey.