BirdWatch Ireland submission/observation - Codling Wind Park
An Bord Pleanála Case OA29N.320768
A submission by staff at BirdWatch Ireland
Contact: Rochelle Streker, Marine Spatial Planning Officer, BirdWatch Ireland
Address for correspondence: BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20 Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole/Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Phone: + 353 87 4374401
Email: rstreker@birdwatchireland.ie
Ireland’s Seabirds
Ireland’s marine environment plays host to a huge diversity of ornithological life year-round. In summer, our offshore islands and cliffs host seabird breeding colonies, many of which are of international importance or regional significance. In winter, our coasts and estuaries are of huge importance for wintering waterbirds. Seabirds, as top marine predators exposed to all threats affecting the ocean, are excellent biodiversity indicators, providing us with an insight into the health of, and pressures facing, our marine environment [1].
However, 23 of 24 breeding seabirds in Ireland are either Red or Amber listed Birds of Conservation Concern [2]. They are highly vulnerable, facing current pressures and future threats, including (ranked in order of frequency of occurrence) [3].
Bycatch and incidental killing (due to fishing and hunting activities) [4]
Desynchronisation of biological/ecological processes due to climate change
Decline or extinction of related species (e.g. food source/prey, predator/parasite, symbiote, etc.)
Other invasive alien species (other than species of Union concern).
Potential impacts from wind, wave and tidal power, including the associated infrastructure
