Tiers 2 and 3

Construction phase

Magnitude of Impact

Static gear fisheries - creeling

  1. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration and intermittent in nature. A range of fisheries liaison and management measures will be implemented to minimise potential interference between project vessels and static gear fisheries. The magnitude of the impact is therefore, considered to be low.
  2. Of the Tier 3 projects considered in the assessment there may be described in the assessment for the Proposed Development alone, the main potential cause of interference for vessels that operate static gear would be the fouling of gear surface marker lines by transiting vessels. Depending on the Tier 2 project under consideration these may include construction or operation and maintenance vessels.
  3. Local creelers that limit their activity to inshore areas would only be potentially affected cumulatively by Tier 2 projects of relevance to this area, namely Seagreen 1A Export Cable Corridor, and the offshore export cables of Inch Cape and NnG, In the case of vessels that have extended operational ranges, there may be potential for cumulative impacts to additionally arise from the Inch Cape and NnG array areas as well as Seagreen 1 ( Figure 12.40   Open ▸ ).
  4. Appropriate liaison would be undertaken with fisheries stakeholders to ensure that they are informed of the nature, timing and location of the Proposed Development construction activities. This will include provisions for enabling awareness of construction vessel crews of the location of static gears and fishermen’s awareness of construction vessel operations. In addition, as noted in Table 12.9   Open ▸ , a Code of Good Practice for contracted vessels will be produced and OFLOs will be used as appropriate. In addition, a procedure for the claim of loss or damage to fishing gear will be developed and anticipated vessel transit routes and shelter/holding areas for construction vessels will be identified in the NSVMP.
  5. Provisions for the measures above will be included in the FMMS which will be produced for the Proposed Development (see outline FMMS in volume 4, appendix 24). Similar measures are expected to be implemented by the Tier 2 projects of relevance to this assessment, therefore it is considered that there are no projects with the potential to add cumulatively to interference with fishing activities, particularly for vessels that operate nearshore. As shown in Figure 12.37   Open ▸ the Cambois connection has little potential to affect local creelers significantly. Similar measures to those proposed for the Proposed Development are expected to be implemented by these projects. Closures to fishing within the Firth of Forth Complex Banks MPA currently under consultation, if finally implemented, would not result in increased potential interference with fishing activities.
  6. The magnitude of impact considering Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects cumulatively would remain as identified above for Tier 2 projects, low.

Mobile fisheries – demersal trawling and scallop dredging

  1. All the projects included under Tier 2 may have potential to add cumulatively to the magnitude of the impact identified for the Proposed Development alone with regard to mobile fisheries. All projects in Tier 2, with the exception of Seagreen 1A Project, Seagreen 1A Export Cable Corridor and Moray Offshore Wind (West) are already operational or currently under construction. During the construction phase of the Proposed Development, the potential for cumulative interference would therefore for the most part be associated with the presence of project vessels associated with operation and maintenance works.
  2. As described for the Proposed Development alone, appropriate liaison would be undertaken with fisheries stakeholders to ensure that they are informed of the nature, timing and location of Proposed Development construction activities. This will include provisions for enabling fishermen’s awareness of construction vessel transit routes. In addition, transiting construction vessels will fully comply as required under the COLREGS. Such compliance would negate the requirement for fishing vessels engaged in fishing to alter course or pose any risk to gear being towed. In addition, as noted in Table 12.9   Open ▸ , a Code of Good Practice for contracted vessels will be produced and OFLOs will be used as required.
  3. Provisions for the measures above will be included in the FMMS which will be produced for the Proposed Development (see Outline FMMS in volume 4, appendix 24). Similar measures are expected to be implemented by the Tier 2 projects included in the assessment.
  4. The impact is predicted to be of be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration and intermittent in nature. A range of fisheries liaison and management measures will be implemented. The magnitude of the impact is therefore, considered to be low.
  5. Of the Tier 3 projects considered in the assessment there may be only potential for Eastern Link 1, the Cambois connection and Eastern Link 2 to add to cumulative impacts and Rampion 2 in the case of scallop dredgers. Similar measures to those proposed for the Proposed Development are expected to be implemented by these projects. Closures to fishing within the Firth of Forth Banks Complex MPA currently under consultation, if finally implemented, would not result in increased potential interference with fishing activities.
  6. The magnitude of impact considering Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects cumulatively would remain as identified above for Tier 2 projects, low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

  1. The sensitivity of the receptors to cumulative interference with fishing activities due to the presence of transiting vessels during the construction phase of the Proposed Development is as previously described for the construction phase of the Proposed Development alone: This is as follows:
  • static gear fisheries – creeling: medium; and
  • mobile fisheries – demersal trawling and scallop dredging: low.

Significance of the Effect

Static gear fisheries - creeling

  1. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Mobile fisheries – demersal trawling and scallop dredging

  1. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Further mitigation and residual effect

  1. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in section 12.10) is not significant in EIA terms.
Operation and maintenance phase

Magnitude of impact

Static gear fisheries-creeling

  1. During the operation and maintenance phase of the Proposed Development there may be potential for increased interference to fishing activities as a result of transiting vessels associated with other projects in Tier 2, particularly Seagreen 1A Project, Seagreen 1A Export Cable Corridor, Inch Cape, NnG as well as Seagreen 1. These projects would all be operational during the operation and maintenance phase of the Proposed Development. As such, increased vessel transits associated with these projects would be limited to operation and maintenance activities.
  2. The same fisheries liaison and management measures outlined above in the cumulative assessment for the construction phase of the Proposed Development, to minimise risk of interference with static gears, would also apply during the operation and maintenance phase (paragraph 116) and similar measures would be expected to be implemented by the other relevant Tier 2 projects of relevance to this assessment.
  3. The impact is predicted to be of be of local spatial extent, long term duration and intermittent in nature and a range of fisheries liaison and management measures will be implemented. The magnitude of the impact is therefore, considered to be low.
  4. Of the Tier 3 projects considered in the assessment there may be only potential for Eastern Link 1 to add cumulatively to interference with fishing activities, particularly for vessels that operate nearshore. As shown in Figure 12.37   Open ▸ the Cambois connection and Eastern Link 2 have little potential to affect local creelers significantly. Closures to fishing within the Firth of Forth Banks Complex MPA currently under consultation, if finally implemented, would not result in increased potential interference with fishing activities.
  5. The magnitude of impact considering Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects cumulatively would remain as identified above for Tier 2 projects, low.

Mobile fisheries – demersal trawling and scallop dredging

  1. All the projects included under Tier 2 may have potential to add cumulative to the magnitude of the impact identified for he Proposed Development alone with regard to mobile fisheries. It is assumed that the Tier 2 projects will be operational during the operation and maintenance phase of the Proposed Development. The potential for interactions between vessels using towed gear and maintenance vessels to occur would be very limited. Transiting maintenance vessels will fully comply as required under COLREGS. Such compliance would negate the requirement for fishing vessels engaged in fishing to alter course or pose any risk to fishing gear being towed. In addition, as noted in Table 12.9   Open ▸ , a Code of Good Practice for contracted vessels will be produced and Offshore Fisheries Liaison Officers (OFLOs) will be used as required for the Proposed Development. Similar measures are expected to be implemented by the other projects included in the assessment.
  2. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, long term duration and intermittent in nature and a range of fisheries liaison and management measures will be implemented. The magnitude of the impact is therefore, considered to be low.
  3. Of the Tier 3 projects considered in the assessment there may be only potential for Eastern Link 1, the Cambois connection and Eastern Link 2 to add to cumulative impacts and Rampion 2 in the case of scallop dredgers. Closures to fishing within the Firth of Forth Banks Complex MPA currently under consultation, if finally implemented, would not result in increased potential interference with fishing activities.
  4. The magnitude of impact considering Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects cumulatively would remain as identified above for Tier 2 projects, low.

 

Sensitivity of the Receptor

  1. The sensitivity of the receptors to cumulative interference with fishing activities due to the presence of transiting vessels during the operation and maintenance phase of the Proposed Development is as previously described for the construction phase (paragraph 349). This is as follows:
  • static gear fisheries – creeling: medium; and
  • mobile fisheries – demersal trawling and scallop dredging: low.

Significance of the Effect

Static gear fisheries - creeling

  1. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Mobile fisheries – demersal trawling and scallop dredging

  1. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Further mitigation and residual effect

  1. No commercial fisheries mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in section 12.10) is not significant in EIA terms.
Decommissioning phase
  1. The decommissioning sequence will generally be the reverse of the construction sequence and involve similar types and numbers of vessels and equipment.
  2. The effects of decommissioning activities associated with the Proposed Development in a cumulative context with regard to interference with fishing activities are therefore expected to be the same or similar in nature to the cumulative effects of construction and therefore considered as follows:
  • static gear fisheries creeling– Nephrops and squid fisheries: minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms; and
  • mobile fisheries – demersal trawling and scallop dredging: negligible adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

Potential Cumulative impacts on commercially exploited species

Construction phase
  1. There is potential for the construction phase of the Proposed Development to result in cumulative impacts on commercially exploited fish and shellfish species. This could in turn indirectly affect the productivity of the fisheries that depend on them.
  2. The potential cumulative impacts of the construction of the Proposed Development on fish and shellfish species, including those of commercial importance in the commercial fisheries study area, are assessed in volume 2, chapter 9 including consideration of the following:
  • temporary habitat loss/disturbance;
  • long-term subtidal habitat loss;
  • injury and/or disturbance to fish and shellfish from underwater noise and vibration; and
  • increased suspended sediment concentrations and associated sediment deposition.
    1. The cumulative assessment presented in volume 2, chapter 9 did not identify any impacts above minor adverse significance on fish and shellfish species of commercial importance in the commercial fisheries study area. Consequently, any impacts associated with this on the commercial fisheries that target them are also not expected to exceed minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.
Operation and maintenance phase
  1. There is potential for the operation and maintenance phase of the Proposed Development to result in cumulative impacts on commercially exploited fish and shellfish species. This could in turn indirectly affect the productivity of the fisheries that depend on them.
  2. The potential cumulative impacts of the operation and maintenance phase of the Proposed Development on fish and shellfish species, including those of commercial importance in the commercial fisheries study area, are assessed in volume 2, chapter 9 including consideration of the following:
  • long-term subtidal habitat loss;
  • temporary habitat loss/disturbance;
  • increased suspended sediment concentrations and associated sediment deposition;
  • injury and/or disturbance to fish and shellfish from underwaters noise and vibration;
  • EMFs from subsea electrical cabling;
  • changes in physical process due to the presence of foundations; and
  • colonisation of foundations, scour protection and cable protection.
    1. The cumulative assessment presented in volume 2, chapter 9 did not identify any impacts above minor adverse significance on fish and shellfish species of commercial importance in the commercial fisheries study area. Consequently, any impacts associated with this on the commercial fisheries that target them are also not expected to exceed minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.
Decommissioning phase
  1. There is potential for the decommissioning phase of the Proposed Development to result in cumulative impacts on commercially exploited fish and shellfish species. This could in turn indirectly affect the productivity of the fisheries that depend on them.
  2. The potential cumulative impacts of the decommissioning phase of the Proposed Development on fish and shellfish species, including those of commercial importance in the commercial fisheries study area, are assessed in volume 2, chapter 9 including consideration of the following:
  • temporary habitat loss/disturbance;
  • long-term subtidal habitat loss; and
  • increased suspended sediment concentrations and associated sediment deposition.
    1. The cumulative assessment presented in volume 2, chapter 9 did not identify any impacts above minor adverse significance on fish and shellfish species of commercial importance in the commercial fisheries study area. Consequently, any impacts associated with this on the commercial fisheries that target them are also not expected to exceed minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

12.13. Transboundary Effects

  1. A screening of transboundary impacts has been carried out and has identified that there were no likely significant transboundary effects with regard to commercial fisheries from the Proposed Development upon the interests of other European Economic Area (EEA) States. This is due to the negligible levels of activity by non-UK vessels within the commercial fisheries study area.

12.14. Inter-Related Effects (And Ecosystem Assessment)

  1. A description of the likely inter-related effects arising from the Proposed Development on commercial fisheries is provided in volume 2, appendix 20 of the Offshore EIA Report.
  2. For commercial fisheries, the following potential impacts have been considered within the inter-related assessment:
  • loss or restricted access to fishing grounds; and
  • displacement of fishing activity into other areas.
    1. Table 12.15   Open ▸ lists the inter-related effects (project lifetime effects) that are predicted to arise during the construction, operation and maintenance phase, and decommissioning of the Proposed Development and also the inter-related effects (receptor-led effects) that are predicted to arise for commercial fisheries receptors.
    2. No inter-related effects (project lifetime effects) are predicted to arise during the construction, operation and maintenance phase, and decommissioning of the Proposed Development, since the potential impacts listed above will not be further exacerbated over the lifetime of the Proposed Development.
    3. As noted above, effects on commercial fishing also have the potential to have secondary effects on other receptors and these effects are fully considered in the topic-specific chapters. These receptors and effects are:
  • fish and shellfish receptors; and
  • socio-economic receptors.

12.15. Summary of Impacts, Mitigation Measures, Likely Significant Effects and Monitoring

  1. Information on commercial fisheries within the commercial fisheries study area was collected through a desktop review of publicly available fisheries data and information and consultation with fisheries stakeholders.
  2. Table 12.16   Open ▸ presents a summary of the potential impacts, mitigation measures and the conclusion of likely significant effects in respect to commercial fisheries. The impacts assessed include:
  • loss or restricted access to fishing grounds;
  • displacement of fishing activity into other areas;
  • increased steaming times;
  • snagging risk – loss or damage to fishing gear and safety issues;
  • interference with fishing activities; and
  • impacts on commercially exploited species.
    1. Overall, it is concluded that there will be negligible or minor/tolerable effects arising from the Proposed Development during the construction, operation and maintenance or decommissioning phases, which are not significant in EIA terms.
    2. Table 12.17   Open ▸ presents a summary of the potential cumulative effects, mitigation measures and the conclusion of likely significant cumulative effects. The cumulative effects assessed include:
  • loss or restricted access to fishing grounds;
  • displacement of fishing activity into other areas;
  • increased steaming times;
  • snagging risk – loss or damage to fishing gear and safety issues;
  • interference with fishing activities; and
  • impacts on commercially exploited species.
    1. Overall, it is concluded that there will be negligible or minor/tolerable cumulative effects from the Proposed Development alongside other developments, which are not significant in EIA terms.
    2. No potential transboundary impacts have been identified in regard to effects of the Proposed Development.

Table 12.15:
Summary of Likely Significant Inter-Related Effects on the environment from Individual Effects Occurring across the Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Decommissioning Phases of the Proposed Development and from Multiple Effects Interacting Across all Phases (Receptor-led Effects)

Table 12.15: Summary of Likely Significant Inter-Related Effects on the environment from Individual Effects Occurring across the Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Decommissioning Phases of the Proposed Development and from Multiple Effects Interacting Across all Phases (Receptor-led Effects)

 

Table 12.16:
Summary of Likely Significant Environmental Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring

Table 12.16: Summary of Likely Significant Environmental Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring

 

Table 12.17:
Summary of Likely Significant Cumulative Environment Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring

Table 12.17: Summary of Likely Significant Cumulative Environment Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring

12.16. References

Blythe-Skyrme, R. E. (2010). Options and opportunities for marine fisheries mitigation associated with windfarms. London: Final report for COWRIE. Env contract FISHMITIG09.

BMM (2021) An overview of Scottish Fisheries prepared for the Floating Offshore Wind Industry. Available online at: https://ore.catapult.org.uk/?orecatapultreports=overview-scottish-fisheries-prepared-floating-offshore-wind-industry. Accessed: 02.03.2022.

Cappell, R., Huntington, T., Nimmo, F. and McNab, S. (2018). UK scallop fishery: current trends, future management options and recommendations. s.l.: Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd.

CEFAS (2012). Guidelines for data acquisition to support marine environmental assessments of offshore renewable energy projects. Contract report: ME5403. Available at: https://tethys.pnnl.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CEFAS_2012_Eenvironmental_Assessment_Guidance.pdf. Accessed on: 01 February 2022

CEFAS Marine Consents and Environment Unit, DEFRA, Department of Trade and Industry (2004). Offshore Wind Farms – Guidance note for Environmental Impact Assessment In respect of FEPA and CPA requirements, Version 2. Available at: https://www.cefas.co.uk/publications/files/windfarm-guidance.pdf. Accessed on: 01 February 2022

COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) (1972). Available at: https://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091014023731/http://www.imo.org/Conventions/mainframe.asp?topic_id=257&doc_id=649. Accessed on: 01 February 2022

Consultation Meeting. 16/11/2021. Consultation meeting with Fisheries Stakeholders (Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, North & East Coast Regional Inshore Fisheries Group, Fishing Industry Representatives and Under 10 m Association).

FLOWW (2014). Best Practice Guidance for Offshore Renewable Developments: Recommendations for Fisheries Liaison, s.l.: s.n.

FLOWW (2015). Best Practice Guidance for Offshore Renewables Developments: Recommendations for Fisheries Disruption Settlements and Community Funds, s.l.: s.n.

International Cable Protection Committee (2009). Fishing and Submarine Cables – Working together. Available at: https://www.iscpc.org/publications/. Accessed on: 01 February 2022

Kafas, A., Jones, G., Watret, R., Davies, I. and Scott, B. (2013). 2009 - 2013 amalgamated VMS intensity layers, GIS Data. Marine Scotland, Scottish Government

Kafas, A., McLay, A., Chimienti, M. and Gubbins, M. (2014). ScotMap Inshore Fisheries Mapping in Scotland: Recording Fishermen's Use of the Sea. Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science, 5(17), p. 32.

KIS-ORCA (2022) Emergency Procedures. Available at: https://kis-orca.org/safety/emergency-procedures/. Accessed on: 01 February 2022.

Marine Scotland (2011). Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-marine-atlas-information-national-marine-plan/pages/24/. Accessed on: 01 February 2022.

Marine Scotland Science (2017). Creel Fishing Effort Study, s.l.: Scottish Government. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/creel-fishing-effort-study/. Accessed on:01 February 2022.

Marine Scotland Science (2022). Assessing fisheries displacement by other licensed marine activities: good practice guidance, by Xodus for the Scottish Government. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/good-practice-guidance-assessing-fisheries-displacement-licensed-marine-activities/. Accessed on 14 July 2022.

MMO (2021). UK Sea Fisheries Statistics Report 2020. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1020837/UK_Sea_Fisheries_Statistics_2020_-_AC_checked.pdf. Accessed on: 01 February 2022.

Ørsted (2022). Caring for crustacean habitats. Available online at: https://orsted.co.uk/about-us/corporate-responsibility/environment/caring-for-crustacean-habitats Accessed on: 01.03.2022.

Seafish (2012). Best Practice Guidance for Fishing Industry Financial and Economic Impact Assessments. Lymington: Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd, Seafish, UKFEN.

Shelmerdine, R. L. and Mouat, B. (2021). Mapping fisheries and habitats in the North and East Coast RIFG area, s.l.: NAFC Marine Centre.

SSER (2020). 2020 Berwick Bank Wind Farm Project Offshore Scoping Report.

SSER (2021a). Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore Scoping Report.

SSER (2022c). Berwick Bank Wind Farm Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment.

SSER (2022e). Cambois Connection Scoping Report.

The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations (2017). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2017/101/contents/made. Accessed on: 01 February 2022.

The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations (2017). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2017/115/contents/made. Accessed on: 01 February 2022.

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations (2017). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2017/102/contents/made. Accessed on: 01 February 2022.

 

[1] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[2] C = Construction, O = Operation and maintenance, D = Decommissioning