Follow-up actions
Monitoring the dispersion of Alcidae chicks
Objectives and methodology
The objective of the measurement is to improve knowledge of the phenomenon of dispersal of adults and their chicks at sea and to verify whether this dispersal is in the direction of the wind farm off the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
The scientific protocol setting out the technical modalities of the field actions was established jointly between Ailes Marines and the local actors (Bretagne vivante and the Syndicat Mixte Grand Site Cap d'Erquy Cap Fréhel).
Follow-ups will be carried out:
Ashore, on the cliffs of Cape Frehel:
Monitoring of the colony is carried out every year starting in April, in order to estimate the date of departure of the Alcidae chicks. During June, observations are made in the evening using night vision equipment. The information recorded for each chick observed is: time of landing, time of reunion, associated behaviours, time of swimming start, direction taken, time of end of the duo's follow-up. These observation sessions are carried out the day before the monitoring at sea, in order to increase the chances of detection at sea.
At sea, the start of the transects is set at the tip of Cape Frehel.
Monitoring at sea is scheduled at the time of peak chick departures in order to have the highest probability of finding birds at sea. Monitoring is carried out from a boat about 10 metres long. A total of 8 trips are scheduled in June over a period of 10-15 days. At each observation, a GPS point is recorded. The number of individuals per age class is recorded, distinguishing between adults and young birds.
Location of actions
Follow-ups are carried out:
- Ashore, on the cliffs of Cape Frehel...
- At sea, the start of the transects being fixed at the tip of Cape Frehel.
Planning and Status
Seven years of follow-up are planned.