Cowrie is pleased to announce the release of the above report prepared by WWT Consulting. 

Cowrie commissioned the priority research project ASURV-02-09 with the objective to provide aerial surveys of Round 3, Zone 5 for waterbirds and seabirds in a area of offshore wind Farms development in the North Sea, off-shore from East Anglia. 

Data on the numbers and distribution of waterbirds and seabirds in UK inshore waters are required for a variety of purposes, including for monitoring waterbird numbers and distribution and identification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs). It is also required for Environmental Statements for Round 1 Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) proposals and Strategic Environmental Assessments for Round 2 and 3 OWF development. Aerial surveys represent an important means of obtaining distribution data on waterbirds in inshore waters. 

These data will allow the use of specific analytical techniques which can indicate areas used by nationally and internationally important bird species, and areas supporting large concentrations of waterbirds or seabirds. 

The full report including the executive summary can be downloaded here 

Cowrie Zone 5 aerial survey final report.pdf (279 KB)