New modeling tools help protect wildlife from offshore development

Scientists have developed new resources to better protect seabirds from the effects of offshore wind farms. Innovative modeling tools can save wildlife while ensuring effective and sustainable development of renewable energy sources.

The new modeling tool, published in Method, journal Ecology and Evolution, led by researchers at the University of Glasgow, is the first species that accurately predicts the space use of seabird colonies without the need for extensive satellite tracking data.

The Seabird Environmental Assessment Tool is used to inform off planning decisions for offshore wind farms. Although useful, current assessment methods may vary in accuracy and offshore wind farms may be constructed in areas with high bird density. Conversely, offshore wind farm developments can be inadvertently rejected based on an overestimation of seabirds.

Many seabird species nest in small-scale colonies, including flocks of rocks off the coast. From there, birds forage around areas of oceanic regions that vary widely depending on the size and location of the colony. Due to these distinctive behaviors, central foraging people such as seabirds are particularly sensitive to environmental stressors in local environments, such as the development of wind farms that can seriously affect colony numbers and well-being.

Using GPS tracking data from eight Northern Gannet Colonies to validate predictions, researchers show that the new tool almost doubles the predictive power of other industry-standard methods. The new tool averaged 73% accuracy compared to the current seabird assessment tool’s 41% and 31% accuracy. Current methods underestimate and underestimate colony exposure to offshore wind farms in a variety of scenarios.

Researchers believe that new tools could be transformative for offshore wind farm planning, allowing them to protect wildlife while safely building a source of renewable energy.

“An accurate estimating the impact of offshore wind farms and other stressors on seabirds can help make more informed decisions about offshore wind farms and other stressors and protect species living around the coast,” said Holly Niven, a student at the School of Health and Veterinary Biodiversity, a study lead author.

Furthermore, researchers say new modeling tools can be used to accurately predict the spatial use of wildlife in other colonies, such as seals, bats and bees.

Jason Mathiopoulos, professor of spatial and demographic ecology who oversees the study, said, “Ironically, environmentally positive activities such as wildlife conservation and advances towards green energy can be at odds with one another. Resolution of these conflicts relies on good data, but likewise rely on cutting-edge computer modeling techniques.”

“Many seabird colonies are located on remote islands or cliffs that make GPS tracking research extremely challenging or impossible,” said Jana Jeglinski, researcher and co-supervisor of the study. In the near future.”