TY - RPRT
TI - Windpower and Grey Seals: An Impact Assessment of Potential Effects by Sea-Based Windpower Plants on a Local Seal Population
AU - Sundberg, J
AU - Söderman, M
AB - The impact of five sea-based windpower plants on two haulout sites for grey seals on south-western Gotland, in the Baltic Sea, was analysed. Data on seal numbers was collected on a regular basis during the initial stages of the project from summer 1996, continuing during the building (autumn 1997) and running of the windpower plants (from spring 1998) until the end of June 1999. Additional observational data from earlier years was also available.Indications of lower occurrence and reduced number of seals in the area was found during periods of time in 1997 and 1998, times of construction and active running of the plants. However, no evidence on the windpower plants, per se, affecting the grey seals was found. Instead, several weather factors were found to affect the number of seals in the area, and periods of low occurrence and number of seals were more likely explained by i.e. unfavourable water levels and hard wind from certain directions. One important, short term, impact factor was however found. Human induced disturbances such as boat and helicopter traffic, some which were directly related to maintenance of the windpower plants, temporarily reduced number of seals and made them more restless. Disturbance thus constitutes a potential threat to seals.A shift from one to the other of the two haulout sites was also noted, a shift which likely is due to disturbances. Future guidelines are given, including some restrictions in movements near the haulout sites. Continued observations and studies are suggested if more off-shore windpower plants will be raised in the area. A call for more stringent use of environmental impact assessments is thus made. Also, suggestions on measures to be taken in order to reduce the effect of human related disturbances are made. In order to create sustainable conditions for a continued population of seals in the area and in order to create opportunities for a reestablishment of the grey seal in the southern Baltic region, continued protection of the haulout sites in Burgsviken is essential.
DA - 1999/12//
PY - 1999
SP - 40
PB - Uppsala University
UR - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285596941_Windpower_and_grey_seals_an_impact_assessment_of_potential_effects_by_sea-based_windpower_plants_on_a_local_seal_population
LA - English
KW - Wind Energy
KW - Fixed Offshore Wind
KW - Pinnipeds
KW - Marine Mammals
ER -