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Conclusions

Annex I habitats in UK offshore waters
Before a list of possible offshore SACs can be proposed to the UK Government, decisions on the level of information necessary for an offshore area to be proposed as a SAC need to be made, including whether interpolated geological seabed data will provide sufficient information for SAC proposal. A number of habitat-specific site identification problems also require resolution: Distinction between areas of boulders and cobbles (i.e. stony reef) and of other gravel. Determination of site boundaries around suitable areas of widely distributed reef (e.g. iceberg ploughmark areas) in the absence of suitable data on their distribution. Determination of the location and extent of biogenic reefs. Determination of the full extent of shallow sandbanks and their associated sandy habitats (as opposed to the extent of sandy sediments in less than 20 m water depth) in UK offshore waters. Decision as to whether some UK examples of pockmarks containing carbonate accretions fit the Annex I habitat definition of submarine structures made by leaking gases.
A number of these decisions would benefit from further consultation with other EU Member States, especially because some areas of potential Annex I sandbank and reef habitat extend across Member State boundaries. Any list of SACs proposed for UK offshore waters needs to complement the existing inshore site series. SAC site selection ought to follow a similar process to that used previously for inshore, coastal and terrestrial sites.
Data on distribution of seals (particularly common seals Phoca vitulina) at sea in UK waters are very sparse. From examination of the limited data currently available, it may be possible to identify preferred feeding areas for seals in UK inshore and offshore waters. If such areas can be identified, it remains to be established whether they would be considered areas essential to the life and reproduction of the species, and consequently whether they should be considered as possible SACs. Where sites cannot be identified, or in addition to site identification, further special measures may be required to ensure the conservation of the species. A recent map showing distribution of bottlenose dolphin in NW European waters indicates that this species is not widely distributed in UK waters. However, spatial analysis of distribution data for bottlenose dolphin in UK offshore waters may indicate areas of elevated population density in addition to those already identified as SACs in UK inshore waters. If such areas can be identified, they may then be considered against the criteria for SAC selection. Where sites in UK offshore waters cannot be identified, or in addition to site identification, further special measures may be required to ensure the conservation of the species. UK is currently examining data for all UK waters to try to identify specific areas where harbour porpoise may have: Continuous or regular presence; elevated population density; or areas with good adult to young ratio.

occur on the list given in Brown et al. (1997). Thought will need to be given to adding submarine structures made by leaking gases if it is determined that the habitat exists in the UK, and its extent is calculated as below this threshold.
2.3. Information on Annex I habitats in the UK offshore area
2.3.1. Habitat identification
Identification of the distribution and extent of Annex I habitats in offshore waters was undertaken through a contract with the British Geological Survey (BGS), Edinburgh. The location and extent of reefs (excluding biogenic reefs), sandbanks and submarine structures made by leaking gases were extracted from existing BGS map interpretations of sample and geophysical data (1:250,000 scale seabed sediment map series). These locations were mapped within a Geographical Information System (GIS) and a database was created in MS Access 97 for accompanying data. Each BGS 1:250,000 map covers one degree of latitude and two degrees of longitude, and is based largely on BGS survey data (sampling and seismic, refer to Figure 2.2 for survey coverage). These maps have an average data density of 5-10 km, and therefore depict regional geology, which can in places be very generalised. The published maps cover the entire UK offshore area east of about 10 west. The survey work, interpretation, compilation and publishing of these maps was done mainly from the late 1970s until about 1990 (Graham et al. 2001a). Where possible, refinement of the existing map interpretations followed in subsequent phases, using additional information where available, in order to further distinguish between habitat and sub-habitat types. The habitat maps presented (Figure 2.3 to Figure 2.20) show bathymetric contours for depths greater than 200 m from the GEBCO 97 Digital Atlas (IOC, IHO and BODC 1997). Unfortunately bathymetric contours at less than 200 m depth (mostly relevant to the English Channel and North Sea) are not yet available in a suitable form for the whole of UK offshore waters and are not included on these maps. Limitations on using existing geological map interpretations to map the location and extent of Habitats Directive Annex I habitats in UK offshore waters were encountered in terms of the depth of sandy sediments to include, and in terms of the Habitats Directive definition of reef. Sandbanks in terms of the Habitats Directive are in water depth seldom more than 20 m below Chart Datum, and in terms of UK interpretation of the types of sediments represented, may include any sandy sediments. Existing BGS geological maps use a modified form of the Folk classification (see Figure 2.1), therefore any sandy sediments (those forming the lower right quartile of the Folk triangle) occurring in less than 20 m water depth were included in the GIS as potential sandbank habitat. It is important to note that the maps in this report show only these areas of sandy sediments in 20 m water depth or shallower. Complete sandbanks of which these areas form the summits, extend into water deeper than 20 m. The actual area considered for designation as Annex I habitat may, therefore, need to be increased to incorporate complete sandbank flanks, associated horizontal or sloping sandy habitats and/or channels between banks, to maintain the structure and functions of a sandbank or sandbank system. In the UK offshore area there are also distinct sandbanks in waters much deeper than 20 m, which have not been mapped as part of this project as they do not fit the Annex I habitat definition. Reef habitat in terms of the Habitats Directive includes bedrock, rocky substrates and biogenic concretions arising from the seafloor (see Section 2.1.2). Areas of bedrock and

biological data, images and sediment analysis in 2002. Preliminary results show the area to have a stony and coarse shelf sediment with extensive epifauna (DTI 2001). In the western group there has been some surveying undertaken by oil and gas companies which gives some detailed sediment analysis but very limited biological data. North Norfolk sandbanks These sandbanks are the most extensive example in UK waters of offshore linear ridges. The series includes over ten sandbank ridges which are formed of sand and exhibit varying degrees of sandwaves (Graham et al. 2001a). The North Norfolk sandbanks were initially formed as Alternating Ridges around the headland and as the Norfolk coast has receded they have been restructured by tidal currents to form their present shape. The tidal currents diminish from nearly 1.5 to 1 metre per second as distance from shore increases (Graham et al. 2001a). The inner banks have sandwaves between 4 and 6 m high associated with them which equates to a habitat which is fairly disturbed. The outer sandbanks in the Indefatigable group have small sandwaves or no sandwaves associated with them and hence are likely to support a differing biological community to the sandbanks further inshore (Graham et al. 2001a). The SEA2 survey ran transects across the majority of the sandbanks in this group and will yield biological, sediment and image data in 2002. Preliminary results show a fauna typified by Echinocardium cordatum (a sea urchin) and Fabulina fabula (a bivalve) with two species of sandeels common (DTI 2001). In addition to this, a number of environmental surveys have been conducted for oil and gas companies in this area. However, it is likely that many of the survey points will lie in the troughs between the ridges. Haisborough Tail, Hewett Ridges & Smiths Knoll This series of sandbanks is distinct from the sandbanks outlined above as they are undergoing further formative processes that are likely to split the sinuous complex of banks into a series of offshore linear ridges. These banks are currently morphologically classified as Alternating Ridges and are composed of sand. The tidal currents around these sandbanks are greater in magnitude than those of the North Norfolk banks (1.5 metres per second) and have resulted in larger sandwaves occurring on the banks (c. 8 m high on the outer banks) (Graham et al. 2001a). The SEA2 survey includes a transect across Smiths Knoll which should supply biological, image and sediment data for that ridge. It is likely that the other ridges in the group will have similar communities to those on Smiths Knoll. 2.3.2.3. Outer Thames Estuary sandbanks This group of sandbanks is entirely formed of tidal current ridges and can be seen in Figure 2.5. They were formed by the tidal current flow through the Thames Estuary but have been modified by open shelf currents as the coastline has receded. They are different from the Norfolk sandbank groups as the surrounding sediment in the troughs is more mixed and has a higher proportion of gravel as opposed to the predominance of sand in the Norfolk group. The ridges are all predominantly sand with the exception of Outer Gabbard which is predominantly gravelly sand. All the sandbanks have sandwaves on them and in the case of South Falls these may reach as high as 16 m towards the southern end of the bank (which protrudes into territorial waters) (Graham et al. 2001a). The water in this area is very turbid and is a combination of English Channel water and southern North Sea water. The different water bodies may have an influence on the communities that occur in this region in comparison to those off the Norfolk coast or the south Kent coast. To the knowledge of the offshore project, no surveys have been conducted on the areas of potential Annex I sandbank habitat which occur in this region.

d. Complex biotope with red encrusting sponge, Caryophyllia smithii and featherstars (crinoids) on boulders and bryozoan Pentapora membranacea, squat lobster Munida sp. and brittlestars (ophiuroids) also common. The Rees (2000) survey yielded tentative biotope classifications and descriptions and some images. Further work has produced side-scan images of the outcrop. South-west Approaches Shelf Break The bathymetry of the shelf break area in the south-west approaches to UK waters indicates that the shelf break is heavily canyoned. Currents are generally moderate in this region (MAFF 1981) and will have exposed bedrock and kept fine sediments suspended. However, in canyons, the water currents are likely to be greater and a different fauna may occur. In addition to the bedrock reef in this area it is likely that cold water corals are abundant and may well have formed reefs. In similar conditions to the west and east of UK waters, Le Danois (1948) discovered large quantities of Lophelia pertusa reef on the shelf break. Fauna associated with Lophelia pertusa reef in this region have been found to be different to those on the Faeroe Shelf (Jensen & Frederiksen 1992) and may be different to that found in north-west UK waters. To the knowledge of the Offshore Natura 2000 project, no surveys have been carried out in this section of UK waters and very little is known about the specific nature of the habitat and the biota it supports. 2.3.3.4. Irish Sea Figure 2.14 shows the distribution of potential Annex I reef habitat occurrences in the Irish Sea. These fall into four main regions which are discussed in turn below. The Irish Sea is distinct from other regions of the UK when considering hydrographic regime and seabed type with the possible exception of the eastern English Channel where there are also moderate currents and mobile sediment lags within a similar salinity regime. Mid Irish Sea This area consists of numerous outcrops of rock and sediment with one very large patch occurring centrally. These patches are highly variable in sediment type but have occurrences of cobble fields within a matrix of sand and gravel (Graham et al. 2001a). Within the large area of potential reef habitat are a series of bedrock outcrops which may have some mobile sediment cover and have a bold hummocky topography. All the potential reef habitat occurrences in this region are likely to be sediment-influenced and to have sediment-tolerant fauna associated with them. The region is approximately 120 m deep in the north and slopes upwards to 70 m in localised areas and reaches depths of c. 100 m in the north of the region. Many of the occurrences of potential reef habitat occur on slopes and rims of depressions (Graham et al. 2001a). A few surveys from the SWISS project were carried out within the large patch of quaternary sediment which dominates this set of habitat occurrences. Sandy gravel was found in the west of the patch and shelly sediment in the north-east, which confirms the variable nature of the patch (Wilson et al. 2001). CEFAS beam trawl surveys were conducted on two potential reef habitat occurrences on the north side of the region and found 5.6 kg/hr and 12.9 kg/hr of Sabellaria spinulosa (CEFAS pers. comm.). Full species lists with catch per unit effort (CPUE) figures are available for these sites. These indicate the possibility of Sabellaria spinulosa biogenic reef within the region. In general, for the area, very little information is held and further survey work is needed to determine where areas of cobble, boulder and bedrock may occur.

Cardigan Bay In this region there are a number of small gravel (as defined in the modified Folk classification) patches in water depths from 30 to 60 m. Seabed samples have recovered a range of sediment types from cobble, shelly cobble gravel to shelly gravel and sandy gravel, again demonstrating the variability of the seabed (Graham et al. 2001a). One CEFAS beam trawl monitoring site is within the region and a full species list with CPUE figures is available. No significant quantities of biogenic reef-forming species were trawled (CEFAS pers. comm.). Other surveys have been conducted in the area for geophysical purposes and these records could be investigated for further information if required. North of Anglesey This area extends from the shoreline to beyond territorial waters on the north side of Anglesey. The main occurrence of potential reef habitat is an extensive area of gravel (as defined in the modified Folk classification) which contains patches of gravelly sand and scattered rock outcrops. Within this area, patches of Modiolus modiolus reef have been found although the precise location of these is not known (Ivor Rees pers. comm.) and they may be within territorial waters. The surrounding, smaller, areas of potential reef habitat are either gravel patches or outcrops of quaternary material or rock. Cover of mobile sediments is patchy and of variable depth and any reef community is likely to be sediment-influenced (Graham et al. 2001a). The water depth is approximately 50 m and tidal currents are strong in the area north of Anglesey (CEFAS 2000). No BIOMOR or SWISS surveys have been undertaken within these patches. One survey was undertaken by CEFAS just within territorial waters and found compact rippled muddy sand with some shell material (Allen & Rees 1999). Other geophysical surveys have been undertaken within the areas of potential habitat and these may be accessed through the BGS if necessary. West of Isle of Man The potential Annex I reef habitat identified in this region is generally in the form of rock outcrops which are associated with slopes and small highs in the bedrock at between 70 and 90 m deep. The outcrops have a variable cover of mobile and non-mobile lag sediment and any reef community is likely to be sediment-influenced although tidal currents in this region are moderate to weak (MAFF 1981). A submersible survey on one of these outcrops found rock pavement with boulders and cobbles and a community which included bryozoans, Flustra sp., sunstar Solaster sp., occasional spiny lobsters, anemones and sponges (Graham et al. 2001a). The ISSIA, SWISS and BIOMOR projects in the Irish Sea do not provide any further information for this area, except in the case of one towed sledge survey which showed mud habitat with Nephrops norvegicus burrows which is consistent for the mud habitat which is believed to surround the rock outcrops (Allen & Rees 1999). No CEFAS surveys have been conducted over the habitat occurrences in this region. Other geophysical surveys have been undertaken within the areas of potential habitat and these may be accessed through BGS if necessary.

Bedrock reef is not confined to the outer regions of the Bank but is also present around the island of Rockall and Helens Reef (2 miles from Rockall Island) (Graham et al. 2001a). These fall within territorial waters but are likely to be contiguous with offshore occurrences of Annex I reef habitat. To the north-west of Rockall Bank there are three potential reef areas. These are noted by Graham et al. (2001a) as superficial gravel mounds, and recent research has shown that these are highly likely to be gravel sediment areas winnowed by strong bottom currents (Howe et al. 2001) and, therefore, not Annex I reef habitat. George Bligh Bank This area of potential reef habitat is a volcanic mound which is mostly covered in fine sediment with one area of rock outcrop towards the north of the summit. The Bank rises from 1650 m deep to 450 m (Graham et al. 2001a). There is one record of live Lophelia pertusa from the bank (Wilson 1979). There is currently no further information available for George Bligh Bank. 2.3.3.7. West of Rockall This region has undergone very little survey work and in general knowledge is restricted to interpretations of seismic surveys. The region can be seen in Figure 2.18. Much of the bottom water of this area is cold water originating from Norwegian Sea arctic intermediate water and Norwegian Sea deep water which has flowed down the FaeroeShetland and Faeroe Bank Channels and then turned south to form part of the cold (<0.5C) and less saline North Atlantic Deep Water current (Aurora Environmental Ltd & Hartley Anderson Ltd 2001). Therefore, the area west of Rockall is subject to very different conditions compared to the Rockall Trough. Sandastre This area is a volcanic, broad, asymmetric dome with a sediment veneer that covers the majority of the mound except in three locations: a double crested cone near the centre of the mound, a 300m high pinnacle in the north-east of the feature and a 2.5 km wide ridge along the south-west side. The sediment veneer is very thin on the south-west slope and there is a possibility of rock outcrops in this region. Lophelia pertusa was recovered from a dredge of the south-west flank in 1980, along with sponge, bryozoan and shell debris (Graham et al. 2001a). Swithin This area of potential reef habitat is a volcanic mound at the north-west edge of Rockall Bank and appears to be an extension of the Rockall Bank. The mound may have a sediment veneer across the entirety of its surface but there have been no samples to establish this (Graham et al. 2001a). No further information is currently available on this area. Lyonesse This potential Annex I habitat reef occurrence predominantly covered by a sediment veneer with central and north-east sections of the mound. There in the east of the area which may outcrop (Graham is a volcanic mound which is some bedrock outcroppings in the are some minor ridges or pinnacles et al. 2001a). No sediment samples

Swithin

Sandastre Rockall Bank

Potential reef habitat In UK offshore waters In UK inshore and non-UK waters UK Continental Shelf Designated Areas UK 12 nm Territorial Seas Bathymetric contour >200 m N.B. In UK inshore and non-UK waters only areas of potential reef habitat contiguous with those in UK offshore waters are shown. Seabed habitat derived from BGS 1:250,000 seabed sediment maps NERC (Licence No. 2002/85). World Vector Shoreline US Defense Mapping Agency. Bathymetry GEBCO Digital Atlas, British Oceanographic Data Centre on behalf of IOC and IHO 1994 & 1997. The exact limits of the UK Continental Shelf are set out in orders made under section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 ( Crown Copyright).
Figure 2.19 Potential Annex I reef habitat in UK offshore Scale 1:3450000 waters north of Scotland
Iceberg ploughmarks Shetland Slope and Wyville Thomson Ridge section
Judd Deeps Wyville Thomson Ridge Darwin Mounds

Turbot and Otter Bank

Shetland Islands

Solan Bank

ORKNEY ISLANDS
Potential reef habitat In UK offshore waters In UK inshore and non-UK waters Potential reef habitat (point location)
UK Continental Shelf Designated Areas UK 12 nm Territorial Seas Bathymetric contour >200 m Land
Figure 2.20 Pockmark fields and other areas within which submarine structures made by leaking gases Annex I habitat may occur Scale 1:2000000

Forties Field

Fladen Ground

Witch Ground

SCOTLAND CENTRAL NORTH SEA
Scanner pockmark Oil & Gas licensing block 16/3 Pockmark field Land
3. Habitats Directive Annex II Species
3.1. Species for which SACs will be considered
Annex II of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC (as amended by Directive 97/62/EC) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora lists those species of Community Interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Annex II species occurring in the marine environment of the UK are listed in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Species listed on Annex II of Council Directive 92/43/EEC and known to occur in offshore waters of the UK.
Name Scientific name Notes Existing SAC(s) in UK? ! Grey seal Halichoerus grypus ! Common seal Phoca vitulina ! Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta R ! Otter Lutra lutra I ! Lampern Lampetra fluviatilis I ! Lamprey Petromyzon marinus R Sturgeon Acipenser sturio R ! Shad Alosa spp. R Note: R = rare in UK offshore waters, without regular places of occurrence I = inshore distribution (not found in UK offshore waters)

Of these species, otter and river lamprey (or lampern) occur only in inshore and inland waters. Lamprey, sturgeon and shad are all rare in UK offshore waters and without regular places of occurrence. Loggerhead turtle is primarily a tropical and subtropical species which may wander into temperate waters. It is recorded infrequently in UK waters, mostly as cold-stunned juveniles washed ashore on west coasts during or after periods of stormy weather in winter and spring (Pierpoint 2000). No sites essential to their life and reproduction (see Section 3.2 below) are likely to be identifiable in UK offshore waters for any of the above species. Therefore only the first four species in Table 3.1 (two species of seal and two cetaceans) are being considered further for identification of possible SACs in UK offshore waters.
3.2. Site assessment criteria and additional principles used for site selection for Annex II species in the UK
Article 4 of the Habitats Directive, requiring sites (SACs) to be proposed for Annex II species, states that, For aquatic species which range over wide areas, such sites will be proposed only where there is a clearly identifiable area representing the physical and biological factors essential to their life and reproduction. As for Annex I habitats (Section 2.2), the Habitats Directive includes, in Annex III, criteria for selecting sites eligible for identification as Sites of Community Importance and designation as Special Areas for Conservation. As for Annex I habitats, in preparing the UK national list of candidate SACs (for terrestrial and inshore species), as well as the Annex III selection criteria, additional principles for site selection have been developed, which interpret and supplement the Annex III selection criteria. The selection criteria and additional principles relating to Annex II species are listed in Table 3.2 below.
Again, as for Annex I habitats, the process of applying the selection criteria and additional principles to terrestrial and inshore sites in the UK is described in JNCC Report 270 (Brown et al. 1997), which is currently being updated (McLeod et al. in press).
Table 3.2 Summary of site assessment criteria and additional principles used for site selection in the UK (from McLeod et al. (in press)
Site assessment criteria (Annex II species)
Proportion of UK population Conservation of features important for species survival Isolation of species populations Global assessment Additional principles Priority/non-priority status Geographical range Special UK responsibilities Multiple interest Rarity
References Annex III Stage 1B(a); Article 1I; Conclusions of 1994 Atlantic Biogeographical Region Meeting (para. 7). Annex III Stage 1B(b); Article 1i. Annex III Stage 1B(c); Conclusions of 1994 Atlantic Biogeographical Region Meeting (para. 7). Annex III Stage 1B(d).

Additionally, other biological elements are characteristic of these areas, such as very developed social and sexual life. Therefore, DG Environment advocates an approach
based on the above mentioned characteristics and suggests that this be applied with a view to site selection for this species (EC 2001a). The UK is therefore re-examining distribution data for harbour porpoise in all of its waters (both inshore and offshore), to attempt to identify whether there are areas within which sites may be proposed as SACs for this species, taking the above into account. 3.2.1.3. Isolation of species populations Habitats Directive Annex III Stage 1B (c): Degree of isolation of the population present on the site in relation to the natural range of the species. Atlantic Biogeographical Region Meeting Conclusions, paragraph 7): Where Annex II species populations are too small to be naturally viable, or where they occur only as vagrants or reintroduction, Member States may exclude them from consideration for site selection. (Hopkins & Buck 1995) The Explanatory Notes to the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (EC 1995) indicate that this is an approximate measure of the contribution of a given population to the genetic diversity of the species and of the fragility of the specific population at the site being considered. This criterion has been found to be relevant to only a small number of terrestrial species populations in the UK in previous selection of sites (Brown et al. 1997). None of the Annex II species occurring in offshore waters are considered to be isolated populations, mainly due to their mobility and the continuous nature of the marine environment. 3.2.1.4. Global assessment Habitats Directive Annex III Stage 1B (d): Global assessment of the value of the site for conservation of the species concerned. The Explanatory Notes to the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (EC 1995) indicate that this criterion is used to sum up the previous criteria and also to assess other features of the site thought to be relevant for a given species using best expert judgement.
3.2.2. Additional principles which should be taken into account in site selection for Annex II species
3.2.2.1. Priority/Non-priority species Habitats Directive Article 1(h): priority species means species referred to in (g) (i) for the conservation of which the Community has particular responsibility in view of the proportion of their natural range which falls within the territory referred to in Article 2; Atlantic Biogeographical Region Meeting Conclusions, paragraph 3: Member States will give significant additional emphasis in number and area to sites containing priority habitat types and species. (Hopkins & Buck 1995) None of the species that are being considered in UK offshore waters have priority status. 3.2.2.2. Geographical range Habitats Directive Article 3 (1): A coherent European ecological network of special areas of conservation shall be set up under the title Natura 2000. This network, composed of

Figure 5.2

RSPB proposals for marine extensions to breeding bird SPAs in the UK, including feeding areas (RSPB 2000)
The average numbers of Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis in key areas from March to April 1980-1994. Areas marked with bold are of international importance (MCC criteria). 2 Locality Density Km Estimate % 1 Shetland 25.478000 46.Little Halibut Bank 9.144000 14.Northern North Sea, medium 1.7700 7.Northern North Sea, low 1.131000 12.Brown Ridge - Dogger Bank 1.96000 9.Little Fisher Bank - Skagerrak 1.14000 1.North Sea - Channel 0.81000 7.94 Residual 1000 0.10 Total 1023000 100.00
Figure 5.3 Distribution and density of fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) in the North Sea during March to April (Skov et al. 1995)
The average numbers of Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus in key areas from August to October 1980-1994. Areas marked with bold are of international importance (MCC criteria). 2 Locality Density Km Estimate % 1 Eastern Shetland 0.1200 0.Moray Firth 2.22000 14.Aberdeen Bank 0.2900 1.Barmade Bank - North East Bank 1.23000 14.Outer Silver Pit 4.6750 4.Lemon Bank - Brown Ridge 0.6700 4.Western Channel 0.5350 3.Eastern Channel 0.4200 2.Dutch - Belgium coast 1.20000 12.Helgoland 1.5000 3.Skagerrak - Danish Westcoast 0.26400 16.Northeast North Sea, low 0.32000 20.38 Residual 1500 0.96 Total 157000 100.00
Figure 5.4 Distribution and density of great back-backed gull (Larus marinus) in the North Sea during August to October (Skov et al. 1995)
The average numbers of Guillemot Uria aalge in key areas from September to October 1980-1994. Areas marked with bold are of international importance (MCC criteria). 2 Locality Density Km Estimate % 1 Northern North Sea, Low 0.8000 0.Shetland, east 3.10000 0.North Orkney 6.18000 1.Northern North Sea 2.311000 21.Moray Firth, central 31.32000 2.Moray Firth 15.84000 5.Aberdeen Bank, core 28.98000 6.Aberdeen Bank, periphery 13.40000 2.Northeast Scotland, high 7.91000 6.Inner Firth of Forth 42.58000 4.Wee Bankie 11.23000 1.Farne Deeps 18.5000 0.Tees Bay - Barmade Bank 34.80000 5.Flamborough Head - Barmade Bank 7.62000 4.North East Bank 5.160000 11.Dogger North Ground 0.800 0.Dogger Bank 3.130000 9.Kvitbanken 0.23000 1.Leman Bank 6.3000 0.Texel coast 2.1500 0.Dutch - Belgian coast 0.2000 0.German Bight 0.8000 0.Weisse Bank 18.2800 0.Horns Rev - Weisse Bank, medium 2.28200 1.Northern Horns Rev 8.11400 0.Great Fisher Bank - Klondyke 0.34000 2.Little Fisher Bank 7.14000 0.Western Skagerrak, high 11.20000 1.Skagerrak, medium 2.17000 1.Eastern Skagerrak, low 0.700 0.Eastern Skagerrak, high 9.10000 0.Northern Kattegat 0.1200 0.Kummel Banke 8.9500 0.Southern Kattegat 4.20000 1.40 Residual 9000 0.63 Total 1426100 100.00
Figure 5.5 Distribution and density of guillemot (Uria aalge) in the North Sea during September to October (Skov et al. 1995)

6. Conclusions

1. Define areas as described above. 2. Where sites cannot be identified as essential to the life and reproduction of the species (for Annex II species) or as the most suitable territories (for Annex I and regularly occurring migratory birds), special measures (Approach D) will be required to ensure the conservation of these species.
6.3 Conclusions for Birds Directive Annex I and migratory birds
6.3.1. The JNCC Marine SPA Project
Some of the work to try to identify areas that may qualify for classification as SPAs for inshore groups of Annex I and migratory birds is already ongoing under JNCCs Marine SPA Project, separate from the Offshore Natura 2000 project. Although initially separate projects, the two are closely integrated due to potential overlap in work areas. The three main types of marine SPAs are currently envisaged as: a) Seaward extensions of breeding colony SPAs beyond low water mark; b) inshore areas used by birds in the non-breeding seasons e.g. seaduck and divers; and c) marine feeding areas. The third type is the only one that relates to offshore waters, and forms part of the JNCC Offshore Natura 2000 Project. Work on JNCCs Marine SPA Project is in progress. For work on seaward extensions of breeding colony SPAs, JNCC conducted surveys of bird use of waters close to certain breeding colony SPAs in 2001, with the aim of applying a radius approach to extensions to bird breeding colonies. These data were collected up to 4-5 km from each colony, and are being interpolated (using the kriging/variogram method described in Section 5.2.2). Initial analyses of these survey data (Andy Webb pers. comm.), indicate that relatively well defined areas within a short distance (approximately 1km) of the colonies were used during the breeding season by birds (mainly the auks and gannets) engaged in behaviour such as bathing, preening, resting, etc. Location of feeding areas in relation to each colony depended on the species, the site, and variable physical and environmental conditions. For those species that have enough observations to model spatially (guillemots, razorbills, gannets, puffins), analyses of the interpolated data will generate proposed boundaries for each species. These proposed boundaries will be applied to all UK colonies, paying particular attention to the predominant species on that colony, and tailoring the size of the SPA to species-specific priorities. For the identification of inshore areas used by birds in the non-breeding seasons that may qualify for classification as SPAs, aerial survey data, combined with some data from the ESAS database and WeBS core counts, are likely to be the primary sources of data. This aspect of the Marine SPA Project is ongoing. For marine feeding areas that may qualify for classification as SPAs, work is proceeding under JNCCs Offshore Natura 2000 Project. Work on this aspect of marine SPAs is not as far advanced as for seaward extensions of breeding colony SPAs and inshore areas used by birds in the non-breeding seasons. However, some preliminary analyses have been carried out in order to subdivide the long list of birds into relevant groups of

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Using ESAS data, a preliminary examination of the proportions of records for each species in 5 km bands from shore was performed on a sample of records (see Annex A). This preliminary analysis indicated that a suitable cut-off point to split the bird species into an inshore group and an offshore group was at 15 km (approximately 8 nm) from the coast. A graphical view of this analysis revealed two classes of seabird species: those where the cumulative percentage of abundance increased steeply within about 15km of the coast, and those where the percentage increased more gradually. Where 50% of database records occurred at less than 15 km from the coast, these species were termed inshore (groups 1A and 2A in Table 6.3 below). Where 50% of records in the ESAS database occurred at greater than 15 km from the coast, these species were termed offshore (groups 1B and 2B in Table 6.3 below). For those species with less than 400 records in the ESAS database, the split into inshore and offshore species (groups 1A and 1B in Table 6.3) was performed on the limited number of records held in the ESAS database, and was supplemented by general knowledge of the distribution of the species.

Table 6.3

Split of bird species into inshore and offshore groups Species Status Existing SPA(s) in UK? Marine extension to breeding colony SPA likely?
1A Species of primarily INSHORE distribution. Less than 400 records in ESAS database therefore no spatial analysis by modified Skov et al. 1995 methodology. Use of additional data and other methods required. ! Black-throated diver Gavia arctica Ann. I Great northern diver Gavia immer Ann. I Red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena M ! Slavonian grebe Podiceps auritus Ann. I Black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis M ! Scaup Aythya marila M Surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata M ! Velvet scoter Melanitta fusca M ! Goldeneye Bucephala clangula M ! Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator M ! Goosander Mergus merganser M Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis M ! ! Sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis Ann. I ! ! Little tern Sterna albifrons Ann. I 1B Species of primarily OFFSHORE distribution. Less than 400 records in ESAS database therefore no spatial analysis by modified Skov et al. 1995 methodology. Use of additional data and other methods required. Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea Ann. I Great shearwater Puffinus gravis M Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus Ann. I ! Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Ann. I Grey phalarope Phalaropus fulicaria M Pomarine skua Stercorarius pomarinus M Long-tailed skua Stercorarius longicaudus M ! ! Mediterranean gull Larus melanocephalus Ann. I Sabines gull Larus sabini M Yellow-legged herring gull Larus argentatus cachinnans M Iceland gull Larus glaucoides M Glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus M ! ! Roseate tern Sterna dougallii Ann. I Black tern Chlidonias niger Ann. I 2A Species of primarily INSHORE distribution (more than 50% of records in ESAS within 15 km of coast), adequately represented in ESAS database, therefore spatial analysis by modified Skov et al. 1995 methods to be performed, plus use of other data as appropriate. ! Red-throated diver Gavia stellata Ann. I ! Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus M ! ! Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo M ! ! Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis M ! Common eider Somateria mollissima M ! Long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis M ! Common scoter Melanitta nigra M Little gull Larus minutus M ! ! Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus M ! ! Common gull Larus canus M 2B Species of primarily OFFSHORE distribution (less than 50% of records in ESAS within 15 km of coast), adequately represented in ESAS database, therefore spatial analysis by modified Skov et al. 1995 method is primary analysis tool to identify aggregations. ! ! Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis M Sooty shearwater Puffinus griseus M ! ! Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus M ! ! Storm petrel Hydrobates pelagicus Ann. I ! ! Leachs petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Ann. I ! ! Gannet Morus bassanus M ! ! Arctic skua Stercorarius parasiticus M ! ! Great skua Catharacta skua M ! ! Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus M ! ! Herring gull Larus argentatus M ! ! Great black-backed gull Larus marinus M ! ! Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla M ! ! Common tern Sterna hirundo Ann. I ! ! Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea Ann. I ! ! Guillemot Uria aalge M ! ! Razorbill Alca torda M Little auk Alle alle M ! ! Puffin Fratercula arctica M Note: M = regularly occurring migratory species (Article 4.2, Birds Directive) Ann. I = listed on Annex I of Birds Directive Existing SPA(s) in UK? = Are there SPAs in the UK (Sept 2001) for which the species is a qualifying feature?

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