SSE Renewables and Hi Def Aerial Surveying have completed a two-year aerial survey programme for the proposed 2300MW Berwick Bank and 1850MW Marr Bank offshore wind farms which will be located off the east coast of Scotland.
The survey consisted of 300 hours of flight time, across 5000 square km and involved four aircraft flying simultaneously, once a month, for 24 months.
Each aircraft was equipped with high definition camera equipment that captures live footage and is then assessed by ornithology and marine experts.
Over 15 million images have so far been analysed following the survey, documenting the habits of over 338,000 birds and over 2000 marine mammals.
Berwick Bank and Marr Bank project director Alex Meredith said: “SSE Renewables is a world-leading developer of large-scale offshore wind projects based in Scotland.
“We are committed to addressing the environmental challenges of our projects by seeking the most detailed understanding possible during the development process.
“Commissioning such an extensive survey means the proposals for Berwick Bank and Marr Bank will be informed by the most comprehensive dataset on local environmental considerations ever seen for an offshore wind development anywhere in the world.
“The data provided by these surveys will allow us to identify and better understand the seabird and marine mammal population in the area and if required, plan any appropriate mitigation to ensure appropriate protection for wildlife and their habitats.”
Hi Def Aerial Surveying commercial director Martin Scott said: “When first approached by SSE Renewables we did wonder if such a large-scale survey programme was even possible.
“Two years on we have shown that such challenges can be met and produce a wealth of high value robust data as a reward.”