Abstract
This post installation marine mammal observation (MMO) report has been produced to demonstrate compliance with the environmental monitoring licence conditions granted for the installation and operation of the Oyster 800 (2a) and Piles Project at Billia Croo, Orkney.
This report includes:
- a short background;
- a summary of the MMO activities undertaken during installation; and
- the MMO recording forms.
Aquamarine Power produced an Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) (OY02-DES-RH-XODPLN-0001) in May 2011 which addresses the relevant conditions of the FEPA Licence granted for Oyster 800 (Ref 03987/11/0-4849). The EMP stipulates the marine mammal observation arrangements to be carried out during the ‘noisy’ operations associated with the installation of the Oyster 800 (2a) and piles project.
The MMO procedure is used to observe and record marine mammals and large or unusual fish species (e.g. basking shark) in the area around the works prior to, and during, any ‘noisy’ installation activities.