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Bay-wide bird studies were conducted by a team of ornithologists in fall 2006, throughout 2007, and in the beginning of 2008. The avian studies focused on the Common Tern, a Massachusetts-listed species of special concern, and the Roseate Tern, a State and Federally-endangered species. The studies produced estimates of tern passage rates and flight heights across several transects within the study areas. Those results were then used to model potential risks of collision with turbines.
Results of these initial avian studies are promising and conclude that two of the three study areas are expected to have inconsequential impact on the tern populations. However study area 1 (near West Island in Fairhaven) has a higher avian risk level, largely due to its proximity to the nesting habitat of the Roseate Tern. Therefore, this site is no longer being considered as a potential location for the South Coast Wind project.
We are currently working with Federal and State officials to develop more refined study methods for future studies that will focus on the remaining study areas.
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