The Relative Vulnerability of Migratory Bird Species to Offshore Wind Energy Projects on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf: An Assessment Method and Database

Publication Title: The Relative Vulnerability of Migratory Bird Species to Offshore Wind Energy Projects on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf: An Assessment Method and Database

Subject: Anthropogenic Properties
Birds
Birds; Collision; Displacement; Ranking; Indices; Sensitivity; Offshore Wind; Pelagic; Vulnerability; Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf; Assessment Method; Database

CSE Reference: Willmott JR, Forcey G, Kent A. 2013. The relative vulnerability of migratory bird species to offshore wind energy projects on the Atlantic outer continental shelf: an assessment method and database. US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 294 p. Obligation No.: M12PD00026. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2013-207. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/Final%20Reports/5319.pdf

Abstract: Offshore wind facilities during both construction and operation may impact bird populations directly through mortality from collisions and indirectly through displacement that affects population fitness. This study presents data on population size, conservation importance, and ecological traits of bird species found in the vicinity of the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf and a method of ranking their relative sensitivity to the impacts of collision and displacement. Based on both the literature synthesis and the collision sensitivity rank, avoidance behavior and flight height appear to be key factors that influence vulnerability to collision yet more data is needed to improve current data gaps and conflicting data.