Quantifying the impact of offshore wind farms on Gannet populations: a strategic ringing project

Abstract

Given the conservation importance of Gannet populations in Britain, and concerns about possible adverse impacts of offshore wind farms on Gannets as a result of collision risk, we advocate the establishment of strategic monitoring studies at key colonies. Colour ringing adult Gannets to measure survival at colonies close to and distant from offshore wind farms could indicate whether or not collision mortality has a detectable effect on adult survival. Colour ringing chicks could provide information on prospecting movements of immatures and colonies where birds recruit. Tracking studies of both adults and immatures would be highly desirable to complement improved monitoring of demography.