The following report details the findings of the spring 2012 adult and juvenile fish and epi-benthic survey, undertaken within and adjacent to the operational Thanet offshore wind farm between the 11th and 13th April.
The survey methodology, vessel and sampling gear detailed was agreed in consultation with Cefas. The sampling locations are in line with those in the 2005 pre-construction surveys, although it was agreed that a number of positions required relocation for health and safety reasons, due to inter-array and export cable interactions. These were approved by Cefas, as they are within a 100-900m range of the original sampling position. Appendix 1 details the trawls that required relocation, the distance and direction moved and the reason for relocation.
A dispensation from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for the Provisions of Council Regulation 850/98 to catch and retain undersize fish for scientific research and 43/2009 specifically related to days at sea was obtained prior to commencement of this survey. A derogation from Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (KEIFCA) for the survey was also received. A summary of the Health and Safety performance of the survey is provided in Appendix 2.
The aim of the survey was to establish the abundance and composition of adult and juvenile fish and epi-benthic species within the area, and to determine whether there are any differences
between the results of the pre-construction and post-construction surveys.