COWRIE is pleased to announce the release of the above report prepared by BTO (British Trust for Ornithology).  

Cowrie commissioned the priority research BTO WSHOP-09 to produce a set of protocols for the use of High definition imagery for surveying sea birds and marine mammals.  

Previously, visual techniques used for surveying seabirds and marine mammals were ship-based, conventional aerial surveys, and to a lesser extent shore-based counts of birds. Conventional aerial surveys involve direct recording by observers, with a recommended flying altitude of 80 m; data are later transcribed and geo-referenced using GPS. 

Recent technological advances have enabled use of high definition imagery for survey.  

The aim of this report was to review trials of high definition imagery technology in the monitoring and assessment of the numbers of sea birds and marine mammals at offshore sites, and produce recommendations and protocols on its use alongside existing survey methodology, notably in light of its possible use in surveying round 3 wind farm development zones. To this end, a workshop was organized to bring together key users, developers and regulators of the industry.  

Click here to download the full report.