Week 2 - Birds, Appropriate Assessments and Natura Impact Statements
The Marine Institute (MI) plays a vital role in providing scientific and technical advice to the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) during the aquaculture licensing process. MI's expertise ensures that potential environmental impacts and effects on designated species are thoroughly evaluated. The institute assists in screening applications and determining the necessity of supporting Environmental Impact Statements. Through this collaboration, MI helps balance economic development and environmental protection in the context of aquaculture activities.
the Marine Institute actively engages in the Appropriate Assessment (AA) process to evaluate the potential impacts of aquaculture activities on Natura 2000 sites. The BEU team prepares supporting reports and assesses applications, by drawing on relevant scientific data and national guidelines. The AA process, derived from Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive, outlines decision-making tests for considering plans and projects that may significantly affect Natura 2000 sites.
I spent this week with the BEU team beginning the process of developing bird screening tools to assess the potential impacts of finfish farms on designated species in Special Protection Areas (SPAs) This screening tool aims to help identify potential risks of aquaculture activities on 70+ bird species and guide targeted mitigation measures for aquaculture activities. I conducted this report through comprehensive literature searches, database navigation, referencing, and analyzing primary literature.
This bird screening tool has identified knowledge gapsa, such as a lack of research on site fidelity for waders. Additionally, from reviewing this screening tool the BEU has recognized the need for further independent risk assessments regarding pressures from aquaculture on designated species and habitats. By identifying these research gaps, I have learned about the importance of ongoing scientific inquiry in informing policy and decision-making processes related to aquaculture licensing and appropriate assessments.
For more information on the Benthos Ecology Group:
https://www.marine.ie/site-area/areas-activity/marine-environment/benthos-ecology-group
