Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering the low and medium approach ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.48   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

When considering the high approach, the threshold was exceeded ( Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). A PVA was therefore carried out to understand the impacts to the populations. The PVA results showed that the population growth rate would be impacted by less than 0.1% leading to a population size that, after 35 years, is 1.2% smaller than the counterfactual population size at Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA. As outlined within appendix 3B, the counterfactual of population growth rate is considered a more robust metric compared to the counterfactual of population size due to the models being conducted with density independence, in line with NatureScot guidance (2023k). The counterfactual of population growth rate results indicate that the impact levels experienced during operation and maintenance would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA, as the maximum estimated change was a reduction in growth rate by less than 0.1%. Such a decrease indicates that this level of impact would not adversely affect the population and would likely remain undetectable against natural population fluctuations. Furthermore, it is not expected to significantly alter the background mortality rate.

Therefore, it is clear that the PVA results indicate that the impact levels modelled are negligible and would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA.

Consequently, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

Copinsay SPA

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

-         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

-         distribution of the species within site; and

-         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at Copinsay SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the Copinsay SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

East Caithness Cliffs SPA

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at East Caithness Cliffs SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the East Caithness Cliffs SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

Fair Isle SPA

         gannet

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at Fair Isle remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ to Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet populations as a qualifying species of the Fair Isle SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

Farne Islands SPA

         seabird assemblage (kittiwake)

         ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring:

–         the extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features;

–         the structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features; and

–         the supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         seabird assemblage = No AEOI

         ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring:

–         the populations of each of the qualifying features; and

–         the distribution of qualifying features within the site.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at Farne Islands SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the Farne Islands SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         seabird assemblage = No AEOI

Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA

         gannet

         kittiwake

         ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring:

–         the extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features;

–         the structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features; and

–         the supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring:

–         the populations of each of the qualifying features; and

–         the distribution of qualifying features within the site.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ to Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake, at Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet and kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

         kittiwake = No AEOI

Forth Islands SPA

         gannet

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at Forth Islands SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering the low and medium approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ and Table 5.52   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

However, under the high approach, the threshold was exceeded ( Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). A PVA was therefore carried out to understand the impacts to the populations. The PVA results showed that the population growth rate would be impacted by less than 0.1% leading to a population size that, after 35 years, is 1.6% smaller than the counterfactual population size at the Forth Islands SPA. As outlined within appendix 3B, the counterfactual of population growth rate is considered a more robust metric compared to the counterfactual of population size due to the models being conducted with density independence, in line with NatureScot guidance (2023k). The counterfactual of population growth rate results indicate that the impact levels experienced during operation and maintenance would not adversely affect the gannet feature of Forth Islands SPA, as the maximum estimated change was a reduction in growth rate by less than 0.1%. Such a decrease indicates that this level of impact would not adversely affect the population and would likely remain undetectable against natural population fluctuations. Furthermore, it is not expected to significantly alter the background mortality rate. Therefore, it is clear that the PVA results indicate that the impact levels modelled are negligible and would not adversely affect the gannet feature of the Forth Islands SPA.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake, at Forth Islands SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering the low and medium approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ and Table 5.48   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

However, under the high approach, the threshold was exceeded ( Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). A PVA was therefore carried out to understand the impacts to the populations. The PVA results showed that the population growth rate would be impacted by less than 0.1% leading to a population size that, after 35 years, is 0.9% smaller than the counterfactual population size at the Forth Islands SPA. The counterfactual of population growth rate results indicate that the impact levels experienced during operation and maintenance would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of Forth Islands SPA, as the maximum estimated change was a reduction in growth rate by less than 0.1%. Such a decrease indicates that this level of impact would not adversely affect the population and would likely remain undetectable against natural population fluctuations. Furthermore, it is not expected to significantly alter the background mortality rate. Therefore, it is clear that the PVA results indicate that the impact levels modelled are negligible and would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of the Forth Islands SPA.

Consequently, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet and kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the Forth Islands SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

         kittiwake = No AEOI

Fowlsheugh SPA

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at Fowlsheugh SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering the low approach ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

When considering the medium and high approach, the threshold was exceeded ( Table 5.48   Open ▸ to Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). A PVA was therefore carried out to understand the impacts to the populations. The PVA results showed that the population growth rate would be impacted by less than 0.1% leading to a population size that, after 35 years, is 1.0% to 1.5% smaller than the counterfactual population size at Fowlsheugh SPA. As outlined within appendix 3B, the counterfactual of population growth rate is considered a more robust metric compared to the counterfactual of population size due to the models being conducted with density independence, in line with NatureScot guidance (2023k). The counterfactual of population growth rate results indicate that the impact levels experienced during operation and maintenance would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of Fowlsheugh SPA, as the maximum estimated change was a reduction in growth rate by less than 0.1%. Such a decrease indicates that this level of impact would not adversely affect the population and would likely remain undetectable against natural population fluctuations. Furthermore, it is not expected to significantly alter the background mortality rate. Therefore, it is clear that the PVA results indicate that the impact levels modelled are negligible and would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of Fowlsheugh SPA.

Consequently, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the Fowlsheugh SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA

         gannet

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ to Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet populations as a qualifying species of the Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

North Caithness Cliffs SPA

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at North Caithness Cliffs SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the North Caithness Cliffs SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA

         gannet

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ to Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet populations as a qualifying species of the North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

Noss SPA

         gannet

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at Noss SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ to Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet populations as a qualifying species of the Noss SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

St Abb's Head to Fast Castle SPA

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at St Abb's Head to Fast Castle SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering the low and medium approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.48   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

However, under the high approach, the threshold was exceeded ( Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). A PVA was therefore carried out to understand the impacts to the populations. The PVA results showed that the population growth rate would be impacted by less than 0.1% leading to a population size that, after 35 years, is 1.1% smaller than the counterfactual population size at the St Abb's Head to Fast Castle SPA. As outlined within appendix 3B, the counterfactual of population growth rate is considered a more robust metric compared to the counterfactual of population size due to the models being conducted with density independence, in line with NatureScot guidance (2023k). The counterfactual of population growth rate results indicate that the impact levels experienced during operation and maintenance would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of the St Abb's Head to Fast Castle, as the maximum estimated change was a reduction in growth rate by less than 0.2%. Such a decrease indicates that this level of impact would not adversely affect the population and would likely remain undetectable against natural population fluctuations. Furthermore, it is not expected to significantly alter the background mortality rate. Therefore, it is clear that the PVA results indicate that the impact levels modelled are negligible and would not adversely affect the kittiwake feature of the St Abb's Head to Fast Castle SPA.

Consequently, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the St Abb's Head to Fast Castle SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

St Kilda SPA

         gannet

         to ensure that the qualifying features of St Kilda SPA and the Seas off St Kilda SPA are in favourable condition and make an appropriate contribution to achieving Favourable Conservation Status

         to ensure that the integrity of St Kilda SPA and the Seas off St Kilda SPA is restored in the context of environmental changes by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature:

–         the supporting habitats and processes relevant to qualifying features and their prey/food resources are maintained, or where appropriate restored, at St Kilda SPA and/or Seas off St Kilda SPA.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         to ensure that the qualifying features of St Kilda SPA and the Seas off St Kilda SPA are in favourable condition and make an appropriate contribution to achieving Favourable Conservation Status

         to ensure that the integrity of St Kilda SPA and the Seas off St Kilda SPA is restored in the context of environmental changes by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature:

–         the populations of qualifying features are viable components of St Kilda SPA and Seas off St Kilda SPA; and

–         the distributions of the qualifying features throughout St Kilda SPA and Seas off St Kilda SPA are maintained by avoiding significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at St Kilda SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ to Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations,  it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet populations as a qualifying species of the St Kilda SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

Sule Skerry and Sule Stack SPA

         gannet

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         gannet = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

-         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

-         distribution of the species within site; and

-         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on gannet, at Sule Skerry and Sule Stack SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.51   Open ▸ to Table 5.53   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the gannet populations as a qualifying species of the Sule Skerry and Sule Stack SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         gannet = No AEOI

Troup, Pennan and Lion's Heads SPA

         kittiwake

         to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained:

–         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species; and

–         structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species.

As the Array and associated ZoI falls outside the SPA boundary, there is no pathway for combined collision and displacement during all operations and maintenance of the Array to result in adverse effects on the habitats of the qualifying species.

Therefore, combined collision and displacement associated with the Array will not prevent the extent, distribution, structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying species or the supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely from being maintained or restored.

         kittiwake = No AEOI

         to avoid significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained;

         to ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–         population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–         distribution of the species within site; and

–         no significant disturbance of the species.

The impact level experienced during operations and maintenance on kittiwake at Troup, Pennan and Lion's Heads SPA remains below the advised threshold of 0.02 percentage points for increased mortality, as recommended by NatureScot (2023k) when considering all approaches ( Table 5.47   Open ▸ to Table 5.49   Open ▸ ). Impacts below this threshold are considered non-material, falling within the natural fluctuations of the population.

Consequently, as the impact on mortality rate falls within the natural fluctuations of background mortality for the populations, it can be concluded that there is a negligible risk during operations and maintenance, of combined collision and disturbance and displacement significantly disrupting the kittiwake populations as a qualifying species of the Troup, Pennan and Lion's Heads SPA.

Therefore, combined impact of collision and displacement operation and maintenance will not prevent the conservation objectives from being achieved for the assessed qualifying features and the population of the species as viable components of the site.

Furthermore, the impact from combined collision and disturbance and displacement during all phases will not influence the long-term maintenance of the distribution of the assessed qualifying species within the site.

         kittiwake = No AEOI