Energy / Sound monitoring equipment deployed in and around offshore wind site
ACOUSTIC monitoring equipment has been deployed in and around the Arven offshore wind farm site to the east of Shetland to gather data on the activity of marine mammals.
A spokesperson for the proposed offshore wind farm said the acoustic data “supports visual observations of marine mammals, gathered through digital aerial surveys, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their activity”.
The survey has been undertaken in five locations agreed in discussion with the Scottish Government’s marine directorate and NatureScot.
One is an inshore area in the approach to Yell Sound.
The Arven spokesperson said though this falls outside their lease option area, NatureScot noted the location would benefit from data collection.
“The purpose of the survey and the deployment locations were discussed with members of the NE1 Fishing Forum, including the Shetland Fishermen’s Association,” they added.
“The collected data will inform the project’s offshore Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which will accompany future consent applications.”
Arven is one of two offshore wind farms proposed to the east of Shetland, both of which are currently in their planning phase.
It is by far the largest of the two projects, with up to 2.3GW of generation proposed.
The development is being led by Ocean Winds and Mainstream Renewable Power.
The other offshore wind project proposed is the Stoura development, which would be up to 500MW.
Both projects have drawn concern over their possible impact on the fishing industry.
Speaking last week, Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Daniel Lawson said there was also concern over the impact cabling to shore could have on scallop grounds if it was routed through Yell Sound to link into hydrogen production at Sullom Voe and Scatsta.
Stoura offshore wind developer commits to community benefit – but fishing concerns remain
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