5.3. Baseline

  1. The population estimates for seabird SPA colonies used to inform the assessments in sections 5.4 and paragraph 349 are taken from the most recent colony count data (Seabirds Count; Burnell et al., 2023), which is based on census surveys undertaken between 2015 – 2021. All counts have been expressed as number of breeding individuals, using the following approaches:
  • Where the count unit is Apparently Occupied Nests (AON), Apparently Occupied Territories (AOT), Apparently Occupied Burrows (AOB) or Apparently Occupied Sites (AOS), the number of breeding individuals is calculated as AON/AOT/AOB/AOS * 2.
  • Where the count unit is individuals counted at the colony (IND) for guillemot or razorbill, the number of breeding individuals is calculated as IND * 0.67 * 2, following Walsh et al. (1995).

5.3.1. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

  1. The current H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was first recorded in the country in  summer 2021 (Falchieri et al. 2022). Although existing systematic reviews indicate that diseases are seldom a key factor leading to the extinction of vertebrates, diseases can cause population crashes, leading to measurable declines in population crashes (Young and VanderWerf, 2023).
  2. Thousands of seabird mortalities attributed to HPAI were reported across the UK in 2022, with minimum losses of almost 20,000 in Scotland alone (NatureScot, 2023l) and by the end of 2022, 17 of the 25 UK breeding seabird species had tested positive for HPAI (APHA, 2023).
  3. In response to the outbreak of HPAI, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) established the HPAI Seabird Surveys Project (Tremlett et al., 2024). This involved a mixture of existing planned surveys, additional volunteer-led surveys and RSPB-led surveys of a number of SPA colonies for 14 priority seabird species[3], and was undertaken between May and July 2023. The survey method followed standard methods outlined in the Seabird Monitoring Handbook (Walsh et al. 1995), enabling comparisons in population changes with the Seabirds Count estimates (Burnell et al., 2023).
  4. The HPAI surveys were not intended to fully update the Seabirds Count data (for example, there were gaps in coverage of some sites, some counts lacked key information such as survey time, some survey counts were estimates rather than accurate counts) and therefore it is still appropriate to apply the Burnell et al., (2023) Seabirds Count data to the assessments in sections 5.4 and 5.5. However, the RSPB HPAI report (Tremlett et al., 2024) is a useful indicator of how certain species are faring in light of the recent HPAI outbreak.
  5. The RSPB HPAI report (Tremlett et al., 2024) showed large declines in gannet of 25% across eight SPAs when compared against the Burnell et al. (2023) pre-HPAI baseline, whereas kittiwake increased by 10% across 21 SPAs and guillemot declined by 6% across 21 SPAs. The RSPB HPAI report (Tremlett et al., 2024) concludes that changes in species such as guillemot may be partially due to other factors as they were already in decline, whereas the decline in gannet is almost certainly attributable to HPAI due to the species showing recent population increases. As set out in volume 3, appendix 11.1, the baseline DAS data was collected between March 2021 and February 2023 and therefore overlaps with the HPAI outbreak. However, the data presented in volume 3, appendix 11.1 of the Array EIA Report does not demonstrate any clear evidence of impact from HPAI when comparing between years.
  6. It is acknowledged that, in the short term at least, HPAI is likely to have an effect on changes in seabird populations. However, it is considered that the most appropriate information to use in sections 5.4 and 5.5 is the baseline DAS data, and the Burnell et al. (2023) population count and population change data to inform the impact assessments. Where information regarding impacts from HPAI is available (primarily from Tremlett et al., 2024) this is discussed in the assessment of a feature in order to inform the conclusion reached alongside those primary data sources.
  7. A summary of the relevant designated sites and their conservation objectives are given below in sections 5.3.2 and 5.3.3. Designated sites with breeding seabird features are discussed first, with sites designated for migratory waterbirds discussed after.

5.3.2. Seabirds

                        Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA

  1. Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA is a stretch of south-east facing cliff in Aberdeenshire, located approximately 82.7 km from the Array. The boundary of the SPA follows the boundaries of Bullers of Buchan Coast Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Collieston to Whinnyfold Coast SSSI, and the seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment. The SPA was classified in 1998, with the marine extension classified in 2009 (NatureScot, ND).
  2. The site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds, including five named component species: fulmar, guillemot, herring gull, kittiwake and shag. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to one of the five qualifying features of the breeding seabird assemblage; kittiwake ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Copinsay SPA

  1. The Copinsay SPA comprises a group of islands 4 km off the east coast of Orkney Mainland, approximately 245.4 km from the Array. The islands have a cliffed rocky coastline and maritime vegetation that support large colonies of breeding seabirds. The boundary of the SPA encompasses Copinsay SSSI, and the seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment. The SPA was classified in 1994, with the marine extension classified in 2009.
  2. The site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds, such as kittiwake, great black-backed gull, guillemot and fulmar. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to one of the four qualifying features of the breeding seabird assemblage; kittiwake ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Coquet Island SPA

  1. Coquet Island is located 1 km off the coast of Northumberland in north-east England and approximately 147.6 km from the Array. It is a small, flat-topped island with a plateau extent of approximately 7 ha. Coquet Island SPA was first classified in 1985 for its breeding seabirds, with the surrounding marine environment protected by the Northumberland Marine SPA, which was classified in 2017 to protect the foraging areas of these birds.
  2. The site qualifies by regularly supporting four Annex I qualifying features; Arctic tern, roseate tern, common tern and Sandwich tern, and in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds. The assemblage comprises two additional named component species; black-headed gull and puffin. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to one of the five qualifying features of the breeding seabird assemblage; puffin ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined through Natural England’s Access to Evidence) are to:
  • 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;

-        the supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely;

-        the populations of each of the qualifying features; and

-        the distribution of qualifying features within the site.

                        East Caithness Cliffs SPA

  1. East Caithness Cliffs SPA includes most of the sea-cliff areas between Wick and Helmsdale on the north-east coast of the Scottish mainland. The SPA is located approximately 211.8 km from the Array. The boundary of the SPA overlaps either partly or wholly with Castle of Old Wick to Craig Hammel SSSI, Craig Hammel to Sgaps Geo SSSI, Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo SSSI, Berriedale Cliffs SSSI, Ousdale Burn SSSI and Helmsdale Coast SSSI. The SPA was classified in 1996, with a marine extension classified in 2009. The seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment (NatureScot, ND).
  2. The site qualifies under Article 4.1 for its peregrine population, and under Article 4.2 for supporting breeding populations of guillemot, herring gull, kittiwake, razorbill and shag, as well as regularly supporting in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds, including nine named component species: cormorant, fulmar, great-blacked backed gull, guillemot, herring gull, kittiwake, razorbill and shag. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to the breeding seabird assemblage and two of the nine qualifying features; kittiwake and razorbill ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Fair Isle SPA

  1. The island of Fair Isle is the most southerly of the Shetland group, lying halfway between Mainland Shetland and Orkney, approximately 291.1 km from the Array. The boundary of Fair Isle SPA is coincident with Fair Isle SSSI and the seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment. The SPA was classified in 1994, with the marine extension classified in 2009 (NatureScot, ND).
  2. There is one Annex I qualifying seabird feature, Arctic tern, and the site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting one migratory seabird species, guillemot and in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds, including eight additional component species; razorbill, puffin, fulmar, gannet, shag, Arctic skua, great skua and kittiwake. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to one of the ten qualifying features of the breeding seabird assemblage; gannet ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Farne Islands SPA

  1. The Farne Islands SPA are a group of low-lying islands located 2 km to 8 km off the coast of Northumberland in north-east England, approximately 120.9 km from the Array. The Farne Islands was first classified as an SPA in 1985, with the surrounding marine environment protected by the Northumberland Marine SPA, which was classified in 2017 to protect the foraging areas of breeding seabirds (Natural England, ND).
  2. The site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds. The site regularly supports more than 1% of the Great Britian populations of four species listed in Annex I of the EC Birds Directive: common tern, Arctic tern, roseate tern and Sandwich tern, and regularly supports more than 1% of the biogeographical population of one regularly occurring migratory species: guillemot. During the breeding season, the site also supports key assemblage components such as puffin, cormorant, shag and kittiwake. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to two of the nine qualifying features of the breeding seabird assemblage; kittiwake and puffin ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined through Natural England’s Access to Evidence) are to:
  • 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;

-          the supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely;

-          the populations of each of the qualifying features; and

-          the distribution of qualifying features within the site.

                        Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA

  1. The coastal section of the Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA covers a slender strip of cliffs and hinterland along the coastline of the counties of North Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire, located approximately 248.5 km from the Array.
  2. The SPA is in two sections: the southern section extends north from South Landing around Flamborough Head to Speeton; the northern section covers the peninsula of Filey Brigg before extending north-west to Cunstone Nab. The seaward boundary extends 2 km into the marine environment throughout the two sections of the site. Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs was classified as an SPA in 1993, with the site extended and renamed as the Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA in 2018 (Natural England, ND).
  3. The site qualifies under Article 4.2 by supporting over 1% of the biogeographical populations of four regularly occurring migratory species; kittiwake, gannet, guillemot and razorbill, and a breeding seabird assemblage of European importance, including these four species and also fulmar. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to of the breeding seabird assemblage and three of the five qualifying features; gannet, guillemot and kittiwake ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  4. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined through Natural England Access to Evidence) are to:
  • 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;

-          the supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely;

-          the populations of each of the qualifying features; and

-          the distribution of qualifying features within the site.

 

  1. Supplementary advice on the Conservation Objectives is provided for this SPA, prompted by the notable decline observed in one of the regularly occurring species; kittiwake. Site-specific monitoring targets for species populations state “where the limits of natural fluctuations are not known, maintain the population above 75% of that at designation–- loss of 25% or more unacceptable”. At designation, population count was 89,040 breeding adults. Therefore, a population of 66,789 individuals or above should be maintained.

                        Forth Islands SPA

  1. The Forth Islands SPA comprises seabird colonies on multiple islands in the Firth of Forth, south-east Scotland. The SPA is approximately 126.3 km from the Array. The SPA encompasses the islands of the Isle of May, Inchmickery, Fidra, The Lamb, Craigleith, Bass Rock (all of which were classified in April 1990) and Long Craig (which was an extension to the site and was classified in February 2004). The SPA is underpinned by the following SSSIs: Long Craig, Inchmickery, Forth Islands, Bass Rock and the Isle of May. There is a seaward extension from each island of the SPA extending approximately 2 km into the marine environment (NatureScot, ND).
  2. There are four Annex I qualifying features: Arctic tern, roseate tern, common tern and Sandwich tern, and the site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting four migratory seabird species: lesser black-backed gull, puffin, gannet and shag and in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds. The site supports five named components kittiwake, herring gull, guillemot, razorbill and cormorant. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to the breeding seabird assemblage and three of the 13 species; gannet, kittiwake and puffin (Table 5 1).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Fowlsheugh SPA

  1. The Fowlsheugh SPA is a mainland seabird colony on the coast of Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland. The SPA is approximately 81.3 km from the Array. The site was classified in August 1992, with an additional 2 km marine extension to the site classified in September 2009. The SPA is underpinned by the Fowlsheugh SSSI (NatureScot, ND).
  2. There are no Annex I qualifying features and the site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting populations of European importance of guillemot and kittiwake, as well as supporting a breeding seabird assemblage of in excess of 20,000 individual seabirds, including guillemot and kittiwake, as well as three other named species: herring gull, razorbill and fulmar. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to the breeding seabird assemblage and two of the five species; kittiwake and razorbill ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA

  1. Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA lies in the north-west corner of the island of Unst, Shetland, at the northernmost tip of Britain and approximately 424.9 km from the Array. The boundary of the SPA is coincident with that of the Hermaness SSSI, Saxa Vord SSSI, and Valla Field SSSI and the seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment. The SPA was classified in 2001, with the marine extension classified in 2009 (NatureScot, ND).
  2. There is one Annex I qualifying seabird feature (red-throated diver) and the site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting three migratory seabird species: great skua, puffin and gannet, and in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds including kittiwake, guillemot, fulmar and shag. The potential for LSE2 has been identified for the breeding seabird assemblage and gannet ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        North Caithness Cliffs SPA

  1. North Caithness Cliffs SPA includes sea-cliff areas between Freswick Bay and Strathy Point on the north coast of the Scottish mainland, in addition to the island of Stroma. The site is located approximately 229.1 km from the Array. The boundary of the SPA overlaps either partly or wholly with Duncansby Head Site of SSSI, Stroma SSSI, Dunnet Head SSSI, Holborn Head SSSI, and Red Point Coast SSSI. The seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment. The SPA was classified in 1996, with the marine extension classified in 2009 (NatureScot, ND).
  2. The site qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting breeding peregrine falcon. The site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting one migratory seabird species; guillemot, and in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds. The assemblage includes four additional named species; fulmar, razorbill, puffin and kittiwake. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to the seabird assemblage feature, due to the potential impact on one of these five named species: kittiwake ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA

  1. The uninhabited islands of North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA, together with several outlying rocky islets and adjacent waters, lie 65 km north of Lewis and approximately 383.4 km from the Array. The coastlines of both islands consist mainly of cliffs except for two low-lying peninsulas on North Rona. Sula Sgeir lies about 15 km west of North Rona. The boundary of the SPA overlaps with the boundary of North Rona and Sula Sgeir SSSI, and the seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment. The SPA was classified in 2001, with the marine extension classified in 2009 (NatureScot, ND).
  2. There are two Annex I qualifying features (Leach’s petrel and storm petrel) and the site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting two migratory seabird species (gannet and guillemot) and in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds, with the breeding seabird assemblage feature including five named species: kittiwake, great black-backed gull, puffin, razorbill and fulmar. The potential for LSE2 has been identified in relation to the breeding seabird assemblage and one of these species; gannet ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Noss SPA

  1. Noss is an offshore island lying 5 km east of Lerwick, Shetland, approximately 357.5 km from the Array. The boundary of the SPA overlaps that of the Noss SSSI and NNR and the seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment. The SPA was classified in 1996, with the marine extension classified in 2009 (NatureScot, ND).
  2. The site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting three migratory seabird species; gannet, great skua and guillemot, and in excess of 20,000 breeding seabirds comprising of the additional species; kittiwake, puffin and fulmar. The potential for LSE2 has been identified for the breeding seabird assemblage and gannet ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  3. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • to avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • 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;

-        distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

-        structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

-        no significant disturbance of the species.

                        Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA

  1. The Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex is an extensive SPA off the south-east coast of Scotland. It stretches from Arbroath in the North to St Abb’'s Head in the South and encompasses the Firth of Forth, the outer Firth of Tay and St Andrews Bay. The waters in this SPA attract one of the largest and most diverse marine bird concentrations in Scotland and the site is classified for the protection of 21 seabird and waterbird species. It covers an area of c. 2,721 km2 and complements adjacent SPAs, such as the Firth of Forth SPA, the Forth Islands SPA, the Imperial Dock, Leith SPA and the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary SPA (NatureScot, ND).
  2. During the breeding season, the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA provides feeding grounds for a large assemblage of over 100,000 seabirds, including common terns, Arctic terns, shags, gannets, puffins, kittiwakes, Manx shearwaters, guillemots and herring gulls (NatureScot, ND).
  3. With regards to breeding seabirds, the JNCC and NatureScot (2022) Conservation and Management Advice lists the following SPA colonies as using the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA for foraging:
  • Arctic tern:

-        Forth Islands SPA

  • Common tern:

-        Imperial Dock Lock SPA;

-        Forth Islands SPA

  • Kittiwake:

-        Forth Islands SPA

-        St Abb’s Head to Fast Castle SPA

-        Fowlsheugh SPA

-        Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA

-        Troup, Pennan and Lion’s Head SPA

  • Gannet:

-        Forth Islands SPA

  • Guillemot:

-        Forth Islands SPA

-        St Abb’s Head to Fast Castle SPA

-        Fowlsheugh SPA

-        Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast SPA

  • Herring gull:

-        Forth Islands SPA

-        St Abb’s Head to Fast Castle SPA

-        Fowlsheugh SPA

  • Puffin:

-        Forth Islands SPA

  • Shag:

-        Forth Islands SPA

  1. During winter, the site protects important feeding, moulting and roosting grounds of inshore waterbirds, such as red-throated divers, Slavonian grebes, eiders, long-tailed ducks, common scoters, velvet scoters, goldeneyes and red-breasted mergansers. Many of these birds migrate to Scotland every year to overwinter or use the site as a staging post while on migration.
  2. Outside of the breeding season, the site is also notable for its assemblage of over 40,000 overwintering seabirds, consisting of guillemots, shags and kittiwakes, but also razorbills, little gulls, black-headed gulls, common gulls and herring gulls.
  3. The Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA is located approximately 90 km to the southwest of the Array (at the closest point). As set out above, the SPA supports foraging seabirds from a range of SPA breeding colonies. However, this RIAA  already assesses the impacts of the Array on each of these SPA colonies where an LSE2 occurs, and therefore the impacts on the breeding seabird qualifying features of the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA focuses on impacts occurring on birds whilst they are within the SPA itself, rather than impacts from the Array on the colonies of seabirds that forage within the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA.
  4. Therefore, the Array itself will not lead to any impacts on the SPA or it’s qualifying species during any phases of the project. Instead, impacts will be confined to disturbance and displacement impacts resulting directly from vessel movements through the SPA itself.
  5. The potential for LSE2 has been identified for qualifying species, or named species of a qualifying assemblage of the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA, with a sensitivity to disturbance associated vessels of moderate or greater (i.e. levels 3 “moderate” to 5 “very high”) according to Wade et al. (2016). Therefore, potential LSE2 has been identified for non-breeding red-throated diver, Slavonian grebe, eider, shag, five species from the migratory waterbird assemblage (long-tailed duck, common scoter, velvet scoter, goldeneye and red-breasted merganser), three species from the non-breeding seabird assemblage (guillemot, razorbill and shag (which are already listed)) and two species from the breeding seabird assemblage (puffin and guillemot (which are already listed)) ( Table 5.1   Open ▸ ).
  6. The Conservation Objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink (NatureScot, ND)) are:
  • To ensure  that the qualifying features of the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA are in favourable condition and make an appropriate contribution to achieving Favourable Conservation Status; and
  • To ensure that the integrity of the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA is restored in the context of environmental changes by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature:

-        2a The populations of the qualifying features are viable components of the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA;

-        2b. The distribution of the qualifying features is maintained throughout the site by avoiding significant disturbance of the species; and

-        2c. The supporting habitats and processes relevant to qualifying features and their prey resources are maintained, or where appropriate restored, at the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA.