Ecological surveys to support Welsh tidal energy project
Mostyn SeaPower, a subsidiary of The Port of Mostyn, has developed proposals for a tidal lagoon in the outer Dee Estuary, North Wales, UK.
The Dee is an area of high nature conservation value. It is important therefore, that detailed information is obtained to describe the baseline ecological conditions and understand the changes that will occur if the proposed lagoon goes ahead.
ABPmer has been commissioned to lead a range of ecological surveys in the Estuary to inform the associated impact assessment supported by Hull Marine Laboratory and Sea Watch Foundation.
A two-year programme of fish surveys will be undertaken to understand population stock in the outer estuary, and migratory patterns of salmon and eel which could be affected by the proposed lagoon turbines. This will be underpinned by Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, taking advantage of major advances in the use of DNA in ecological sampling, as opposed to direct samples from individual organisms.
Marine mammal surveys will take place over a similar timeline. This work will gauge the frequency of occurrence of whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals in the proposed lagoon area. These surveys will inform understanding of the potential effects during construction and operation. Passive acoustic monitoring instruments will be used to monitor porpoise and dolphin activity.
Bird population surveys will take place over two winters, to place the populations at Mostyn in the context of the whole estuary and designated area.
