OSSIAN Offshore Wind Farm Limited has reached a key project milestone following the completion of 24-months of site-specific bird and marine animal surveys.
HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd carried out the surveys from March 2021 to February 2023 across the Ossian array area which is located approximately 80km southeast of the Aberdeenshire coast.
The monthly surveys included an 8km buffer area and took place using four planes along transects at 2.5km spacing. The survey consisted of 330 hours of flight time across 4,050 square km, larger than Angus and Fife combined.
Each aircraft was equipped with high-definition camera equipment that captured live footage which is then assessed by ornithology and marine mammal experts. So far, the team have analysed over 16 million images following the survey.
Data collected will be vital for understanding the distribution and habits of key ornithology and marine mammal species across the proposed floating wind farm’s array area and surrounding area.
Martin Scott, MD of HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd, said, “Aerial surveys are a logistical challenge, but very rewarding. The team recorded a variety of seabirds, dolphins and a few minke whales, which are always a thrill to locate.”
Holly Cartwright, development lead for Ossian Offshore Wind Farm Limited, added, “The data collected by the HiDef team is integral for understanding the distribution and habits of key ornithology and marine mammal species in and around Ossian’s proposed development area.
“It will be used in compiling our final environmental impact assessment report and inform how we can enter construction with the utmost attention and consideration of the important biodiversity which will continue to co-exist with Ossian.”
