Mge0741rp0008

ADDENDUM TO EDGE 2D HR SEISMIC SURVEY AND SITE SURVEY – SCREENING FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT REPORT

RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 23 AUGUST 2019

MGE0741RP0008

Addendum to Edge 2D HR Seismic Survey and Site Survey – Screening for AA Report Response to RFI and Clarifications F01

21 October 2019

rpsgroup.com

RESPONSE TO RFI AND CLARIFICATIONS

Document status

Review Version Purpose of document Authored by Reviewed by Approved by date Response to RFI and Gareth Gareth F01 James Forde 21/10/2019 Clarifications McElhinney McElhinney

Approval for issue

Gareth McElhinney 21 October 2019

The report has been prepared for the exclusive use of our client and unless otherwise agreed in writing by RPS Group Limited no other party may use, make use of or rely on the contents of this report.

The report has been compiled using the resources agreed with the client and in accordance with the scope of work agreed with the client. No liability is accepted by RPS Group Limited for any use of this report, other than the purpose for which it was prepared.

RPS Group Limited accepts no responsibility for any documents or information supplied to RPS Group Limited by others and no legal liability arising from the use by others of opinions or data contained in this report. It is expressly stated that no independent verification of any documents or information supplied by others has been made.

RPS Group Limited has used reasonable skill, care and diligence in compiling this report and no warranty is provided as to the report’s accuracy.

No part of this report may be copied or reproduced, by any means, without the written permission of RPS Group Limited.

Prepared by: Prepared for:

RPS CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited

Dr James Forde Stephen Parker Senior Project Scientist Exploration Manager Ireland

Lyrr 2, IDA Business & Technology Park, Prospect House, 97 Oxford Road, Mervue, Galway, Ireland Uxbridge, UK, H91 H9CK UB81LU T +353 (0) 91 400 200 T +44 (0) 1895 237700 E [email protected] E [email protected]

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Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2 REQUESTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION/ CLARIFICATIONS ...... 2 2.1 Query 1 ...... 2 2.2 Query 2 ...... 4 2.3 Query 3 ...... 11 2.4 Query 4 ...... 12 2.4.1 Response Overview ...... 13 2.4.2 Impact Assessment ...... 15 2.4.3 Habitats Directive Annex II Marine Mammal Species ...... 17 2.4.4 Habitats Directive Annex II Migratory Fish Species: ...... 21 2.4.5 Habitats Directive Annex I Offshore Geogenic and Biogenic Reef ...... 27 2.4.6 Birds Directive Annex I Seabird Species ...... 30 3 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION REGARDING POTENTIAL IN COMBINATION EFFECTS ...... 44

Tables Table 2.1: Coordinates of provisional survey line start- and end-points ...... 7 Table 2.2: Coordinates of survey area node points ...... 10 Table 2.3: Marine mammal QIs of SACs ...... 14 Table 2.4: Migratory fish QIs of SACs ...... 14 Table 2.5: Survey aspects associated with proposed activities and unplanned events ...... 15 Table 2.6: QIs of SACs and SCIs of SPAs for which no potential pathway for interaction exists with planned survey activities and unplanned events ...... 15 Table 2.7: QIs of SACs and SCIs of SPAs for which potential interaction with survey aspects exists ...... 16 Table 2.8: SACs designated for Annex II marine mammal species ...... 17 Table 2.9: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Annex II marine mammal species ...... 18 Table 2.10: SACs designated for Annex II migratory fish species ...... 22 Table 2.11: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Annex II migratory fish species ...... 23 Table 2.12: SACs designated for Annex I reef habitat ...... 27 Table 2.13: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Annex I reef habitat ...... 27 Table 2.14: SPAs assessed for potential impacts ...... 30 Table 2.15: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Birds Directive Annex I bird species ...... 31 Table 2.16: Seabird foraging ranges (summarised from Thaxter et al. 2012 and Wakefield et al. 2017) ...... 33 Table 2.17: SPAs with qualifying SCI species with foraging ranges potentially overlapping the GWA Seabird foraging ranges (summarised from Thaxter et al. 2012 and Wakefield et al. 2017) ...... 35 Table 2.18: Risk categories of SCI species with foraging ranges overlapping the GWA ...... 38

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Table 2.19: Risk categories ...... 38 Table 3.1: Other offshore activities and potential for in-combination effect with the proposed Edge Survey ...... 46

Figures Figure 2.1: Provisional vessel survey lines relative to the proposed greater working area ...... 6

Appendices Appendix A SACs and SPAs

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1 INTRODUCTION On 23 August 2019 the EAU wrote to CNOOC requesting further information and clarifications on the Edge Survey application to enable carrying out a Stage 1 AA Screening Assessment of the application in accordance with the requirements set out in the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The Habitats Directive has been given effect in Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-15 as amended.

The EAU raised a total of 4 No. requests for further information or clarifications (queries) relating the Screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) report. CNOOC has considered the 4 queries raised by the EAU and presents below a detailed response to each query (see Section 2.1 to Section 2.4). We trust that these responses provide the required additional information and clarity to enable a determination to be made.

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2 REQUESTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION/ CLARIFICATIONS 2.1 Query 1 Query

1. Clarification is required on the technical specification of some items of equipment proposed: a) In particular the Massa sub bottom profiler, as the frequency range given in the report does not specify which model is being used and differs from the frequency range quoted in the manufacturer’s technical specifications for the current Massa TR-1075 sub bottom profiler;

CNOOC Response

Table 2.1 and Table 2.5 of the Screening for AA and NIS lists the geophysical equipment that could potentially be used for the survey. The sub bottom profiler is listed in Table 2.1 as “Massa 3x3 (or similar)”. The frequency range for the “Massa 3x3 Array” is quoted in Table 3.4 as 2 kHz to 8 kHz. It is possible that the Massa TR-1075 (2.5 kHz – 10 kHz) sub bottom profiler could be used on the survey. The noise modelling assessment was carried out using generic frequency range data for the Massa equipment (2-8 kHz). As this includes a lower bottom frequency than for the TR-1075, this is considered a slightly more conservative approach. A source level of 211 dB re 1 uPa is used in the model, and this is the same as for the Massa TR-1075. To generate a sufficiently fast impulse (rise time) the frequency range of sound signals produced by a sub- bottom profiler are dominated by low frequency sounds. Consequently, the vast majority of the energy is present at the lower frequencies with significantly less high frequency energy emitted. In this context, by using 2 kHz as the low end of the frequency range the noise model produces an output that is slightly more conservative than would be provided using the 2.5 kHz specified for the Massa TR 1075. As the minority of energy for the impulse signal is contained in higher frequencies, the upper frequency cut- off point is of less importance (than low frequency sounds) when modelling emissions for sub-bottom profilers, i.e. energy levels decrease with increasing frequency. Noise levels are added logarithmically, and this has the effect that lower level emissions at higher frequencies do not change the overall noise level. In terms of modelling acoustic impacts 8 kHz is in the same frequency range as the 10 kHz specified for the Massa TR-1075. The wider frequency band has no significant impact on the overall broadband noise level. The survey vessel and its associated full equipment list has not yet been confirmed, consequently the noise sources listed represent the ‘worst-case scenario’ in terms of adverse impact (i.e. the most powerful equipment potentially available on candidate survey vessels), and therefore the most robust basis for the impact assessment. The source level and frequency specifications used in the noise modelling of these equipment items are taken from manufacturers datasheets and RPS’s database of acoustic equipment specifications. Modelling the ‘worst-case scenario’ equipment allows for subsequent flexibility in selecting equipment that is available

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at the time of contracting and covers the full range of possible survey activities. CNOOC confirm that the equipment that will be used during the Edge Survey will be of equal (or lower) power to the equipment used in the noise model. Based on the above, it can be concluded that using the 10 kHz instead of 8 kHz as the maximum frequency in the noise model would result in no discernible change in the predicted noise impact.

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2.2 Query 2 Query

2. The project description references the total expected line distance to be covered but does not provide a line plan – line plan now required;

CNOOC Response The proposed site survey will cover a large area to assess the conditions of the seabed and shallow geology in a range of potential well locations. The provisional proposed line plan provides full coverage of an area up to a distance of 250 m beyond the maximum likely anchor radius around a potential drilling location and takes into account uncertainty around the location of a potential well, as well as the location of its associated re-spud and relief well(s) in the unlikely event that a relief well should have to be drilled. The proposed survey line plan is presented in Figure 2.1 below. Coordinates for the start- and end-point of each line are presented in Table 2.1. Coordinates of the survey area node points illustrated in Figure 2.1 are listed in Table 2.2. The proposed survey line density is 150 m x 500 m away from and 100 m x 50 m in the vicinity of the proposed well location(s). The provisional survey lines measure approximately 340 km in total length. Along the proposed lines CNOOC propose to acquire geophysical data with: • Single-beam echosounder (SBES) • Multi-beam echosounder (swathe bathymetry) (MBES) • Side scan sonar (SSS) • Sub-bottom profiler (SBP) • Magnetometer – towed fish • High-resolution 2D seismic (HR2D).

It should be noted that the line plan described below, including exact survey position, number of lines and number of line kilometres is provisional and may change, as detailed planning and design proceeds on the well location, and as observed conditions in the field dictate. Changes, if required, will be minor in nature. For instance, minor adjustments to the line plan and/ or changes to the number of lines and/ or the number of line kilometres may be required due to potential observed seabed obstructions in the field. In circumstances where additional lines are required to be run this would conservatively take an additional 1 to 2 days. This eventuality has already been taken into account in the stated survey duration of 10 - 20 days. The assessment of potential impact of the survey on environmental receptors covers the worst-case scenario survey requirement (i.e. the assessments consider the greatest potential survey requirement and the longest potential survey duration). The environmental assessments presented within the application reports take into account the uncertainty regarding the position of the survey within the survey GWA, the number of lines and the number of line kilometers. The assessments have identified that the only source of potential impact of the survey to environmental receptors is the underwater noise generated by survey equipment. The environmental receptors of concern are marine mammal species. The NIS concluded that based on the nature and duration of the proposed site survey operations, and strict adherence to DAHG Guidance to Manage the

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Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters (DAHG, 2014) and recommendations from PAD and NPWS, in relation to the separation distance between the concurrent acoustic surveys, no significant impacts will occur. The conclusions of the NIS in the Screening for AA and NIS report, presented in application documentation submitted on 10th May 2019 remain the same.

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1 Legend 0 10 20 Km ¯ Survey Greater Working Area Node

3 0 0.5 1 Km

Esri, Garmin, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors

Client CNOOC International

Title Provisional vessel survey lines relative to the proposed greater working area

Figure 2.1

RPS | Consulting UK & Ireland Lyrr 2, IDA Business & Technology Park, Mervue Galway, H91 H9CK, Ireland T +353 (0)791 941030 829009 E [email protected] W rpsgroup.com/ireland

Issue Details

File Identifier: MGE0471Arc0001

Rev: F01

Drawn: JF Date: 09/10/2019

Checked: GMcE Scale: 1:500,000 (A3)

Approved: GMcE Projection: ITM

NOTE:

Esri, Garmin, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors 1. This drawing is the property of RPS Group Ltd. It is a confidential document and must not be copied, used, or its contents divulged without prior written consent. 2. Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence EN 0005019 Esri, Garmin, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors ©Copyright Government of Ireland. RESPONSE TO RFI AND CLARIFICATIONS

Table 2.1: Coordinates of provisional survey line start- and end-points

Line Start of Line End of Line ID ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude SL01 54° 25' 14.298" N 10° 44' 41.572" W 54° 27' 34.837" N 10° 40' 51.917" W SL02 54° 25' 13.183" N 10° 44' 39.563" W 54° 27' 33.721" N 10° 40' 49.908" W SL03 54° 25' 15.413" N 10° 44' 43.581" W 54° 27' 35.953" N 10° 40' 53.926" W SL04 54° 25' 12.068" N 10° 44' 37.554" W 54° 27' 32.604" N 10° 40' 47.898" W SL05 54° 25' 16.528" N 10° 44' 45.590" W 54° 27' 37.069" N 10° 40' 55.936" W SL06 54° 25' 10.953" N 10° 44' 35.545" W 54° 27' 31.488" N 10° 40' 45.889" W SL07 54° 25' 17.643" N 10° 44' 47.599" W 54° 27' 38.185" N 10° 40' 57.945" W SL08 54° 25' 9.838" N 10° 44' 33.536" W 54° 27' 30.372" N 10° 40' 43.880" W SL09 54° 25' 18.758" N 10° 44' 49.609" W 54° 27' 39.301" N 10° 40' 59.954" W SL10 54° 25' 8.723" N 10° 44' 31.527" W 54° 27' 29.256" N 10° 40' 41.871" W SL11 54° 25' 19.873" N 10° 44' 51.618" W 54° 27' 40.417" N 10° 41' 1.964" W SL12 54° 25' 5.378" N 10° 44' 25.500" W 54° 27' 25.908" N 10° 40' 35.843" W SL13 54° 25' 23.218" N 10° 44' 57.646" W 54° 27' 43.765" N 10° 41' 7.993" W SL14 54° 25' 2.033" N 10° 44' 19.473" W 54° 27' 22.560" N 10° 40' 29.816" W SL15 54° 25' 26.563" N 10° 45' 3.674" W 54° 27' 47.113" N 10° 41' 14.021" W SL16 54° 24' 58.688" N 10° 44' 13.447" W 54° 27' 19.211" N 10° 40' 23.789" W

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Line Start of Line End of Line ID ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude SL17 54° 25' 29.907" N 10° 45' 9.703" W 54° 27' 50.460" N 10° 41' 20.051" W SL18 54° 24' 55.342" N 10° 44' 7.421" W 54° 27' 15.862" N 10° 40' 17.762" W SL19 54° 25' 33.252" N 10° 45' 15.731" W 54° 27' 53.808" N 10° 41' 26.080" W SL20 54° 24' 51.997" N 10° 44' 1.395" W 54° 27' 12.514" N 10° 40' 11.736" W SL21 54° 25' 36.596" N 10° 45' 21.760" W 54° 27' 57.156" N 10° 41' 32.110" W SL22 54° 24' 48.651" N 10° 43' 55.370" W 54° 27' 9.165" N 10° 40' 5.710" W SL23 54° 25' 39.941" N 10° 45' 27.790" W 54° 28' 0.503" N 10° 41' 38.140" W SL24 54° 24' 45.305" N 10° 43' 49.345" W 54° 27' 5.816" N 10° 39' 59.684" W SL25 54° 25' 43.285" N 10° 45' 33.819" W 54° 28' 3.851" N 10° 41' 44.170" W SL26 54° 24' 41.960" N 10° 43' 43.320" W 54° 27' 2.467" N 10° 39' 53.659" W SL27 54° 25' 46.629" N 10° 45' 39.849" W 54° 28' 7.198" N 10° 41' 50.201" W SL28 54° 24' 38.614" N 10° 43' 37.295" W 54° 26' 59.118" N 10° 39' 47.633" W SL29 54° 25' 49.973" N 10° 45' 45.879" W 54° 28' 10.545" N 10° 41' 56.231" W SL30 54° 24' 35.268" N 10° 43' 31.271" W 54° 26' 55.769" N 10° 39' 41.608" W SL31 54° 25' 53.317" N 10° 45' 51.910" W 54° 28' 13.892" N 10° 42' 2.263" W SL32 54° 24' 31.922" N 10° 43' 25.247" W 54° 26' 52.420" N 10° 39' 35.584" W SL33 54° 25' 56.661" N 10° 45' 57.940" W 54° 28' 17.239" N 10° 42' 8.294" W SL34 54° 24' 28.576" N 10° 43' 19.223" W 54° 26' 49.071" N 10° 39' 29.559" W

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Line Start of Line End of Line ID ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude SL35 54° 26' 0.005" N 10° 46' 3.971" W 54° 28' 20.586" N 10° 42' 14.326" W SL36 54° 24' 25.230" N 10° 43' 13.200" W 54° 26' 45.721" N 10° 39' 23.535" W SL37 54° 26' 3.349" N 10° 46' 10.003" W 54° 28' 23.933" N 10° 42' 20.357" W SL38 54° 24' 21.883" N 10° 43' 7.177" W 54° 26' 42.372" N 10° 39' 17.511" W SL39 54° 26' 6.693" N 10° 46' 16.034" W 54° 28' 27.280" N 10° 42' 26.390" W

SL40 54° 27' 32.062" N 10° 44' 8.160" W 54° 25' 40.501" N 10° 40' 47.235" W SL41 54° 27' 29.719" N 10° 44' 11.988" W 54° 25' 38.160" N 10° 40' 51.063" W SL42 54° 27' 34.405" N 10° 44' 4.332" W 54° 25' 42.843" N 10° 40' 43.406" W SL43 54° 27' 27.376" N 10° 44' 15.816" W 54° 25' 35.819" N 10° 40' 54.891" W SL44 54° 27' 36.748" N 10° 44' 0.504" W 54° 25' 45.184" N 10° 40' 39.578" W SL45 54° 27' 25.033" N 10° 44' 19.644" W 54° 25' 33.477" N 10° 40' 58.719" W SL46 54° 27' 39.091" N 10° 43' 56.676" W 54° 25' 47.525" N 10° 40' 35.749" W SL47 54° 27' 13.317" N 10° 44' 38.780" W 54° 25' 21.770" N 10° 41' 17.858" W SL48 54° 27' 10.973" N 10° 44' 42.607" W 54° 25' 19.429" N 10° 41' 21.685" W SL49 54° 27' 15.660" N 10° 44' 34.953" W 54° 25' 24.112" N 10° 41' 14.030" W SL50 54° 27' 8.630" N 10° 44' 46.434" W 54° 25' 17.087" N 10° 41' 25.512" W SL51 54° 27' 18.003" N 10° 44' 31.126" W 54° 25' 26.453" N 10° 41' 10.203" W SL52 54° 27' 39.091" N 10° 43' 56.676" W 54° 25' 47.525" N 10° 40' 35.749" W

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Line Start of Line End of Line ID ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 ED 50 Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude SL53 54° 27' 39.091" N 10° 43' 56.676" W 54° 25' 47.525" N 10° 40' 35.749" W SL54 54° 27' 39.091" N 10° 43' 56.676" W 54° 25' 47.525" N 10° 40' 35.749" W SL55 54° 27' 39.091" N 10° 43' 56.676" W 54° 25' 47.525" N 10° 40' 35.749" W SL56 54° 27' 25.033" N 10° 44' 19.644" W 54° 25' 33.477" N 10° 40' 58.719" W SL57 54° 27' 8.630" N 10° 44' 46.434" W 54° 25' 17.087" N 10° 41' 25.512" W SL58 54° 27' 8.630" N 10° 44' 46.434" W 54° 25' 17.087" N 10° 41' 25.512" W SL59 54° 27' 8.630" N 10° 44' 46.434" W 54° 25' 17.087" N 10° 41' 25.512" W SL60 54° 27' 8.630" N 10° 44' 46.434" W 54° 25' 17.087" N 10° 41' 25.512" W

Table 2.2: Coordinates of survey area node points

ID ED 50 ED 50 Latitude Longitude 1 54° 36' 00.842" N 10° 44' 41.932" W 2 54° 28' 12.302" N 10° 29' 31.481" W 3 54° 11' 07.382" N 10° 55' 18.889" W 4 54° 18' 52.672" N 54° 18' 52.672" N

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2.3 Query 3 Query

3. The number of expected box cores/grab samples is provided however the number of expected gravity cores is not stated. The number of expected gravity cores is required;

CNOOC Response

A maximum of 10 gravity core samples will be retrieved.

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2.4 Query 4 Query

4. I am of the view the application papers submitted do not take into account all the Natura 2000 sites that have qualifying interests potentially affected by the Edge Survey and the following additional sites should be taken into account in the applicant’s submission: a) Ballysadare Bay SAC. This SAC has been omitted from the assessment however it should be included. It is a designated site for harbour seal. The distance of approximately 100km is within the known foraging distance of harbour seal (up to 120 km (SCOS, 2017)). b) Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC. This SAC has been omitted from the assessment however it should be included. It is a designated site for harbour seal. The distance of approximately 100km is within the known foraging distance of harbour seal (up to 120 km (SCOS, 2017)). Furthermore the site is also designated for sea lamprey and is within the potential migratory distance of this species. c) Duvillaun Islands SAC. This SAC has been omitted from the assessment however it should be included. It is a designated site for grey seal. The distance of approximately 60km is within the known foraging distance of grey seal (up to 135 km (SCOS, 2017)). d) Inishbofin and Inishshark SAC. This SAC has been omitted from the assessment however it should be included. It is a designated site for grey seal. The distance of approximately 100km is within the known foraging distance of grey seal (up to 135 km (SCOS, 2017)). e) Slyne Head Islands SAC. This SAC has been omitted from the assessment however it should be included. It is a designated site for grey seal. The distance of approximately 100km is within the known foraging distance of grey seal (up to 135 km (SCOS, 2017)). f) Connemara Bog Complex SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. g) Lough Corrib SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey and river lamprey. h) Lough Eske and Ardnamona Wood SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. i) Lough Gill SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey and river lamprey. j) Lough Melvin SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. k) Maumturk Mountains SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. l) Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon.

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m) Newport River SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. n) Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. o) The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. p) Unshin River SAC. This SAC should be included in the assessment, based on the potential movements of designated migratory fish features. Specifically, the site is designated for Atlantic salmon. q) Special Protection Areas - SPAs (various). The application papers have only screened in the nearest five SPAs. No explanation or scientific basis for this limited approach has been given. I am of the view that this limited approach is inadequate to allow for a Stage 1 AA Screening Assessment. I now require SPAs to be screened using species specific foraging ranges which can be found listed in Thaxter et al. (2012), supplemented by more recent tracking studies by the RSPB (e.g. FAME/STAR data; see Wakefield et al. (2017)). Any SPA that has a designated seabird species feature with a foraging range that overlaps the greater working area ( GWA )should be screened in for assessment.

CNOOC Response

2.4.1 Response Overview This response also addresses in greater detail Query 5 of the EIA Screening report (document reference MGE0741RP0007). The previously submitted assessment is extended to take into account of all Natura 2000 sites (SACs and SPAs) potentially affected by the Edge Survey. Assessment of potential impacts to QI marine mammal species, migratory fish species, reef habitats and SCIs seabirds are presented in Section 2.4.3, Section 2.4.4, Section 2.4.5 and Section 2.4.6 respectively. Table 2.3 and Table 2.4 list the SACs and the QIs referenced above in items a) through p) of Query 4. The tables also outline the relevant sections of the response where the SACs and the QIs have been addressed. Item q) of Query 4 above requires the assessment of SPAs/ SCI using species specific foraging ranges from Thaxter et al. (2012), supplemented by more recent tracking studies by the RSPB (e.g. FAME/STAR data; see Wakefield et al. (2017)). To address Query 4 q) an assessment of SPAs/ SCI is presented in Section 2.4.6 below.

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Table 2.3: Marine mammal QIs of SACs

Query SAC Annex II QI Assessment summary Element 4 a Ballysadare Bay SAC QI of SACs considered in the Harbour seal 4 b Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC assessment presented in Section (Phoca vitulina) 2.4.3. 4 e Slyne Head Islands SAC. 4 c Duvillaun Islands SAC Grey seal QI of SACs considered in the (Halichoerus assessment presented in Section 4 d Inishbofin and Inishshark SAC grypus) 2.4.3

Table 2.4: Migratory fish QIs of SACs

Query SAC Annex II QI Assessment summary Element 4 b Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC Sea lamprey (Petromyzon QI of SAC considered in the marinus) assessment presented in Section 2.4.4. 4 f Connemara Bog Complex SAC 4 h Lough Eske and Ardnamona Wood SAC 4 j Lough Melvin SAC 4 k Maumturk Mountains SAC QI of SACs considered in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo 4 i Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC assessment presented in salar) Section 2.4.4. 4 m Newport River SAC 4 n Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC 4 o The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC 4 p Unshin River SAC 4 g* Lough Corrib SAC Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) QI of SACs considered in the assessment presented in Atlantic salmon (Salmo Section 2.4.4. salar) 4 i Lough Gill SAC River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) QIs of SAC considered in the Sea lamprey (Petromyzon assessment presented in marinus) Section 2.4.4. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) * EAU Query 4 g states the following migratory species are designated for Lough Corrib SAC; Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey and river lamprey. Lough Corrib SAC is designated for the migratory species Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey, and the non-migratory migratory fish species brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri). There is no connnectivity between non-migratory brook lamprey and the proposed survey; hence likely significant effects are screened out. Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey QI of Lough Corrib SAC are considered in Section 2.4.4.

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2.4.2 Impact Assessment The aspects (impact mechanisms) associated with proposed survey activities and unplanned events considered with respect to potential impacts to QIs and SCIs are listed in Table 2.5 below.

Table 2.5: Survey aspects associated with proposed activities and unplanned events

Survey Aspect Planned Activities and Impact Mechanisms 1 Physical Presence of Vessel and Equipment injury to fauna from collision with the vessels and/ or equipment disturbance to fauna 2 Physical Changes localised physical disturbance to the seabed sediment. 3 Underwater noise emissions noise will be generated by vessel engines noise generated by survey geophysical equipment 4 Atmospheric Emissions engine exhausts emission 5 Discharges food waste, grey-, black-, bilge- and ballast-water 6 Solid or Liquid Waste; waste that cannot be discharged at sea Survey Aspect Unplanned Events and Impact Mechanisms 7 Accidental Spills of Hydrocarbons spills arising from accidental events or mechanical failure

Based on the distance from the proposed survey and the nature of the activities proposed, it was concluded that no potential pathway for interaction exists between survey aspects and the QIs of SACs and SCIs of SPAs presented in Table 2.6 (i.e. no connectivity exists).

Table 2.6: QIs of SACs and SCIs of SPAs for which no potential pathway for interaction exists with planned survey activities and unplanned events

SAC QIs Habitats Directive Annex I terrestrial habitats grassland formations, forests, heath and scrub, bogs, mires and fens, rivers, rocky habitats, caves. Habitats Directive Annex II terrestrial species molluscs, crustacea, insects, higher and lower species of plant, freshwater fish species, vertebrates (i.e. bats).

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Habitats Directive Annex I coastal and marine habitats: reefs (geogenic and biogenic), cliffs, caves, offshore islands, sand dunes, salt marsh, intertidal bays, sandflats, beaches, river estuaries. SPA SCIs Birds Directive Annex I species migratory species of ducks, geese and waders due to their coastal or inland habitat preferences. Birds Directive Annex I species Wetlands.

Potential interaction between survey aspects and the QIs and SCIs presented in Table 2.7 below could not be excluded due to the wide-ranging behaviour of QI and SCI species and the offshore location of the QI habitats of designated sites.

Table 2.7: QIs of SACs and SCIs of SPAs for which potential interaction with survey aspects exists

SAC QIs Habitats Directive Annex II Marine Mammal species: Phocoena phocoena (Harbour porpoise) Halichoerus grypus (Grey seal) Phoca vitulina (Harbour seal) Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) Habitats Directive Annex II Migratory Fish Species: Salmo salar (Atlantic salmon) Lampetra fluviatilis (River lamprey) Petromyzon marinus (Sea lamprey) Alosa fallax fallax (Twaite shad) Habitats Directive Annex II Offshore Biogenic and Geogenic Reef Habitats SPA SCIs Birds Directive Annex I Seabird Species

The assessments presented in Section 2.4.3 through Section 2.4.6 below confirm the conclusions presented in the Screening for AA and NIS report and the EIA Screening and ERA report.

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2.4.3 Habitats Directive Annex II Marine Mammal Species Marine mammal species listed under Annex II of the Habitats Directive for which SACs are designated are: • Phocoena phocoena (Harbour porpoise) • Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) • Halichoerus grypus (Grey seal) • Phoca vitulina (Harbour seal) Irish SACs for which the above species are designated are listed in Table 2.8. Details of SAC sites designated for Annex II marine mammal species considered in the assessment of potential impacts are presented in Appendix A.

Table 2.8: SACs designated for Annex II marine mammal species

Qualifying Feature SAC (code) Phocoena phocoena Blasket Islands SAC (002172) (Harbour porpoise) Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC (000101) Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC (003000) Tursiops truncatus Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) West Connacht Coast SAC (002998)

Halichoerus grypus Blasket Islands SAC (002172) (Grey seal) Duvillaun Islands SAC (000495) Horn Head and Rinclevan SAC (000147) Inishbofin and Inishshark SAC (000278) Inishkea Islands SAC (000507) Lambay Island SAC (000204) Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC (000101) Saltee Islands SAC (000707) Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC (000190) Slyne Head Islands SAC (000328) Phoca vitulina Ballysadare Bay SAC (000622) (Harbour seal) Clew Bay Complex SAC (001482) Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC (000627) Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC (000133) Galway Bay Complex SAC (000268) Glengarriff Harbour and Woodland SAC (000090) Kenmare River SAC (002158) Kilkieran Bay and Islands SAC (002111) Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC (000458) Lambay Island SAC (000204) Rutland Island and Sound SAC (002283) Slaney River Valley SAC (000781) West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC (000197)

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2.4.3.1 AA Screening Assessment Table 2.9 presents a screening assessment to establish whether survey aspects 1 through 7 are likely to have direct, indirect or cumulative effects on Annex II marine mammal species based on consideration of the connectivity between survey aspects and the species for which the SACs listed in Table 2.8 are designated.

Table 2.9: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Annex II marine mammal species

Survey Planned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to Aspect Activities Mechanism Annex II marine mammal species? 1 Physical injury to fauna Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Presence of from collision Between 2000 and 2010 there were a total of 192 reported Vessel and with the vessels marine mammal strikes by all marine vessels worldwide Equipment and/ or (IWC, 2014). Given this low rate, it is reasonable to conclude equipment that the likelihood of events occurring between the project and marine mammals is low. It must also be noted, that should an event occur it is likely to be an isolated event with any potential impact at the population level likely to be minor when compared to natural mortality rates. Therefore is can be concluded that physical presence of the survey vessel and equipment do not pose a significant collision risk to Annex II marine mammal species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects to marine mammal species, in combination effects are screened out. disturbance to Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. fauna While marine mammals may be foraging in the survey area during operations, given the short duration of the survey (approximately 10 - 20 days) the potential to result in significant effects is highly unlikely. Therefore it is concluded that the physical presence of the survey vessel and equipment do not pose a significant disturbance risk to Annex II marine mammal species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects to marine mammal species, in combination effects are screened out. 2 Physical localised physical Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Changes disturbance to Seabed sampling equipment does not pose a significant risk the seabed to marine mammal species. The environmental impact of sediment. seabed sampling equipment is limited to seabed habitats; in summary, equipment will result in physical changes to seabed habitats through the compaction and removal of sediment, and through the resuspension of sediments. This localised and temporary physical disturbance of seabed habitats does not pose a risk to Annex II marine mammal species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects.

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As there are no likely significant effects to marine mammal species, in combination effects are screened out. 3 Underwater noise will be Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. noise generated by EMODnet vessel density mapping1 indicates that fishing and emissions vessel engines shipping activity in the areas immediately adjacent to the survey is low (less than 2 hours per square km per month). Given the short duration of the proposed survey (10 – 20 days) the vessel engines will only marginally increase the level of overall vessel activity and vessel engine noise within and adjacent to the proposed survey area it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex II marine mammal species. As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. noise generated No - likely significant effects cannot be screened out. by survey Noise is readily transmitted underwater and there is potential geophysical for sound emissions from the proposed Edge Survey to equipment extend tens of kilometres from the sound source. At long ranges, noise emissions could potentially cause short-term behavioural changes in marine mammals by affecting, for example, the ability of animals to communicate and determine the presence of predators, food, underwater features and obstructions while at close ranges, high energy noise sources may result in physical injury including permanent or temporary auditory damage. Given this potential wide zone of influence and the potential wide-ranging distribution of marine mammal species, there is potential that the species may be present in numbers within the zone of influence during geophysical operations; Consequently, likely significant effects to marine mammals cannot be screened out; marine mammals are brought through to the Stage 2 NIS assessment for further assessment of potential impact of noise. 4 Atmospheric engine exhausts Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Emissions emission Emissions do not pose a significant risk to marine mammal species. The main source of atmospheric emissions during the survey will result from engine exhaust gases from the survey vessel. Given the offshore location of the survey, emissions will disperse rapidly under typical prevailing conditions to levels approaching background within a few tens of metres of their source; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to marine mammal species. As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. 5 Discharges food waste, grey- Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. , black-, bilge- Wastes and discharges will be in line with the International and ballast-water Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and treated MARPOL 73/78. Given the short duration of the survey, drainage water discharges associated with the survey are likely to be small in volume and will rapidly disperse in the marine environment it

1 EMODnet vessel density mapping http://www.emodnet-humanactivities.eu/view-data.php

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can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex II marine mammal species. As there are no likely significant effects to marine mammals associated with discharges, in combination effects are screened out. 6 Solid or Liquid waste that cannot Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Waste be discharged at All wastes generated on board will be handled in line with the sea International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL 73/78 which prohibits the dumping of ’garbage’ at sea. Wastes will be brought back to shore for disposal in accordance with local legislation and guidelines at a licensed facility; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex II marine mammal species. As there are no likely significant effects to marine mammal species associated with solid or liquid waste, in combination effects are screened out. Survey Unplanned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to Aspect Events Mechanism Annex II migratory fish species? 7 Accidental spills arising from Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Spills of accidental events Given the low probability for unplanned events/ spills, likely Hydrocarbons or mechanical significant effects to Annex II marine mammal associated with failure hydrocarbon spills can be ruled out. As there are no likely significant effects to marine mammal species associated with spills, in combination effects are screened out.

2.4.3.2 Determination of Significance To assess expected underwater noise levels from the proposed Edge Survey and determine whether likely significant effects in marine mammals are possible, an underwater noise modelling exercise was undertaken to predict the likely spatial area (or zone) around the noise source within which noise emissions exceed thresholds of potential injury and behavioural effects. The underwater noise modelling, identification of potential zones of impact and assessment of potential impacts are briefly summarised below and presented in full Section 3.4 to Section 3.6 of the EIA Screening and ERA report and Section 2.4 of the AA Screening and NIS report. Noise modelling indicated that the greatest zone of disturbance impact to marine mammal QI extends approximately 222 m from the sound source. Given the wide-ranging foraging behaviour of marine mammals, it is concluded that the QI species of the SACs presented in Table 2.8 could be present within the zone of disturbance impact during survey operations. It has therefore been concluded, on the basis of objective information, that in the absence of mitigation measures likely significant effects from the proposed Edge Survey cannot be excluded. Hence, the potential impact to marine mammal species, has been brought forward to further assessment in the NIS Report submitted as part of the application.

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2.4.3.3 Conclusions

2.4.3.3.1 AA Screening and NIS Conclusion The conclusions contained in the AA Screening (Stage 1) and the NIS (Stage 2) are unchanged. AA Screening Conclusion The information and assessment presented confirm the findings of the AA Screening (presented in the Screening for AA and NIS report). Likely significant effects of noise to marine mammals cannot be screened out; marine mammals were brought through to the Stage 2 NIS assessment for further assessment of potential impact of noise. NIS Conclusion The information and assessment presented confirm the findings of the NIS (presented in the Screening for AA and NIS report), that is: following implementation of mitigation measures (as detailed in the Section 3.3 of the NIS) will ensure the proposed survey will not have an adverse effect on the integrity on SACs in light of the Conservation Objectives i.e. QI marine mammal species.

2.4.3.3.2 EIA Screening Conclusion The conclusions contained in the EIA Screening are unchanged. The information presented confirm the findings of the EIA Screening (presented in the EIA Screening and ERA report), that is: following implementation of mitigation measures (as detailed in the Section 3.11 of the EIA Screening and ERA Report) the proposed survey will not have significant effects on the environment.

2.4.4 Habitats Directive Annex II Migratory Fish Species: (including PART A- of EIA Screening Query 4. This section presents an assessment of potential impacts of the survey to Irish SACs designated for protected migratory fish species listed in Annex II of the Habitat Directive.

This section also provides a response to EIA Screening Query 4 part A for protected fish species (Annex II migratory fish).

Habitats Directive Annex II migratory fish species designated for Irish SACs are: • Salmo salar (Atlantic salmon) • Lampetra fluviatilis (River lamprey) • Petromyzon marinus (Sea lamprey) • Alosa fallax fallax (Twaite shad)

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Irish SACs for which the above species are designated are listed in Table 2.10. Details of SAC sites designated for Annex II migratory fish species considered in the assessment of potential impacts are presented in Appendix A.

Table 2.10: SACs designated for Annex II migratory fish species

• River • Twaite shad • Sea lamprey • Atlantic lamprey SAC (Alosa fallax (Petromyzon salmon (Lampetra fallax) marinus) (Salmo salar) fluviatilis) Blackwater River ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ (Cork/Waterford) SAC Blackwater River (Kerry) SAC ✓ Castlemaine Harbour SAC ✓ ✓ ✓ Cloghernagore Bog and ✓ Glenveagh National Park SAC Connemara Bog Complex SAC ✓ Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay ✓ ✓ (Sligo Bay) SAC Glenamoy Bog Complex SAC ✓ Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC ✓ Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and ✓ ✓ ✓ Caragh River Catchment SAC Leannan River SAC ✓ Lough Corrib SAC ✓ ✓ Lough Eske and Ardnamona ✓ Wood SAC Lough Gill SAC ✓ ✓ ✓ Lough Melvin SAC ✓ Lower River Shannon SAC ✓ ✓ ✓ Lower River Suir SAC ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Maumturk Mountains SAC ✓ Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff ✓ Complex SAC Newport River SAC ✓ Owenduff/Nephin Complex ✓ SAC River Barrow and River Nore ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ SAC

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• River • Twaite shad • Sea lamprey • Atlantic lamprey SAC (Alosa fallax (Petromyzon salmon (Lampetra fallax) marinus) (Salmo salar) fluviatilis) River Boyne and River ✓ ✓ Blackwater SAC River Finn SAC ✓ River Moy SAC ✓ ✓ Slaney River Valley SAC ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ The Twelve Bens/Garraun ✓ Complex SAC Unshin River SAC ✓ West of Ardara/Maas Road ✓ SAC

2.4.4.1 Screening Assessment The assessment of the potential impact of survey aspects to QI migratory fish species is based on an assessment of the connectivity and potential interaction between the receptors and the survey aspects 1 through 7 (as listed in Table 2.5). Table 2.11 presents a screening assessment to establish whether survey aspects 1 through 7 are likely to have direct, indirect or cumulative effects on protected Annex II migratory fish species based on consideration of the connectivity between survey aspects and the species designated for the SAC listed in Table 2.10.

Table 2.11: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Annex II migratory fish species

Survey Planned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to Annex II Aspect Activities Mechanism migratory fish species? 1 Physical injury to fauna Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Presence of from collision The vessel and equipment do not pose a significant collision risk to Vessel and with the Annex II migratory fish species; consequently, it can be concluded Equipment vessels and/ that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. or equipment As there are no likely significant effects to migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out. disturbance to Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. fauna The presence of the vessel and equipment could act to disturb marine fauna including marine mammals and birds, displacing the species from the survey area. The survey vessel and equipment do not pose a significant disturbance risk to Annex II migratory fish species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects.

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As there are no likely significant effects to Annex II migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out. 2 Physical localised Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Changes physical Seabed sampling equipment does not pose a significant risk to disturbance to migratory fish species. The environmental impact of seabed the seabed sampling equipment is limited to seabed habitats; in summary, sediment. equipment will result in physical changes to seabed habitats through the compaction and removal of sediment, and through the resuspension of sediments. This localised and temporary physical disturbance of seabed habitats does not pose a risk to Annex II migratory fish species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects to migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out. 3 Underwater noise will be Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. noise generated by EMODnet vessel density mapping2 indicates that fishing and emissions vessel shipping activity in the areas immediately adjacent to the survey is engines low (less than 2 hours per square km per month). Given the short duration of the proposed survey (10 – 20 days) the vessel engines will only marginally increase the level of overall vessel activity and vessel engine noise within and adjacent to the proposed survey area; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex II migratory fish species . As there are no likely significant effects to migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out. noise Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. generated by Underwater noise does not pose a significant risk to migratory fish survey species; an assessment to support this is provided in Section geophysical 2.4.4.2 below. As there are no likely significant effects to Annex II equipment migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out. 4 Atmospheric engine Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Emissions exhausts Emissions do not pose a significant risk to migratory fish species. emission The main source of atmospheric emissions during the survey will result from engine exhaust gases from the survey vessel. Given the offshore location of the survey, emissions will disperse rapidly under typical prevailing conditions to levels approaching background within a few tens of metres of their source; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex II migratory fish species. As there are no likely significant effects to migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out 5 Discharges food waste, Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. grey-, black-, Wastes and discharges will be in line with the International bilge- and Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL ballast-water 73/78. Given the short duration of the survey, discharges and treated associated with the survey are likely to be small in volume and will drainage rapidly disperse in the marine environment. Consequently, water significant impact to migratory fish species will not occur. As there

2 EMODnet vessel density mapping http://www.emodnet-humanactivities.eu/view-data.php

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are no likely significant effects to Annex II migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out 6 Solid or Liquid waste that Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Waste cannot be All wastes generated on board will be handled in line with the discharged at International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, sea MARPOL 73/78 which prohibits the dumping of ’garbage’ at sea. Wastes will be brought back to shore for disposal in accordance with local legislation and guidelines at a licensed facility; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects to Annex II migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out. Survey Unplanned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to protected Aspect Events Mechanism Annex II migratory fish species? 7 Accidental spills arising Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Spills of from Given the low probability for unplanned events/ spills, likely Hydrocarbons accidental significant effects to Annex II migratory fish species associated with events or hydrocarbon spills can be ruled out. mechanical failure As there are no likely significant effects to migratory fish species, in combination effects are screened out

2.4.4.2 Determination of Significance As described in Section 3.7 of the Screening for EIA and ERA report, direct effects of underwater noise to fish include physical auditory damage and behavioural change. The significance of these effects are discussed below. Physical Effects on Protected Annex II migratory fish species To assess expected underwater noise levels from the proposed Edge Survey and determine whether likely significant physical effects in fish are possible, an underwater noise modelling exercise was undertaken to predict the likely spatial area (or zone) around the noise source within which noise emissions exceed thresholds of potential injury in fish. A full description of the underwater noise modelling is presented in Section 3.4 of the EIA Screening and ERA report and Section 2.4 of the Screening for AA and NIS report. Section 3.7.1 of the EIA Screening and ERA report presents an assessment of potential impact of noise to fish species. The assessment of potential impacts to fish are briefly summarised below. As outlined in Section 3.7.1 of the Screening for EIA and ERA report, the modelling of noise emissions from the survey indicates that noise levels will not exceed the threshold for injury in fish3; consequently, significant physical effects to protected Annex II migratory fish species from underwater noise will not occur.

3 Popper et al., 2014. Sound Exposure Guidelines for Fishes and Sea Turtles: A Technical Report prepared by ANSI- Accredited Standards Committee S3/SC1 and registered with ANSI,

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Behavioural Change Effects in Protected Annex II migratory fish species As outlined in Section 3.7.2 of the Screening for EIA and ERA report there is conflicting evidence on the behavioural effects of geophysical surveys on fish. Studies have reported no significant effect on the behaviour of various fish species, even in very close proximity (1.5 m) to the seismic source (Pickett et al., 19944; Wardle et al., 19985) while others have reported that fish leave the immediate area around the survey vessel for the period when the acoustic source is active (Lokkeborg and Soldal 19936; Turnpenny and Nedwell 19947). Avoidance behavioural effects have the potential to affect Annex II migratory fish species that may be transiting the survey area, in close proximity to the sound source during operations. However, given the short duration of the proposed survey any impacts will be temporary and therefore will not result in significant effects on migratory fish species. Therefore, it can also be concluded that there will be no likely significant effects to the spawning activities of migratory fish transiting the survey area.

2.4.4.3 Conclusion

2.4.4.3.1 AA Screening Conclusion The information presented provides the further information and assessment of migratory fish species of SACs. The information and assessment presented confirm the findings of the Screening for AA (presented in the Screening for AA and NIS report), that is: the proposed survey activity will not have likely significant effects on the QI migratory fish species of SACs.

2.4.4.3.2 EIA Screening Conclusion The information presented provides the further information and assessment of migratory fish species of SACs. The information and assessment presented confirm the findings of the EIA Screening (presented in the EIA Screening and ERA report), that is: the proposed survey will not have significant effects on the environment.

4 Pickett et al., 1994. Poole Bay Seismic Survey: Effects on Bass Movements and Catch-rates in the Local Fishery. 5 Wardle et al., 1998. The Sound of a Triple ‘G’ Seismic Airgun and its Effects on the Behaviour of Marine Fish. Fisheries Research Services, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen. 6 Løkkeborg, S., and Soldal, A.V. 1993. The influence of seismic exploration with air guns on cod (Gadus morhua) behaviour and catch rates. ICES Mar. Sci. Symp. 196: 62–67. 7 Turnpenny W.H. and Nedwell J.R. 1994. The Effects on Marine Fish, Diving Mammals and Birds of Underwater Sound Generated by Seismic Surveys. Consultancy Report proposed for UKOOA by Fawley Aquatic Research Laboratories Ltd.

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2.4.5 Habitats Directive Annex I Offshore Geogenic and Biogenic Reef Given the offshore location of the survey and the possible large zone of potential impact associated with survey aspects this section presents an assessment of potential impacts of the survey to Irish offshore SACs designated for Habitats Directive Annex I reef habitat. Irish offshore SACs designated for reef are listed in Table 2.12. Details of offshore SAC sites designated for reef considered in the assessment are presented in Appendix A.

Table 2.12: SACs designated for Annex I reef habitat

SAC • QI

Belgica Mound Province SAC (Site code: 002327) Hovland Mound Province SAC ) (Site code: 002328)

South-West Porcupine Bank SAC (Site code: 002329) Reefs North-West Porcupine Bank SAC (Site code: 002330) Porcupine Bank Canyon SAC (Site code: 003001) South East Rockall Bank SAC (Site code: 003002)

2.4.5.1 AA Screening Assessment The assessment of the potential impact of survey aspects to receptors (habitats/ species) is based on an assessment of the connectivity and potential interaction between the receptors and the survey aspects 1 through 7 (as listed in Table 2.5). Table 2.13 presents a screening assessment to establish whether survey aspects 1 through 7 are likely to have direct, indirect or cumulative effects on protected Annex I offshore reef habitat based on consideration of the connectivity between survey aspects and the SACs listed in Table 2.12.

Table 2.13: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Annex I reef habitat

Survey Planned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to Annex I reef Aspect Activities Mechanism habitat? 1 Physical injury to fauna Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Presence of from collision The physical presence of the vessel and equipment do not pose a Vessel and with the vessels collision risk to Annex I offshore reef habitats; consequently, it can be Equipment and/ or concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant equipment effects. As there are no likely significant effects to offshore reef habitats, in combination effects are screened out.

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disturbance to Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. fauna The survey vessel and equipment do not pose a significant disturbance risk to Annex I offshore reef habitats. As there are no likely significant effects to offshore reef habitat designated for offshore SACs, in combination effects are screened out. 2 Physical localised Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Changes physical The environmental impact of seabed sampling equipment is limited to disturbance to seabed habitats; in summary, equipment has the potential to result in the seabed physical changes to seabed habitats through compaction and sediment. removal of sediment, and through the resuspension of sediments. No seabed sampling is proposed within or adjacent to SAC; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects impact, in combination effects are screened out. 3 Underwater noise will be Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. noise generated by EMODnet vessel density mapping8 indicates that fishing and shipping emissions vessel engines activity in the areas immediately adjacent to the survey is low (less than 2 hours per square km per month). Given the short duration of the proposed survey (10 – 20 days) the vessel engines will only marginally increase the level of overall vessel activity and vessel engine noise within and adjacent to the proposed survey area. Given the distance of the proposed survey from offshore SACs and the water depth of the SAC sites (400 m - 2,600 m), it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. noise Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. generated by Noise is readily transmitted underwater and there is potential for survey sound emissions from the proposed Edge Survey to extend tens of geophysical kilometres from the sound source. Given the distance of the equipment proposed survey from offshore SACs, the water depth of the sites (400 m - 2,600 m) and the rate of sound attenuation in water, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex I offshore reef habitats. As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. 4 Atmospheri engine Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. c Emissions exhausts Emissions do not pose a significant risk to Annex I habitat reef. The emission main source of atmospheric emissions during the survey will result from engine exhaust gases from the survey vessel. Given the offshore location of the survey, emissions will disperse rapidly under typical prevailing conditions to levels approaching background within a few tens of metres of their source, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex I offshore reef habitats. As there are no likely significant effects to Annex I offshore reef habitats, in combination effects are screened out.

8 EMODnet vessel density mapping http://www.emodnet-humanactivities.eu/view-data.php

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5 Discharges food waste, Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. grey-, black-, Wastes and discharges will be in line with the International bilge- and Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL ballast-water 73/78. Given the short duration of the survey, discharges associated and treated with the survey are likely to be small in volume and will rapidly drainage water disperse in the marine environment; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects to Annex I offshore reef habitats. As there are no likely significant effects to offshore reef habitats, in combination effects are screened out. 6 Solid or waste that Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Liquid cannot be All wastes generated on board will be handled in line with the Waste discharged at International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, sea MARPOL 73/78 which prohibits the dumping of ’garbage’ at sea. Wastes will be brought back to shore for disposal in accordance with local legislation and guidelines at a licensed facility; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects to Annex I offshore reef habitats, in combination effects are screened out. Survey Unplanned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to protected Aspect Events Mechanism Annex II migratory fish species? 7 Accidental spills arising Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Spills of from accidental Given the low probability for unplanned events/ spills it can be Hydrocarbo events or concluded that this surevy aspect will not result in likely significant ns mechanical effects. failure As there are no likely significant effects to Annex I offshore reef habitats, in combination effects are screened out.

In summary, the screening assessment concluded that no aspect of the proposed Edge Survey will result in potential effects to the Annex I reef designated for offshore SACs; further assessment is not required.

2.4.5.2 Conclusion

2.4.5.2.1 AA Screening Conclusion The information presented provides the further information and assessment of SACs designated for Habitats Directive Annex I reef habitat. The information and assessment presented confirm (presented in the Screening for AA and NIS report), that is: the proposed survey activity will not have likely significant effects on the QI reefs of offshore SACs.

2.4.5.2.2 EIA Screening Conclusion The information presented provides the further information and assessment of SACs designated for Habitats Directive Annex I reef habitat. The information and assessment presented confirm the findings of the EIA Screening (presented in the EIA Screening and ERA report), that is: the proposed survey will not have significant effects on the environment.

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2.4.6 Birds Directive Annex I Seabird Species The section considers potential impact to SCI species that may be that may be present in the survey. The analysis of SCI species has used the information on the foraging distance of bird species included in Thaxter et al. (2012) and Wakefield et al. (2017). The assessed SPAs are presented in Table 2.14. Details of SPA sites considered in the assessment are presented in Appendix A.

Table 2.14: SPAs assessed for potential impacts

SPA Ailsa Craig SPA; Inishmore SPA; Aughris Head SPA; Iveragh Peninsula SPA; Beara Peninsula SPA; Kerry Head SPA; Bills Rocks SPA; Loop Head SPA; Blacksod Bay/Broadhaven SPA; Lough Mask SPA; Blasket Islands SPA; Mingulay and Berneray SPA; Cape Wrath SPA; North Rona and Sula Sgeir SPA; Carrowmore Lake SPA; Puffin Island SPA; Clare Island SPA; Rathlin SPA; Cliffs of Moher SPA; Saltee Islands SPA; Cruagh Island SPA; Shiant Isles SPA; Deenish Island and Scariff Island SPA; Skelligs SPA; Dingle Peninsula SPA; St Kilda SPA; Duvillaun Islands SPA; Stags of Broadhaven SPA; Flannen Isles SPA; The Bull and The Cow Rocks SPA; Galley Head to Duneen Point SPA; West Donegal Coast SPA.Inishkea Islands SPA Handa SPA; Duvillaun Islands SPA High Island, Inishshark and Davillaun SPA; Mullet Peninsula SPA Illanmaster SPA; Inishglora and Inishkeeragh SPA Inishbofin, Inishdooey and Inishbeg SPA; Termoncarragh Lake and Annagh Machair SPA Inishglora and Inishkeeragh SPA;

2.4.6.1 Screening Assessment The assessment of the potential impact of survey aspects to SCIs is based on an assessment of the connectivity and potential interaction between the receptors and the survey aspects 1 through 7 (as listed in Table 2.5). Table 2.15 presents a screening assessment to establish whether survey aspects 1 through 7 are likely to have direct, indirect or cumulative effects on protected Annex I bird species based on consideration of the connectivity between survey aspects and the species designated for the SPAs listed in Table 2.14.

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Table 2.15: Screening assessment of potential effects of the survey aspects to Birds Directive Annex I bird species

Survey Planned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to protected Aspect Activities Mechanism Annex I bird species? 1 Physical injury to Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Presence of fauna from The likelihood of collision events occurring between the project and Vessel and collision seabirds is low. It must also be noted, that should an event occur it is Equipment with the likely to be an isolated event with any potential impact at the population vessels level likely to be minor when compared to natural mortality rates. The and/ or survey vessel and equipment do not pose a significant disturbance risk equipment to seabird species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects to seabird species, in combination effects are screened out. disturbance Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. to fauna While seabird may be foraging in the survey area during operations, given the short duration of the survey (approximately 10 - 20 days) and the relatively small survey area the potential to result in significant effects is highly unlikely. The survey vessel and equipment do not pose a significant disturbance risk to seabird species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. 2 Physical localised Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Changes physical Seabed sampling equipment does not pose a significant risk to seabird disturbance species. The environmental impact of seabed sampling equipment is to the limited to seabed habitats; in summary, equipment may result in seabed physical changes to seabed habitats through the compaction and sediment. removal of sediment, and through the resuspension of sediments. This localised and temporary physical disturbance of seabed habitats does not pose a risk to bird species; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects to seabird species, in combination effects are screened out. 3 Underwater noise will be Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. noise generated EMODnet vessel density mapping9 indicates that fishing and shipping emissions by vessel activity in the areas immediately adjacent to the survey is low (less engines than 2 hours per square km per month). Given the short duration of the proposed survey (approximately 10 - 20 days) the vessel engines will only marginally increase the level of overall vessel activity and vessel engine noise within and adjacent to the proposed survey area; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. noise Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. generated

9 EMODnet vessel density mapping http://www.emodnet-humanactivities.eu/view-data.php

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by survey Noise is readily transmitted underwater and there is potential for sound geophysical emissions from the proposed Edge Survey to extend tens of kilometres equipment from the sound source. Given the potential wide-ranging distribution of seabird species, in particular diving species, information on these species and potential effects from noise emissions generated by survey geophysical equipment (including airguns, SBES, MBES, SSS and SBP, and USBL positioning equipment) has been provided to support the conclusion of no likely significant effects (see Section 2.4.6.3). As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. 4 Atmospheric engine Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Emissions exhausts Emissions do not pose a significant risk to seabird species. The main emission source of atmospheric emissions during the survey will result from engine exhaust gases from the survey vessel. Given the offshore location of the survey, emissions will disperse rapidly under typical prevailing conditions to levels approaching background within a few tens of metres of their source; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. 5 Discharges food waste, Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. grey-, black- Wastes and discharges will be in line with the International Convention , bilge- and for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL 73/78. Given the ballast- short duration of the survey, discharges associated with the survey are water and likely to be small in volume and will rapidly disperse in the marine treated environment; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect drainage will not result in likely significant effects.. Consequently, significant water impact will not occur. As there are no likely significant effects to seabird species associated with discharges, in combination effects are screened out. 6 Solid or Liquid waste that Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Waste cannot be All wastes generated on board will be handled in line with the discharged International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, at sea MARPOL 73/78 which prohibits the dumping of ’garbage’ at sea.Wastes will be brought back to shore for disposal in accordance with local legislation and guidelines at a licensed facility; consequently, it can be concluded that this survey aspect will not result in likely significant effects. As there are no likely significant effects, in combination effects are screened out. Survey Unplanned Impact Is it possible to screen out likely significant effects to protected Aspect Events Mechanism Annex II migratory fish species? 7 Accidental spills arising Yes - likely significant effects can be screened out. Spills of from Given the low probability for unplanned events/ spills, likely significant Hydrocarbons accidental effects to Annex I offshore reef habitats associated with hydrocarbon events or spills can be ruled out. mechanical failure As there are no likely significant effects to seabirds associated with spills, in combination effects are screened out.

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With regards to diving birds and survey aspect 3, underwater noise, further information has been presented in the following sections to clearly demonstrate that the survey will have no significant effects on bird SCIs.

2.4.6.2 Identification of Relevant SCIs and SPAs Given the nature of the proposed development, which relates only to offshore marine survey activities within the GWA, it is considered that SPAs which solely support terrestrial bird species or species which do not utilise the marine environment can be excluded from further consideration. Furthermore, where a SPA is designated for a range of species including those which utilise marine habitats and other species which do not, only those species which are known to utilise marine habitats are considered in respect of the potential for the proposals to give rise to likely significant effect on these sites. Thaxter et al. (2012) list a range of species which utilise marine habitats for the purposes of foraging during the breeding season, in addition Wakefield et al. (2017) lists recorded foraging distances for four marine bird species. A summary table of these ranges is set out below at Table 2.16.

Table 2.16: Seabird foraging ranges (summarised from Thaxter et al. 2012 and Wakefield et al. 2017)

Thaxter et al. 2012 Wakefield et al. 2017 Species Maximum foraging Mean foraging Maximum foraging Mean foraging range range range range Common eider 80 2.4 - - Red-throated 9 4.5 - - diver Northern fulmar 580 47.5 - - Manx 330 2.3 - - shearwater European >65 - - - storm-petrel Leach’s storm <120 - - - petrel Northern 590 92.5 - - gannet Great 35 5.2 - - cormorant European shag 17 5.9 35 3.4 Arctic Skua 75 6.4 - - Great Skua 219 - - - Black-headed 40 11.4 - - gull Common gull 50 25 - -

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Thaxter et al. 2012 Wakefield et al. 2017 Species Maximum foraging Mean foraging Maximum foraging Mean foraging range range range range Mediterranean 20 11.5 - - gull Herring gull 92 10.5 - - Lesser black- 181 71.9 - - backed gull Black-legged 120 24.8 300 11.9 kittiwake Sandwich tern 54 11.5 - - Roseate tern 30 12.2 - - Common tern 30 4.5 - - Arctic tern 30 7.1 - - Little tern 11 2.1 - - Common 135 37.8 340 10.5 guillemot Razorbill 95 23.7 305 13.2 Atlantic puffin 200 4 - -

In light of information set out within Table 2.16, data held by NPWS, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales was considered in respect of SPAs supporting species listed in the above tables where the sites lay within the established maximum foraging ranges of these species. For example, all sites within 590 km of the GWA supporting gannet Morus bassanus, were considered. In order to establish the sites that lay within the foraging ranges specified, measures of the shortest distance between the sites and the GWA were utilised. Where the pathway between the GWA and those sites was interrupted by land the shortest straight-line distance around such lands was used to calculate the shortest pathway which would be likely to be utilised by a SCI species to reach marine waters within the GWA. Where maximum or mean/ median ranges were utilised, the larger of the two figures presented within the referenced publications was utilised on a precautionary basis. The results of this analysis are presented in Table 2.17 which includes all SPA sites which support qualifying species with maximum and mean/median foraging ranges from the SPA overlapping the GWA of the proposed survey.

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Table 2.17: SPAs with qualifying SCI species with foraging ranges potentially overlapping the GWA Seabird foraging ranges (summarised from Thaxter et al. 2012 and Wakefield et al. 2017)

SPA Approximate distance Qualifying interests with Qualifying interests with from GWA (km) max foraging distances mean or median* foraging overlapping the GWA distances overlapping the GWA Inishglora and Lesser Black-Backed Inishkeeragh SPA Gull 36 Lesser Black-backed Gull Herring Gull Storm-petrel Inishkea Islands SPA Herring Gull 38 - Common Gull Blacksod 40 Sandwich Tern Bay/Broadhaven SPA Duvillaun Island SPA Northern Fulmar 44 Northern Fulmar Storm-petrel Stags of Broadhaven Leach’s Storm-petrel 46 - SPA Storm Petrel Carrowmore Lake SPA 52 Sandwich Tern - Illanmaster SPA 56 Storm-petrel - Bills Rocks SPA Puffin 57 - Storm-petrel Clare Island SPA Northern Fulmar Common Guillemot 71 - Razorbill Black-legged Kittiwake High Island, Inishark and 80 Northern Fulmar - Davillaun SPA Cruagh Island SPA 86 Manx Shearwater - West Donegal Coast Northern Fulmar SPA 112 Razorbill - Black-legged Kittiwake Aughris Head SPA 113 Black-legged Kittiwake - Lough Mask SPA Lesser Black-backed 118 - Gull Inishmore SPA Common Guillemot 135 - Black-legged Kittiwake Inishbofin, Inishdooey Lesser Black-backed 167 - and Inishbeg SPA Gull Cliffs of Moher SPA Northern Fulmar 168 Puffin - Common Guillemot

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SPA Approximate distance Qualifying interests with Qualifying interests with from GWA (km) max foraging distances mean or median* foraging overlapping the GWA distances overlapping the GWA Black-legged Kittiwake Razorbill Tory Island SPA Northern Fulmar 169 Puffin - Razorbill Horn Head to Fanad Northern Fulmar Head SPA Common Guillemot 177 - Razorbill Black-legged Kittiwake Loop Head SPA Common Guillemot 192 - Black-legged Kittiwake Kerry Head SPA 207 Northern Fulmar - Dingle Peninsula SPA 217 Northern Fulmar - Blasket Islands SPA Northern Fulmar Manx Shearwater 229 - Razorbill Black-legged Kittiwake Iveragh Peninsula SPA Northern Fulmar 255 Common Guillemot - Black-legged Kittiwake Puffin Island SPA Northern Fulmar 263 Manx Shearwater - Razorbill Skelligs SPA Northern Gannet Northern Fulmar 268 Manx Shearwater - Common Guillemot Black-legged Kittiwake Deenish Island and Northern Fulmar 283 - Scariff Island SPA Manx Shearwater The Bull and The Cow 292 Northern Gannet - Rocks SPA Beara Peninsula SPA 295 Northern Fulmar - Rathlin SPA Northern Fulmar Common Guillemot 295 - Razorbill Black-legged Kittiwake

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SPA Approximate distance Qualifying interests with Qualifying interests with from GWA (km) max foraging distances mean or median* foraging overlapping the GWA distances overlapping the GWA Mingulay and Berneray Northern Fulmar SPA 305 Common Guillemot - Razorbill Ailsa Craig SPA 370 Northern Gannet - St Kilda SPA 374 Northern Fulmar - Galley Head to Duneen 397 Northern Fulmar - Point SPA Flannan Isles SPA 449 Northern Fulmar - Shiant Isles SPA 451 Northern Fulmar - Handa SPA 550 Northern Fulmar - Saltee Islands SPA Northern Gannet 559 - Northern Fulmar Cape Wrath SPA 560 Northern Fulmar - North Rona and Sula Northern Gannet 571 - Sgeir Northern Fulmar * Mean (taken from Thaxter et al. 2012) or median (taken from Wakefield et al. 2017) was chosen according to highest value.

2.4.6.3 Assessment of Potential Impact to Relevant SCIs Each of the SCI species brought forward to assess potential impact is assigned a risk category based on the typical foraging and diving behaviour of the species (see Table 2.18). Risk category10 criteria are described in Table 2.19. The species assigned risk categories 0 and 1 (see Table 2.18) are predominately terrestrial species and/ or coastal/ shore species; in general, these species forage in terrestrial habitats, soft sediment coastal habitats or water surface zones and display either limited diving range capabilities or no diving behaviour. Given that these species do not spend extended periods of time underwater, likely significant effect of underwater noise can be excluded. Species assigned to risk category 2 and 3 varying shallow or deeper diving capabilities. For the relevant SCI species categorised as being at risk category 2 and 3, Section 2.4.6.4 through Section 2.4.6.15 present a description of the species ecology and typical foraging behaviour, alongside assessments of risk posed to these species from underwater noise emissions.

10 Risk categories are relative measures of risk.

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Table 2.18: Risk categories of SCI species with foraging ranges overlapping the GWA

SCI Species Risk Category Gannet 3 Guillemot 3 Puffin 3 Razorbill 3 Fulmar 2 Kittiwake 2 Leach's Storm-petrel 2 Manx Shearwater 2 Sandwich Tern 2 Storm Petrel 2 Common Gull 1 Herring Gull 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1

Table 2.19: Risk categories

Risk category Relative Risk Risk Category Foraging distributions extending from inshore coastal waters to 3 High offshore areas. Diving birds. 2 Medium Predominately foraging in coastal waters. Shallow diving behaviour. Main foraging habitats are terrestrial with limited foraging in coastal 1 Low waters. Limited diving behaviour. Species associated with terrestrial habitats. Rarely found foraging 0 Negligible risk/ no risk outside of terrestrial habitats. Non-diving birds.

2.4.6.4 Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) Gannet have a significant diving capability and are frequently found feeding in inshore and offshore continental shelf waters often associated with deep-water. They eat mid-sized schooling fish and squid, generally 2 cm – 30 cm in length (Lloyd et al, 198611) as well as fish discarded by fishing boats. They forage by plunge diving between 10 m – 40 m depth and with a mean foraging depth of 8.8 m and a mean foraging range of 140 km from their cliff-based colonies12 (higher than that stated within Thaxter et al,

11 Lloyd et al, 1986. The Status of Seabirds in Britain and Ireland

12 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN122 Northern gannet: species information for marine Special Protection Area consultations.

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201213). While the species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (590km) of SPAs for which Northern Gannet is listed as an SCI species, this is limited to populations associated with 5 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these, the Skelligs SPA, is located approximately 268 km from the survey area. The distance between the Skelligs SPA and the GWA is within the maximum foraging range of the species but far beyond the mean/median foraging range; consequently, likely significant effects to the 5 SPAs designated for the species are excluded on the basis that any temporary effects associated with the proposed survey will not impact the core foraging areas utilised by populations of the species associated with any SPA.

2.4.6.5 Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) Fulmar principally feed through the seizure of food from the sea surface while swimming or in flight, but also forage using shallow dives of up to 3m. They often forage in large flocks which form around feeding opportunities as a result of the bird’s keen sense of smell. Food items typically comprise planktonic crustaceans and small fish. Fulmar have a large foraging range with trips taking up to 5 days, although typically of shorter length, between 0.5 and 1 day14. Individuals can live for up to 50 years with a typical lifespan of around 44 years. While the species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (580km) of SPAs for which the Northern Fulmar is listed as an SCI species. This is in respect of populations associated with 25 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Duvillaun Island SPA, is located approximately 44km from the survey area, and within the maximum and mean/median foraging range of the species. However any likely significant effects to the 25 SPAs in relation to impact on the species are excluded on the basis that any temporary effects associated with the proposed survey, limited to effects associated with underwater noise, will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of its time while foraging.

2.4.6.6 Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) Manx Shearwater largely forage through catching food from the water’s surface however pursuit diving is also utilised. Diving is typically done from a height of 1-2m with a maximum recorded dive depth of 55m and a mean maximum depth of 31m15 (Shoji et al. 2016). Food items typically comprise small fish including herring, sprats and sandeels in addition to cephalopods and crustaceans. While the species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (330km) of SPAs for which it is listed as an SCI species, this is limited to populations associated with 5 SPAs (see Table 2.17).The closest of these SPAs, Cruagh Island SPA, is located approximately 86km from the survey area. This is within the maximum foraging range of the species but far beyond the mean foraging range (2.3km). Any likely significant effects to the 5 SPAs in relation to impact on the species are excluded on the basis that any temporary effects associated with the proposed survey, limited to effects associated with underwater noise, will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of

13 Thaxter et al, 2012 Seabird foraging ranges as a preliminary tool for identifying candidate Marine Protected Areas. Biological Conservation Issue 156, pp. 53-61.

14 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN126 Northern fulmar: species information for marine Special Protection Area consultations.

15 Shoji, A., Dean, B., Kirk, H., Freeman, R., Perrins, C.M. & Guilford, T.C. 2016. The diving behaviour of the Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus. Ibis doi: 10.1111/ibi.12381.

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its time while foraging. Furthermore, the proposed survey will not have any potential to impact the core foraging areas utilised by populations of the species associated with any SPA.

2.4.6.7 Guillemot (Uria aalge) Guillemot is a wide ranging and regularly occurring migratory bird in Europe16. The species dive from the sea surface down to 200 m to catch schooling fish such as sandeels and sprats, although most dives are less than 50 m. Guillemots feed in inshore and offshore waters. Their foraging range varies with mean foraging range reported at 37.8km, and most foraging occurs within 50km of a colony. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lies within the maximum foraging distance (340km) of SPAs for which it is listed as an SCI species, including populations associated with 7 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Clare Island SPA, is located approximately 71km from the survey area, this is within the maximum foraging range of the species but far beyond its mean/median foraging range (37.8km). Likely significant effects to the 7 SPAs in relation to impact on the species are excluded on the basis that the proposed survey will not impact the core foraging areas utilised by populations of the species associated with any SPA.

2.4.6.8 Puffin (Fratercula arctica) Puffin is a wide-ranging species that can dive to 60 m to catch prey, but most dives are less than 30 m17. Foraging ranges of the species vary between colonies and with the season. The mean foraging range is 4km (Thaxter et al. 2012), with a maximum recorded foraging distance of 200km reported. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lies within the maximum foraging distance (200km) of SPAs for which it is listed as an SCI species, including populations associated with 3 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Bills Rocks SPA, is located approximately 57km from the survey area. This is within the maximum foraging range of the species but beyond the mean/median foraging range (4km); consequently, likely significant effects to the 3 SPAs in relation to impact on the species are excluded on the basis that the proposed survey will not impact the core foraging areas utilised by populations of the species associated with any SPA.

2.4.6.9 Razorbill (Alca torda) Razorbill is a wide-ranging species breeding in low density colonies on rocky islands18. The species is widespread in European seas during the winter months. While typically razorbill dive up to 30m in pursuit of prey, the species has been reported to dive up to 140 m. While it has been shown that species have a mean foraging range of 23.7km from their colonies, the species tend to feed within a few km of their coastal colonies. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lies within the maximum foraging distance (305km) of a number of SPAs for which the species forms a qualifying interest feature, including populations associated with 9 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Clare Island SPA, is located approximately 71km from the survey area, this is within the maximum foraging range of the species but well beyond the mean/median foraging range (23.7km); consequently,

16 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN123 Guillemot: species information for marine Special Protection Area consultations.

17 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN125 Atlantic Puffin: species information for marine Special Protection Area consultations.

18 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN124 Razorbill: species information for marine Special Protection Area consultations.

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likely significant effects to the 9 SPAs in relation to impact to the species are excluded on the basis that the proposed survey will not impact the core foraging areas utilised by populations of the species associated with any SPA.

2.4.6.10 Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) Kittiwake are surface feeders, taking prey from the surface of the water through dipping however they also utilise shallow dives of up to a meter; the species also often follows ships to scavenge offal and bycatch. Food items typically comprise small shoaling fish including herring, sprats and sandeels, in addition to intertidal molluscs and crustaceans. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (300km) of a number of SPAs for which they form a qualifying interest feature, this includes populations associated with 11 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Clare Island SPA, is located approximately 71km from the survey area, this is within the maximum foraging range of the species but far beyond the mean foraging range (24.8km). Any likely significant effects to the 11 SPAs in relation to impact to the species are excluded on the basis that proposed survey will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of its time while foraging.

2.4.6.11 Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) The diet of lesser black-backed gull, as with most gull species, is relatively broad including a large component scavenged from landfill and other urban areas. Birds foraging at sea typically feed on shoals of fish close to the surface. As a highly adaptable omnivore the species will make use of all marine food sources which are available to them. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (181km) of a number of SPAs for which they form a qualifying interest feature, this includes populations associated with 2 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Inishglora and Inishkeeragh SPA, is located approximately 36km from the survey area, this is within the maximum and mean/median foraging range of the species. Any likely significant effects to the 2 SPAs in relation to impact to the species are excluded on the basis that the proposed survey will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of its time while foraging.

2.4.6.12 Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) The diet of herring gull, as with most gull species, is relatively broad including a large component scavenged from landfill and other urban areas. Birds foraging at sea typically feed on scavenged material and do not generally feed on fish or other marine fauna directly. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (92km) of a number of SPAs for which they form a qualifying interest feature, this includes populations associated with 2 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Inishglora and Inishkeeragh SPA, is located approximately 36km from the survey area, this is within the maximum foraging range of the species but far beyond the mean foraging area of the species (10.5km). Any likely significant effects to the 2 SPAs designated for the species are excluded on the basis that the proposed survey will not impact the core foraging areas utilised by populations of the species associated with any SPA. Furthermore, the survey will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of its time while foraging.

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2.4.6.13 Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) Sandwich terns typically forage through shallow plunge dives, up to 2m, to seize fish from the surface of the water column. Food items typically include small to medium fish including sandeels, herring and sprats in addition to small squid and crustaceans19. Typical foraging habitat includes shallow inshore water and sandbanks. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (54km) of a number of SPAs for which they form a qualifying interest feature, this includes populations associated with 2 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Blacksod Bay/Broadhaven SPA, is located approximately 40km from the survey area, this is within the maximum foraging range of the species but far beyond the mean foraging area of the species (11.5km). Any likely significant effects to the 2 SPAs designated for the species are excluded on the basis that the proposed survey will not impact the core foraging areas utilised by populations of the species associated with any SPA. Furthermore, the survey will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of its time while foraging.

2.4.6.14 Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) Leach’s Storm-petrel is a pelagic species, spending the majority of its lifetime at sea, the species feeds on the surface of the water without landing with prey items including surface plankton and small fish. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (<120km) of a single SPA for which it forms a qualifying interest feature, this includes populations associated with Stags of Broadhaven SPA (see Table 2.17). This SPA is located approximately 46km from the survey area, this is within the maximum foraging range of the species but it is unknown whether it is within the mean foraging area of the species. Any likely significant effects to the SPA in relation to impact to the species are excluded on the basis that survey will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of its time while foraging.

2.4.6.15 Storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) Storm-petrel is a pelagic species, spending the majority of its lifetime at sea, the species feeds on the surface of the water without landing with prey items including surface plankton and small fish. The species may be found in the Edge Survey area during operations, which lie within the maximum foraging distance (>65km) of a number of SPAs for which it forms a qualifying interest feature, this includes populations associated with 5 SPAs (see Table 2.17). The closest of these SPAs, Inishglora and Inishkeeragh SPA, is located approximately 46km from the survey area, this is within the maximum foraging range of the species, but it is unknown whether it is within the mean foraging area of the species. Any likely significant effects to SPAs in relation to impact to the species are excluded on the basis that survey will not impact the foraging behaviour of the species, which is categorised at risk category 2 and does not utilise the underwater environment for a substantial portion of its time while foraging.

2.4.6.16 Conclusion The conclusions arrived at of no likely significant impacts in the above species assessments are supported by an assessment of likely significant impact undertaken for the Irish Offshore Strategic

19 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN135 Sandwich Tern: species information for marine Special Protection Area consultations.

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Environmental Assessment (IOSEA) 5 (PAD, 201520), which concluded that acoustic emissions from seismic airguns are unlikely to have a direct impact on seabirds as they spend most of their time above water and studies have identified no effect of seismic survey activity on the movements and diving behaviour of birds or result in variation in the abundance of birds seen at nesting sites (PAD, 2015a). As such, the IOSEA 5 assesses impact of seismic surveys on seabirds as ‘Neutral’. As the noise emissions anticipated from the proposed site survey and 2D survey are significantly less than that produced by large scale seismic surveys it is reasonable to conclude here that acoustic emissions arising from the proposed survey will have no likely significant effects on the Conservation Objectives of any SPA.

2.4.6.16.1 AA Screening Conclusion The information presented provides the further information and assessment of potential effects on SCI species of SPAs. The information and assessment presented confirm the findings of the AA Screening (presented in the Screening for AA and NIS report), that is: the proposed survey activity will not have likely significant effects on SCIs of SPAs.

2.4.6.16.2 EIA Screening Conclusion The information presented provides the further information and assessment of potential effects on SCI species of SPAs. The information and assessment presented confirm the findings of the EIA Screening (presented in the EIA Screening and ERA report), that is: the proposed survey will not have significant effects on the environment.

20 https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/natural-resources/topics/Oil-Gas-Exploration-Production/environment/strategic-environmental- assessment/Pages/Irish-Offshore-Environmental-Assessment-(IOSEA)-5.aspx

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3 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION REGARDING POTENTIAL IN COMBINATION EFFECTS Section 2.4.4 and Section 3.2.4 of the Screening for AA Screening and NIS reported submitted as part of the application has been update and is superseded by the below paragraphs and table. The list of projects proposed for 2019 and 2020 considered with respect to potential in combination effects with the Edge Survey operations is presented in Section 2.4.4 and Section 3.2.4 of the Screening for AA and NIS report. The list of projects considered was, in part, based on publicly available information of oil and gas surveys published on the DCCAE website at the time of submission of the Edge Survey application to the PAD (10 May 2019). Additional details of oil and gas surveys that informed the assessment of in-combination effects were provided to CNOOC either directly by operators as part of the communications regarding the coordination of vessel operations and survey activities or through the Irish Offshore Operators Association which provides a forum for the discussion and exchange of information with respect to operations planned by the oil and gas operators active in the Irish offshore. The assessment of potential in-combination impacts also considered the Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WEPAS) proposed by the Marine Institute. Since the submission of the Edge Survey application, details of survey activity proposed by Europa at the Inishkea prospect in the Slyne Basin and, at the Edgeworth prospect and the Kiely East prospect in the Porcupine Basin have been published on the DCCAE website while an application previously submitted by ENI Ireland BV has been withdrawn and the Marine Institute acoustic fisheries survey has been completed. In addition, NEXEN/ CNOOC have completed exploratory drilling operations at the Iolar prospect in the Porcupine Basin while Exola DAC have completed their site survey operations at the Barryroe field. In addition, PSE Kinsale Energy have submitted an application for approval for the decommissioning of certain facilities of the Kinsale Head gas fields. CNOOC intend to carry out the Edge survey during 2020. Table 3.1 below provides a summary of up to date information of projects proposed for 2020. CNOOC confirm that the application reports, and the assessments presented therein, have been prepared and undertaken with the view that the survey operations may be undertaken in 2019 and/ or 2020. CNOOC confirm that the information and conclusions presented in the reports are applicable if the operations are undertaken in 2020. It should be noted that the only source of impact from the proposed survey that has the potential to result in significant effects is underwater noise generated by geophysical survey and positioning equipment. The receptors of concern are Annex II marine mammal species. The assessment of in-combination effects considers activities proposed by other planned operations that may act in-combination with underwater noise generated by the Edge Survey to result in likely significant effects. The potential effects associated with the above oil and gas operations are the same as those effects described above for the Edge Survey. To minimise and/ or eliminate potential effects of noise emissions from the Edge Survey on marine mammals the Edge Survey will implement mitigation measures detailed in DAHG (2014). In summary, sound-producing survey activity shall not commence until protective measures (including monitoring measures and ramp-up procedures) have been successfully completed. In addition, CNOOC will maintain consultations with other operators to ensure that in the unlikely event of a requirement of concurrent survey a separation distance of 100km will be maintained thereby eliminating potential in-combination noise effects. Details of mitigation measures proposed are presented in Section 3.3 of the

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NIS presented in the Screening for AA and NIS report. Implementation of mitigation measures will ensure the proposed survey will not have adverse effects on the integrity on SACs in light of the Conservation Objectives i.e. QI marine mammal species. It should be noted that all other geophysical surveys that may be operating offshore, including those listed in Table 3.1, will also be required to implement the mitigation measures outlined above; consequently, there will be no likely adverse effect of survey noise emissions on SACs from these surveys, either individually or in combination with other surveys.

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Table 3.1: Other offshore activities and potential for in-combination effect with the proposed Edge Survey

Operator Location Activity Description Potential In-combination effects? Vermillion Corrib Gasfield Vermillion have applied to Yes Slyne Basin DCCEA to undertake a site Geophysical equipment proposed survey. The survey: for the Vermillion survey include MBES, SBP, SSS, sound velocity • Subsea inspection and probes. Noise generated by maintenance and geophysical equipment proposed for infrastructure renewal the Vermillion survey may act in- survey programme of the combination with the Edge Survey to subsea facilities using result in likely significant effect to ROV and vessel mounted marine mammal Qualifying equipment. Features. CNOOC will maintain communication with other operators • Repair programme to the to regarding the timing of acoustic Corrib Central Manifold P3 surveys and to ensure that the wellhead, which will DCCAE requirement for not require the opening of the conducting concurrently within 100 wellhead protection cover. km; consequently, there will be no No use of acoustic survey potential in-combination noise equipment is planned effects. during the repair programme at P3 Europa Slyne/ Erris Basin Planned site survey operations over Yes the Inishkea prospect. The Inishkea Geophysical equipment proposed survey area is located over 39 km for the Europa site surveys include from the Edge Survey line plan area. MBES, SBP, SSS. Noise generated

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Operator Location Activity Description Potential In-combination effects? Porcupine Basin Planned site survey operations over by geophysical equipment proposed the Edgeworth and Kiely East for the Europa site survey at the prospects. The prospects are Inishkea prospect may act in- located over 330 km to the south of combination with the Edge Survey to the Edge Survey GWA. result in likely significant effect to marine mammal Qualifying Features. CNOOC will maintain a 100 km separation distance from concurrent acoustic survey activity thereby eliminating potential in-combination noise effects. Exola North Celtic Sea Completed Exola survey comprised No seabed debris clearance, The survey was completed in environmental baseline and habitat September 2019. No potential for in assessment site survey over the combination effects. area of the Barryroe field in the North Celtic Sea Basin. HAVFRUE Slyne Basin and surrounding Construction of the HAVFRUE No continental shelf Telecommunications cable system by As there are no geophysical TE SubCom off the Mayo coast to the operations proposed; consequently, south of the proposed Edge Survey there will be no potential in GWA. Undertake cable laying combination noise effects are operations may be undertaken in predicted. 2020.

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Operator Location Activity Description Potential In-combination effects? PSE Kinsale Energy North Celtic Sea Decommissioning of Kinsale Head No and Seven Head Facilities The decommissioning activity is specifically the plugging and located over 450 km from the Edge abandoning of development wells; survey; no likely significant in the removal of two platform topsides combination noise effects are structures; and the removal of a predicted. number of subsea facilities. North Celtic Sea Decommissioning of certain facilities within the Kinsale Head Petroleum Lease area specifically removal of the Kinsale Alpha and Kinsale Bravo platform sub-structures (jackets) and all associated works.

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Appendix A

SACs and SPAs

MGE0741RP0008 | Addendum to Edge 2D HR Seismic Survey and Site Survey – Screening for AA Report Response to RFI and Clarifications | F01 | 21 October 2019 rpsgroup.com Table A.1: SACs sites brought forward for determination of significance of effects.

SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Ballysadare Ballysadare Bay extends for about 10 km Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal in Bay SAC westwards from the town of Ballysadare, Co. Ballysadare Bay SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000622) Sligo, and is the most southerly of three inlets of the larger Sligo Bay. The SAC is designated Attributes Measures Targets for Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted (1365). The SAC contains extensive intertidal suitable artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use. sand and mudflats, approximately 1,500 ha in habitat extent overall. Well-developed salt marshes occur at several locations around the bay. The Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition shortest pathway distance by water between behaviour the GWA and the site is 124 km, while the shortest linear distance is 122 km. Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition behaviour sites Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural behaviour out sites condition. Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Cummeen Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal in Strand/ SAC is a large coastal site, extending from Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Drumcliff Bay Cullamore in the north-west to Killaspug in the (Sligo Bay) south-west, and from Sligo town in the south- Attributes Measures Targets SAC east to Drumcliff village in the north-east. The Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted (000627) SAC is designated for Common (Harbour) suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use Seal (Phoca vitulina) (1365). It includes two large shallow bays, Drumcliff Bay and Sligo Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition Harbour. The site is largely underlain by behaviour carboniferous limestone, but acidic rocks are Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition also found on the Rosses Point peninsula. sites This large site supports an impressive range behaviour of habitats, including woodland, saltmarsh, Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural sandy beaches, boulder beaches, shingle, fen, behaviour out sites condition freshwater marshes, rocky sea cliffs and lakes. There are no landmasses between the Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) between the site and the survey GWA is 117 km. Donegal Bay This site occupies the inner part of Donegal Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal in (Murvagh) Bay, immediately to the south-west of Donegal Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC. FCC is defined by the following SAC Town. It contains the estuary of the River Attributes Measures Targets (000133) Eske and a number of other significant rivers. The SAC is designated for Common (Harbour) Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted Seal (Phoca vitulina) (1365). Most of the site suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use consists of intertidal habitats, notably mud- and sandflats, sea inlets and bays, tidal rivers, Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition estuarine channels and sandy beaches. behaviour These areas are generally unvegetated but Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition are obviously nutrient-rich, as extensive beds sites of shellfish occur in parts of the bay. The behaviour shortest pathway distance by water between Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural the GWA and the site is 148 km, while the behaviour out sites condition shortest linear distance is 148 km. Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Duvillaun The Duvillaun Islands comprise a group of Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Islands SAC marine islands, rocks and reefs 3 km off the (1364) in Duvillaun Islands SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000495) southern tip of the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo. The Duvillaun Islands form part of a Attributes Measures Targets larger group of islands, together with the Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted Inishkeas, Inishkeeragh and Inishglora, which suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use hold an important breeding population of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) (1364). The Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition breeding population is estimated at 648-833 behaviour individuals (in 2005). There are no Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition landmasses between the GWA and the site; sites the shortest linear distance between the site behaviour and the survey GWA is 49 km. Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural behaviour out sites condition Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Galway Bay Galway Bay Complex SAC is situated on the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal in Complex SAC west coast of Ireland, this site comprises the Galway Bay Complex SAC. FCC is defined by the following inner, shallow part of a large bay which is SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) (000268) partially sheltered by the Aran Islands. The Attributes Measures Targets SAC is designated for Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) (1365). There are Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted numerous shallow and intertidal inlets on the suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use eastern and southern sides, notably Muckinish, Aughinish and Kinvarra Bays. A Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition diverse range of marine, coastal and terrestrial behaviour habitats, including several listed in Annex I of Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition the E.U. Habitats Directive, occur within the behaviour sites site, making the area of high scientific importance. The shortest pathway distance by Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural water between the GWA and the site is 174 behaviour out sites condition km, while the shortest linear distance is 156 Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not km. adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Glengarriff Located to the south and north-west of Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal in Harbour and Glengarriff Village in west Cork. This sheltered Glengarriff Harbour and Woodland SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Woodland inlet of Bantry Bay has a rocky shore SAC vegetated with brown seaweeds (Pelvetia Attributes Measures Targets (000090) caniculata, Fucus spp. and Ascophyllum Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted nodosum). The inlet also features rocky islets. suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use Overall, the site supports a diversity of fauna. The rocky islets in the harbour support the Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition largest colony of Common (Harbour) Seals behaviour (Phoca vitulina) (1365) in the south-west of Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition Ireland (maximum count of 151 in the all- sites Ireland survey of 2003). behaviour The shortest pathway distance by water Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural between the GWA and the site is 174 km, behaviour out sites condition while the shortest linear distance is 156 km. Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Horn Head Horn Head extends northwards into the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in and Rinclevan Atlantic Ocean from Dunfanaghy, Co. Horn Head and Rinclevan SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC Donegal. This site also extends westwards, Attributes Measures Targets (000147) reaching just beyond Dooros Point. It is a diverse coastal site containing a wide range of Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted habitats from high rocky quartzite cliffs in the suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use north to mud flats, sand flats, dunes and a brackish lake in the south. A small population SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) (1364) Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition occurs at Horn Head. The breeding population behaviour was estimated at four or five individuals in 2005. The shortest pathway distance by water Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition between the GWA and the site is 179 km, behaviour sites while the shortest linear distance is 178 km. Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural behaviour out sites condition Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Inishbofin and Inishbofin and Inishshark SAC situated off the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Inishshark Co. Galway coast, about 5.5 km from the Inishbofin and Inishshark SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC mainland. It comprises two main islands, Attributes Measures Targets (000278) Inishbofin and Inishshark, with several islets and stacks. Part of the surrounding marine Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted waters are also included. The site supports a suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use breeding colony of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) (1364). The breeding population is Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition estimated at 749-963 individuals (in 2005). A behaviour one-off moult count in 2007 gave a figure of Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition 270 seals. There are no landmasses between sites the GWA and the site; the shortest linear behaviour distance between the site and the survey Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural GWA is 75 km. behaviour out sites condition Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Kenmare Kenmare River SAC in Co. Kerry, is a long, Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca River SAC narrow, south-west facing bay. It has a wide vitulina) in Kenmare River SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (002158) range of marine communities from exposed coast to ultra-sheltered areas. Kenmare River Attributes Measures Targets SAC holds an important population of Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use (1365) (maximum count of 391 in the all- Ireland survey of 2003). The seals frequent Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition rocky islets near Sneem, Templenoe and behaviour Castle Cove, as well as Brennel Island, Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition Illaunsillagh, Kilmackilloge Harbour and sites Ballycrovane Harbour. Otter also uses the behaviour SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) site. The shortest pathway distance by water Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural between the GWA and the site is 279 km, behaviour out sites condition while the shortest linear distance is 269 km. Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Kilkieran Bay Kilkieran Bay and Islands SAC is located just Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca and Islands north of Galway Bay and extends from vitulina) in Kilkieran Bay and Islands SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC Keeraun Point, south of Carraroe, westwards Attributes Measures Targets (002111) to Mace Head, west of Carna, all in Co. Galway. The site is used by Common Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) (1365) suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use (maximum count of 116 in the all-Ireland survey of 2003). The site contains a large area Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition of open marine water, many islands and rocky behaviour islets, and the coastline is much indented with Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition a series of bays (notably the inter-connected sites Kilkieran Bay and Greatman’s Bay), channels behaviour and inlets. The entrances of the bays face the Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural prevailing south-westerly winds and they are behaviour out sites condition subject to strong tidal streams as the sea funnels between islands and through Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not channels. The shortest pathway distance by adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site water between the GWA and the site is 279 km, while the shortest linear distance is 117 km. Killala North of Ballina town, the River Moy flows to Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca Bay/Moy the sea via a long, narrow estuarine channel. vitulina) in Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Estuary SAC After approximately 8 km, the estuary widens (000458 to form a north-facing triangular bay, with the Attributes Measures Targets towns of Inishcrone (Co. Sligo) and Killala Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted (Co. Mayo) situated on the eastern and suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use western shores, respectively. Extensive sandflats and mudflats are exposed in the Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition estuary and bay at low tide. The estuary is behaviour generally in a natural state and is considered Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition to be one of the best examples of a largely sites unpolluted system in Ireland. The SAC is behaviour designated to Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural vitulina) (1365) (maximum count of 108 in the behaviour out sites condition SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) all-Ireland survey of 2003). The shortest Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not pathway distance by water between the GWA adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site and the site is 91 km, while the shortest linear distance is 87 km. Lambay Lambay Island is a large (250 ha) inhabited Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca Island SAC island lying 4 km off Portrane on the north Co. vitulina) in Lambay Island SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000204) Dublin coast. Lambay supports the principal breeding colony of Grey Seal (Halichoerus Attributes Measures Targets grypus) (1364) on the east coast of Ireland, Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted numbering 196-252 seals, across all ages. It suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use also contains regionally significant numbers of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition (1365), of which up to 47 individuals have behaviour been counted at the site. Grey Seals and Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition Common Seals occur year-round and the sites island’s intertidal shorelines, coves and caves behaviour are used by resting and moulting seals. The Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural shortest pathway distance by water between behaviour out sites condition the GWA and the site is 519 km, while the shortest linear distance is 312 km. Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Lambay Island SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition behaviour Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition behaviour sites Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural behaviour out sites condition Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Lower River This very large site stretches along the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Shannon SAC Shannon valley from Killaloe in Co. Clare to Lower River Shannon SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (002165) Loop Head/ Kerry Head, a distance of some 120 km. The site thus encompasses the Attributes Measures Targets Shannon, Feale, Mulkear and Fergus Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted estuaries, the freshwater lower reaches of the suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use. River Shannon (between Killaloe and Limerick), the freshwater stretches of much of Habitat use: Location and Critical areas, representing habitat used preferentially the Feale and Mulkear catchments and the critical areas hectares by bottlenose dolphin, should be maintained in a marine area between Loop Head and Kerry natural condition. Head. There is a resident population of Bottle- Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not nosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (1349) in adversely affect the bottlenose dolphin population at the Shannon Estuary. The population is the site estimated (in 2006) to be 140 ± 12 individuals. The SAC supports the presence of River Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) (1099), Sea fluviatilis) in Lower River Shannon SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (1095) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106). There Attributes Measures Targets are no landmasses between the GWA and the Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to first order streams site; the shortest linear distance between the accessible site and the survey GWA is 190 km. Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey structure of age/size groups present juveniles Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of river/brook in fine sediment lamprey at least 2/m² Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in Lower River Shannon SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible accessible from estuary Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey structure of age/size groups present juveniles Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the Lower River Shannon SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent of accessible accessible from estuary anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Roaringwater Roaringwater Bay, Co. Cork, is a wide, Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Bay and shallow bay located on the south-west coast Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Islands SAC of Ireland. The SAC includes the immediate Attributes Measures Targets (000101) coastline on the mainland from Long Island to Baltimore, together with the whole bay and Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted most of the islands. Grey Seal (Halichoerus suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use grypus) (1364) is present at the site throughout the year during all aspects of its Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition annual life cycle which includes breeding, behaviour moulting, non-breeding, foraging and resting Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition phases. A minimum population for all ages sites was estimated at 116-149 in 2005. behaviour Roaringwater Bay may be one of the most Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural important sites in Ireland for Harbour porpoise behaviour out sites condition (Phocoena phocoena) (1351). Harbour Porpoise in Irish waters are largely resident Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not and observations have shown that they are adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site regular in the waters of Roaringwater Bay. Most observations are in the autumn, when Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Harbour porpoise (Phocoena more than 100 individuals have been recorded phocoena) in Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC. FCC is defined by the following: in a day. The population has been estimated Attributes Measures Targets (in 2008) to be 117-201 individuals. The main threat to Harbour Porpoise is incidental Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted capture in fishery gear, especially set gillnets suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use but also drift nets. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not site is 344 km, while the shortest linear adversely affect the harbour porpoise community at the site

distance is 308 km. Rockabill to Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC includes a Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Harbour porpoise (Phocoena Dalkey Island range of dynamic inshore and coastal waters phocoena) in Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC in the western Irish Sea. These include sandy SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) (003000) and muddy seabed, reefs, sandbanks and Attributes Measures Targets islands. This site extends southwards, in a strip approximately 7 km wide and 40 km in Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted length, from Rockabill, running adjacent to suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use Howth Head, and crosses Dublin Bay to Frazer Bank in south Co. Dublin. The SAC is Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not designated to Harbour porpoise (Phocoena adversely affect the harbour porpoise community at the site

phocoena) (1351). The SAC contains a wide array of habitats believed to be important for Harbour Porpoise including inshore shallow sand and mudbanks and rocky reefs scoured by strong current flow. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 512 km, while the shortest linear distance is 305 km. Rutland Island Rutland Island and Sound SAC lies between Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca and Sound Aran Island and Burtonport in north-west vitulina) in Rutland Island and Sound SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC Donegal, 5 km north-west of Dunglow. Attributes Measures Targets (002283) Besides Rutland itself a number of other small rocky islets are also included in the site. The Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted site supports a population of Common suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) (maximum count of 202 in the all-Ireland survey of 2003. Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition There are no landmasses between the GWA behaviour and the site; the shortest linear distance Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition between the site and the survey GWA is 138 sites km. behaviour Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural behaviour out sites condition Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Saltee Islands Saltee Islands SAC comprises the Saltees Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in SAC Islands and a large area of the surrounding Saltee Islands SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000707 seas. There are two islands, Great Saltee and Little Saltee, and a constellation of islets and Attributes Measures Targets rocks. The islands are situated between 4 and Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted 5 km off the south Wexford coast. As a group, suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use they constitute a broken reef that protrudes SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) from a seabed of sand and shell. Great Saltee Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition SAC has a breeding population of Grey Seal behaviour (Halichoerus grypus) (1364), one of the very few in eastern Ireland. The breeding Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition population was estimated at 571-744 behaviour sites individuals in 2005. A one-off moult count in 2007 gave a figure of 246 individuals. The Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural shortest pathway distance by water between behaviour out sites condition the GWA and the site is 561 km, while the Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not shortest linear distance is 361 km. adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

Slaney River The Slaney River Valley SAC comprises the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca Valley SAC freshwater stretches of the River Slaney as far vitulina) in Slaney River Valley SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000781) as the Wicklow Mountains; a number of tributaries, the larger of which include the Attributes Measures Targets Bann, Boro, Glasha, Clody, Derry, Derreen, Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted Douglas and Carrigower Rivers; the estuary at suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use Ferrycarrig; and Wexford Harbour. The Slaney River Valley SAC supports regionally Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition significant numbers of Common (Harbour) behaviour Seal (Phoca vitulina) (1365). At least 27 Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition Common Seal regularly occur within the site. sites The SAC is of particular conservation interest behaviour for the presence Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural marinus) (1095), River Lamprey (L. fluviatilis) behaviour out sites condition (1099), Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax fallax) and Salmon (Salmo salar) (1095). The shortest Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not pathway distance by water between the GWA adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site and the site is 611 km, while the shortest linear distance is 312 km. Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Twaite Shad Alosa fallax in the Lower River Suir SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers extent of accessible accessible from estuary anadromy Population Number of age More than one age class present structure: age classes classes SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence habitats spawning habitat Water quality: Milligrammes No lower than 5mg/l oxygen levels per litre Spawning habitat Occurrence Maintain stable gravel substrate with very little fine quality: material, free of filamentous algal (macroalgae) growth Filamentous and macrophyte (rooted higher plant) growth algae; macrophytes; sediment Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) in the Lower River Suir SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to first order streams accessible Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey structure of age/size groups present juveniles Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey in fine sediment at least 2/m² Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive. juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible accessible from estuary Population Number of At least three age/size groups present structure of age/size groups juveniles Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds. distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas

Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent of accessible accessible from estuary anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Slieve Tooey/ The Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Tormore Beg Bay SAC site covers the northern half of Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Island/ the Slieve League peninsula in Co. Donegal, Loughros Beg stretching from Ardara in the east towards Attributes Measures Targets Bay SAC Glencolmbkille and Glen Bay in the west. Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted (000190) Along its northern side, the site is fringed by a suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use range of coastal habitats, including sea cliffs, stacks, islets, caves, sand dunes, the Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition Loughros Beg Bay estuary and salt marshes. behaviour The cliffs and rocky islets in this site, in Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition particular Tormore Island, provide important behaviour sites breeding habitat for seabirds, including Kittiwake, Razorbill, Guillemot, Fulmar and Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural Puffin. The SAC is designated to Grey Seal behaviour out sites condition (Halichoerus grypus) (1364). The breeding population is estimated at 868-1116 Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not individuals (in 2005). A one-off moult count in adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

2007 gave a figure of 92 seals. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 116 km, while the shortest linear distance is 114 km. Slyne Head Slyne Head Islands SAC site comprises a long Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Islands SAC archipelago of islands, islets, rocks and reefs Slyne Head Islands SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000328) located off the western shores and south- western tip of the Slyne Head Peninsula in Co. Attributes Measures Targets Galway. Slyne Head Islands SAC contains Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted excellent examples of reefs, ranging from suitable habitat artificial barriers by artificial barriers to site use those extremely exposed to wave action to more sheltered ones. The complexity of the Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition islands helps provide a good range of habitat behaviour conditions, and many typical communities are SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) present. contains an important breeding Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition colony of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) behaviour sites (1364), The breeding population is estimated at 238-306 individuals (in 2005). A one-off Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural moult count in 2007 gave a figure of 162 behaviour out sites condition seals. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site

between the site and the survey GWA is 94 km.

West of West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC site occupies Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca Ardara/ Maas the area of coast immediately north of Ardara vitulina) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Road SAC in south-west Co. Donegal. From Ardara, it Attributes Measures Targets (000197) continues northwards around the coast, and then up the Gweebarra River to Doocharry. Access to Number of Species range within the site should not be restricted The site exhibits a highly diverse range of both suitable habitat artificial by artificial barriers to site use coastal and terrestrial habitats, this feature barriers itself being of high scientific value. There are 26 habitats present which are listed under Breeding Breeding sites Conserve the breeding sites in a natural condition Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, six behaviour which have priority status. The estuaries of the Gweebarra, Owentocker and Owenea Rivers Moulting Moult haul-out Conserve the moult haul-out sites in a natural condition form the most extensive habitats in the site. behaviour sites These have large expanses of intertidal Resting Resting haul- Conserve the resting haul-out sites in a natural sandflats which support a typical diversity of behaviour out sites condition macro-invertebrate and algae species. The site supports populations of Common Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) (1365) adversely affect the harbour seal population at the site (maximum count of 59 in the all-Ireland survey of 2003). The SAC supports Salmon (Salmo Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) salar) (1106). There are no landmasses in the West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC. FCC is defined by the following: between the GWA and the site; the shortest Attributes Measures Targets linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 130 km. Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent of accessible accessible from estuary anadromy SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Blackwater The Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Twaite Shad Alosa fallax in River (Cork/ site consists of the freshwater stretches of the West of the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Waterford) River Blackwater as far upstream as SAC Ballydesmond, the tidal stretches as far as Attributes Measures Targets (002170) Youghal Harbour and many tributaries, the Distribution: % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers larger of which include the Licky, Bride, Flesk, extent of accessible accessible from estuary Chimneyfield, Finisk, Araglin, Awbeg anadromy (Buttevant), Clyda, Glen, Allow, Dalua, Brogeen, Rathcool, Finnow, Owentaraglin and Population Number of age More than one age class present Awnaskirtaun. Marshes and reedbeds cover structure: age classes most of the flat areas beside the rivers and classes often occur in mosaic with the wet woodland. Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning The site is also important for the presence of distribution of occurrence habitats several E.U. Habitats Directive Annex II spawning habitat animal species, including Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), Brook Lamprey Water quality: Milligrammes No lower than 5mg/l (Lampetra planeri), River Lamprey (L. oxygen levels per litre fluviatilis), Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax fallax), Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera Spawning habitat Occurrence Maintain stable gravel substrate with very little fine margaritifera), Otter (Lutra lutra) and Salmon quality: material, free of filamentous algal (macroalgae) growth (Salmo salar). The shortest pathway distance Filamentous and macrophyte (rooted higher plant) growth by water between the GWA and the site is 491 algae; km, while the shortest linear distance is 244 macrophytes; km. sediment SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) in West of the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to first order streams accessible Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey structure of age/size groups present juveniles Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey in fine sediment at least 2/m² Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive. juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in West of the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible accessible from estuary Population Number of At least three age/size groups present structure of age/size groups juveniles Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds. distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in West of the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent of accessible accessible from estuary anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Blackwater The Blackwater River (Kerry) SAC is a large Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) River (Kerry) site is situated on the south-western slopes of in West of the Blackwater River (Kerry) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC the Macgillycuddy Reeks in Co. Kerry and Attributes Measures Targets (002173) overlooks the Kenmare River inlet. The most frequent habitats within the site are upland grassland and various types of heaths. The site is visited at times by a number of bird SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) species of conservation importance, notably Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Hen Harrier and extent of accessible accessible from estuary Chough. This SAC is considered of high anadromy importance for the conservation of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106). The shortest Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently pathway distance by water between the GWA fish exceeded and the site is 325 km, while the shortest linear distance is 261 km. Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Castlemaine The Castlemaine Harbour SAC is a large site Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra Harbour SAC located on the south-east corner of the Dingle fluviatilis) in Castlemaine Harbour SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000343) Peninsula, Co. Kerry. It consists of the whole inner section of Dingle Bay, i.e. Castlemaine Attributes Measures Targets Harbour, the spits of Inch and White Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to first order streams Strand/Rosbehy and a little of the coastline to accessible the west. Inch Spit holds a fine sand dune system. It is one of the largest and best Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey remaining dune systems in the country. The structure of age/size groups present site also supports a small colony of Common juveniles Seal, while two Lamprey species have been Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey recorded in the Laune river catchment. The in fine sediment at least 2/m² Laune catchment is used by Otter and is also an important Salmon system with nurseries, Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds riffles pools and glides. The SAC supports distribution of occurrence River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) (1099), spawning habitat Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (1095) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106). The Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive. shortest pathway distance by water between juvenile habitat positive sites in the GWA and the site is 272 km, while the 3rd order shortest linear distance is 235 km. channels (and greater), SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in Castlemaine Harbour SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible accessible from estuary Population Number of At least three age/size groups present structure of age/size juveniles groups Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds. distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in Castlemaine Harbour SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent of accessible accessible from estuary anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Cloghernagor Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) e Bog and Park SAC is an exceptionally large inland site in Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Glenveagh located in the centre of north-west Donegal. It National Park includes a rich diversity of habitats and Attributes Measures Targets SAC landscape features, including mountains, Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order (002047) exposed rock and scree, blanket bogs, dry, extent of accessible accessible from estuary wet and alpine heath, upland grassland, wet anadromy grassland, rivers, lakes, scrub and woodland. The area is also of considerable zoological Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently value. Mammal interest includes the largest fish exceeded herd of Red Deer in Ireland, along with Badgers, Otters, Irish Hares and Stoats. The Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide Owencarrow and Lackagh River systems abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon support a good population of Atlantic Salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling (Salmo salar) (1106). The shortest pathway Out‐migrating Number No significant decline distance by water between the GWA and the site is 199 km, while the shortest linear smolt abundance distance is 149 km. Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Connemara The Connemara Bog Complex SAC is a large Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Bog Complex site encompassing the majority of the south in Connemara Bog Complex SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC Connemara lowlands in Co. Galway. The Attributes Measures Targets (002034) Connemara Bog Complex is characterized by areas of deep peat surrounded by rocky granite outcrops covered by heath vegetation. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) The Cashla and Ballynahinch systems are Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order good examples of western acidic spate rivers extent of accessible accessible from estuary which support Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) anadromy (1106). Good spawning and nursery grounds for the species occur in these systems. The Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently shortest pathway distance by water between fish exceeded the GWA and the site is 128 km, while the shortest linear distance is 99 km. Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Cummeen The Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon Strand/ Bay) SAC is a large coastal site extends from marinus) (1905) in Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Drumcliff Bay Cullamore in the north-west to Killaspug in the (Sligo Bay) south-west, and from Sligo town in the south- Attributes Measures Targets SAC east to Drumcliff village in the north-east. The Distribution: % of estuary No barriers for migratory life stages of lamprey moving (000627) dominant habitats on the site are estuaries extent of accessible from freshwater to marine habitats and vice versa and intertidal sand and mud flats. Sligo anadromy Harbour receives the waters of the Garavogue River, which flows from Lough Gill, while Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra Drumcliff Bay receives the Drumcliff River fluviatilis) in Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC. FCC is defined by the following: which flows from Glencar Lough. At low tide Attributes Measures Targets extensive areas of intertidal flats are exposed in both of these sheltered estuarine bays. The Distribution: % of estuary No barriers for migratory life stages of lamprey moving site has a very rich and diverse flora, on extent of accessible from freshwater to marine habitats and vice versa account of the wide variety of habitats found, anadromy and the presence of both basic and acidic substrates. Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (1095) and River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) (1099) have been recorded in the Garavogue River, and the River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) (1099) are also known from further upstream in the SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) tributaries of Lough Gill. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 117 km. Glenamoy The Glenamoy Bog Complex SAC is a large Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Bog Complex site is situated in the extreme north-west of in Glenamoy Bog Complex SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC Co. Mayo, where the climate is wet oceanic, Attributes Measures Targets (000500) and gales from the Atlantic are frequent. Dystrophic lakes and pools, which lie in peaty Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order basins and have peat-stained water, are a extent accessible accessible from estuary common feature of lowland blanket bog. Some of anadromy larger lakes also occur, the largest being Lougherglass. The coastal habitats at Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently Glenamoy are extensive and varied. Sea cliffs fish exceeded extend for about 20 km along the north coast and achieve a height of 253 m, at Benwee Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide Head. The Glenamoy River is predominantly a abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon western, acidic, spate river which has a electrofishing valuable late run of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo fry/5 min sampling salar) (1106) in July, with good spawning Out‐migrating Number No significant decline habitats and good water quality. Sea Trout are also found. There are no landmasses between smolt abundance the GWA and the site; the shortest linear Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distance between the site and the survey distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes GWA is 43 km. redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Killala North of Ballina town, the River Moy flows to Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon Bay/Moy the sea via a long, narrow estuarine channel. marinus) in Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Estuary SAC After approximately 8 km, the estuary widens Attributes Measures Targets (000458) to form a north-facing triangular bay, with the towns of Inishcrone (Co. Sligo) and Killala Distribution: % of estuary No barriers for migratory life stages of lamprey moving (Co. Mayo) situated on the eastern and extent of accessible from freshwater to marine western shores, respectively. The SAC anadromy supports Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) habitats and vice versa (1095) and Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail Population Number of At least three age/size groups present (Vertigo angustior). The rare snail has been structure of age/size known at this site for over 100 years. The shortest pathway distance by water between juveniles groups SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) the GWA and the site is 93 km, while the Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² shortest linear distance is 86 km. in fine sediment

Killarney Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra National Park, Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC is a fluviatilis) in Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC. FCC is Macgillycuddy very large site encompasses the mountains, defined by the following: 's Reeks and rivers and lakes of the Iveragh Peninsula, and Caragh River the Paps Mountains which stretch eastward Attributes Measures Targets Catchment from Killarney towards Millstreet. The majority Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to first order streams SAC of the site is in Co. Kerry, with a small portion accessible (000365) in Co. Cork. The most common habitat types within the overall site are blanket bog, heath Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey and upland grassland. The site contains many structure of age/size present lakes, but these can be broadly divided into juveniles groups two types: small upland corrie lakes and larger lowland lakes. The SAC supports River Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) (1099), Sea in fine sediment Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). The shortest pathway Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distance by water between the GWA and the distribution of occurrence site is 257 km, while the shortest linear spawning habitat distance is 247 km. Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible accessible from estuary SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey structure of age/size present juveniles groups Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 10% of sample sites positive. juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent accessible accessible from estuary of anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Leannan The Leannan River SAC is Situated in north Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) River SAC Co. Donegal, this site comprises the River in the Leannan River SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (002176) Leannan and its main tributaries and lakes, including Loughs Fern, Gartan and Akibbon. Attributes Measures Targets The river from source to sea measures 46 km Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order and drains a catchment area of 282 km2. The extent accessible accessible from estuary Leannan River SAC site also supports Atlantic of anadromy Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106) Habitats Directive. The Leannan is a good spring and Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently grilse salmon river with extensive spawning fish exceeded habitats and good water quality. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide and the site is 238 km, while the shortest abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon linear distance is 171 km. electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Lough Corrib Lough Corrib is situated to the north of Galway Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon SAC city and is the second largest lake in Ireland, marinus) in Lough Corrib SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (000297) with an area of approximately 18,240 ha (the entire site is 20,556 ha). A number of rivers Attributes Measures Targets are included within the SAC as they are Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers important for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) accessible accessible from estuary (1106) use the lake and rivers as spawning SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) grounds. The lake has a population of Sea Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (1095). The age/size shortest pathway distance by water between structure of present the GWA and the site is 189 km, while the juveniles groups shortest linear distance is 118 km. Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive, with a juvenile habitat positive minimum of four positive sites in a catchment, which sites in 3rd are at least 5km apart order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the Lough Corrib SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent accessible accessible from estuary of anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Lough Eske Lough Eske is a large lowland oligotrophic Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and lake. It lies approximately 5 km north-east of in the Lough Eske and Ardnamona Wood SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Ardnamona Donegal town. The site also includes the River Wood SAC Eske and short stretches of the Lowerymore, Attributes Measures Targets (000163) Clogher and Drummenny Rivers, as well as a Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order number of smaller tributaries. Ardnamona extent accessible accessible from estuary Wood, on the western side of the lake, is an of anadromy old oak woodland. It is of great scientific interest for its size, naturalness and flora. The Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently SAC supports Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) fish exceeded (1106). The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 158 Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide km, while the shortest linear distance is 155 abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon km. electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Lough Gill The Lough Gill SAC site includes Lough Gill, No specific conversation objectives provided for each species of River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) SAC Doon Lough to the north-east, the Bonet River (1099), Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (1095) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106) supported (001976) (as far as, but not including, Glenade Lough), within the Lough Gill SAC. and a stretch of the Owenmore River near The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will Manorhamilton in Co. Leitrim. Lough Gill is a contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a large lake, being 8 km long, and has steep national level. limestone shores and underwater cliffs. It is over 20 m deep in places. The SAC supports Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: the presence of River Lamprey (Lampetra • its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) fluviatilis) (1099), Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon• the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely marinus) (1095) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and salar) (1106). The Lough Gill system gets a • the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. very early run of spring salmon, while the The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: Bonet holds stocks of salmon from spring right through to the end of the season. The shortest• population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term pathway distance by water between the GWA basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and and the site is 136 km, while the shortest • the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable linear distance is 133 km. future, and • there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long- term basis. Lough Melvin Lough Melvin SAC has been designated as a Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) SAC Special Area of Conservation (SAC) because in the Lough Melvin SAC. FCC is defined by the following: it (UK0030047) Attributes Measures Targets contains habitat types and/or species which are rare or threatened within a European Population Number Stable or increasing context. The ASSI citation describes the dynamics special interests for which the site was notified Adult Run Total run size at least matching an agreed reference in the Northern Ireland context. The interests level, including a seasonal pattern of migration for which the site was selected as ASSI may characteristic of the river and maintenance of the multi- differ from the interests selected in a sea-winter component. European context. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest Juvenile These should not differ significantly from those linear distance between the site and the population expected for the river type/reach under conditions of survey GWA is 140 km. densities high physical and chemical quality. Biological The population should be naturally self-sustaining. disturbance: There should be a presumption against stocking of Introductions salmon unless it is agreed to be necessary as an emergency interim measure to maintain population viability whilst underlying ecological problems are being addressed. No introduction, or stocking, of other species, or sub- species, at excessively high densities in salmon spawning and nursery areas. Effective screening on all fish farm intakes and discharges. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Population Exploitation All exploitation should be sustainable without dynamics compromising any components of the stock. Physical integrity Disturbance of No artificial barriers significantly impairing adults from habitat reaching existing and historical spawning grounds and smolts from reaching the sea. River Maintain and where necessary restore the morphology characteristic physical features of the river channel, banks & riparian zone. River Substrate Clean gravels should dominate channels. <10% fines in top 30cm of spawning gravels Water quantity Flow Flow regime should be characteristic of the river. As a guideline, at least 90% of the naturalised daily mean flow should remain in the river throughout the year Existing flow criteria already laid down for salmon should also be complied with.

Lower River Lower River Suir SAC consists of the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Twaite Shad Alosa fallax in the Suir SAC freshwater stretches of the River Suir Lower River Suir SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (002137) immediately south of Thurles, the tidal stretches as far as the confluence with the Attributes Measures Targets Barrow/Nore immediately east of Cheekpoint Distribution: % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers in Co. Waterford, and many tributaries extent accessible accessible from estuary including the Clodiagh in Co. Waterford, the of anadromy Lingaun, Anner, Nier, Tar, Aherlow, Multeen and Clodiagh in Co. Tipperary. The SAC is of Population Number of age More than one age class present particular conservation interest for the structure: age classes presence Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (1095), River Lamprey (L. fluviatilis) (1099), classes Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax fallax) and Salmon Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning (Salmo salar) (1095). The shortest pathway occurrence distance by water between the GWA and the distribution of habitats site is 563 km, while the shortest linear spawning habitat distance is 265 km. Water quality: Milligrammes No lower than 5mg/l oxygen levels per litre SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Spawning habitat Occurrence Maintain stable gravel substrate with very little fine quality: material, free of filamentous algal (macroalgae) growth Filamentous and macrophyte (rooted higher plant) growth algae; macrophytes; sediment Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) in the Lower River Suir SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to first order streams accessible Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey structure of age/size present juveniles groups Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey in at least 2/m² fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive. juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Lower River Suir SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible accessible from estuary Population Number of At least three age/size groups present structure of age/size juveniles groups Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds. distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the Lower River Suir SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent accessible accessible from estuary of anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Maumturk The Maumturk Mountains SAC is situated east Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Mountains of the Twelve Bens and west of the in the Maumturk Mountains SAC. FCC is defined by the following: SAC Maumtrasnas, between the Inagh Valley and Attributes Measures Targets (002008) the Leenaun/Maam road in Co. Galway. The site is bounded to the north by Killary Harbour Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order and to the south by the Galway/ Clifden road. extent accessible accessible from estuary Most of the mountains exceed 600 m in height of anadromy and about half of the land within the site lies above an altitude of 250 m. In addition many Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently rivers criss-cross the site. The SAC is very fish exceeded important for Salmon (Salmo salar) (1095) species. The rivers and lakes, and especially Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide the Bealnabrack system, provide high quality abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon spawning and nursery rivers. The shortest electrofishing pathway distance by water between the GWA fry/5 min sampling and the site is 102 km, while the shortest Out‐migrating Number No significant decline linear distance is 100 km. smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Mweelrea/ The Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Sheeffry/ Erriff covers a large area of the scenic hills of south in the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Complex SAC Co. Mayo. The western limit of the site is at Attributes Measures Targets (001932) Dooaghtry, south of Kinnadoohy. The southern margin is bounded by Killary Harbour SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) and the Erriff River, including the corrie of Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order Lough Glenawough. Several river catchments extent accessible accessible from estuary are encompassed within the site, including the Bundorragha and Glenummera Rivers, as well of anadromy as Fin Lough, Doo Lough and Glencullin Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently Lough, the upper catchment of the Bunowen fish exceeded River and parts of the Derrycraff and Owenmore Rivers. The Erriff River system Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide supports an important population of Atlantic abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon Salmon (Salmo salar) (1095). Arctic Char has electrofishing been recorded from Doo Lough and there is a fry/5 min sampling pre-1930 record of this fish species from Out‐migrating Number No significant decline Lough Glenawough. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest smolt abundance linear distance between the site and the Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning survey GWA is 87 km. distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Newport River Newport River SAC consists consists of the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) SAC Newport River, Lough Beltra, and the in the Newport River SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (002144) tributaries the Skerdagh, Glenisland Crumpaun/Boghadoon and Attributes Measures Targets Bracklagh/Cloondaff. This is generally a low- Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order level river which flows through wet grassland extent accessible accessible from estuary and wet heath. The Newport River is a of anadromy renowned salmonid river and hosts Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1095). The river gets a Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently good run of spring salmon and many large fish fish exceeded are caught every year. This system has traditionally been regarded as an excellent Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide spring salmon, grilse and sea trout fishery. abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon The shortest pathway distance by water electrofishing between the GWA and the site is 100 km, fry/5 min sampling while the shortest linear distance is 96 km. Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Owenduff/ This Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC is Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Nephin relatively intact blanket bog and mountains in the Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Complex SAC incorporates the catchment of the Owenduff Attributes Measures Targets (000534) River and much of the Nephin Beg Mountain range, and is situated in Co. Mayo. Lough Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order Feeagh, which is located approximately 5 km extent accessible accessible from estuary north-west of Newport Town, lies in the south- of anadromy east corner of the site. The Owenduff River and its tributaries flow through this site, and Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently this system is one of the best examples in the fish exceeded country of a large, base-poor river catchment which is largely intact. The Owenduff River Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide system holds an important population of abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1095). electrofishing Spawning occurs on the Owenduff, the fry/5 min sampling Tarsaghaun River to the east, the Out‐migrating Number No significant decline Glenadeeghan and the Baunduff/Scardaun, mainly in the upper reaches. The shortest smolt abundance pathway distance by water between the GWA Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning and the site is 87 km, while the shortest linear distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes distance is 82 km. redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

River Barrow The River Barrow and River Nore SAC site Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Twaite Shad Alosa fallax in the and River consists of the freshwater stretches of the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Nore SAC Barrow and Nore River catchments as far Attributes Measures Targets (002162) upstream as the Slieve Bloom Mountains, and it also includes the tidal elements and estuary Distribution: % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers as far downstream as Creadun Head in extent accessible accessible from estuary Waterford. The site passes through eight of anadromy counties – Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford. Population Number of age More than one age class present The estuary and the other E.U. Habitats structure: age classes Directive Annex I habitats within it form a large component of the site. Extensive areas of classes intertidal flats, comprised of substrates SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) ranging from fine, silty mud to coarse sand Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning with pebbles/stones are present. The SAC is occurrence of particular conservation interest for the distribution of habitats presence Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) spawning habitat (1095), River Lamprey (L. fluviatilis) (1099), Water quality: Milligrammes No lower than 5mg/l Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax fallax) and Salmon per litre (Salmo salar) (1095). The shortest pathway oxygen levels distance by water between the GWA and the Spawning habitat Occurrence Maintain stable gravel substrate with very little fine site is 553 km, while the shortest linear distance is 254 km. quality: material, free of filamentous algal (macroalgae) growth Filamentous and macrophyte (rooted higher plant) growth algae; macrophytes; sediment Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) in the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem and major tributaries accessible down to second order accessible from estuary Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey structure of age/size present juveniles groups Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey in at least 2/m² fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive. juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible accessible from estuary Population Number of At least three age/size groups present structure of age/size juveniles groups Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² in fine sediment Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds. distribution of occurrence spawning habitat Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent accessible accessible from estuary of anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

River Boyne The River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the River Lamprey (Lampetra and River site comprises the freshwater element of the fluviatilis) in the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Blackwater River Boyne as far as the Boyne Aqueduct, SAC the Blackwater as far as Lough Ramor and the Attributes Measures Targets (002299) Boyne tributaries including the Deel, Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem and major tributaries Stoneyford and Tremblestown Rivers. These accessible down to second order accessible from estuary riverine stretches drain a considerable area of Meath and Westmeath, and smaller areas of Population Number of At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey Cavan and Louth. The Boyne and its structure of age/size present tributaries form one of Ireland’s premier game groups fisheries and the area offers a wide range of juveniles angling, from fishing for spring salmon and Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey grilse to seatrout fishing and extensive brown in at least 2/m² trout fishing. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106) use the tributaries and headwaters as fine sediment spawning grounds. This site is also important Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds for the populations for River Lamprey occurrence (Lampetra fluviatilis) (1099), which is present distribution of in the lower reaches of the Boyne River. The spawning habitat shortest pathway distance by water between SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) the GWA and the site is 509 km, while the Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive. shortest linear distance is 236 km. juvenile habitat positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent accessible accessible from estuary of anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

River Finn The River Finn SAC site comprises almost the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) SAC entire freshwater element of the River Finn in the River Finn SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (002301) and its tributaries the Corlacky, the Reelan sub-catchment, the Sruhamboy, Elatagh, Attributes Measures Targets Cummirk and Glashagh, and also includes SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Lough Finn, where the river rises. The Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order spawning grounds at the headwaters of the extent accessible accessible from estuary Mourne and Derg Rivers, Loughs Derg and Belshade and the tidal stretch of the Foyle of anadromy north of Lifford to the border are also part of Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently the site. The Finn system is one of Ireland’s fish exceeded premier Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106) waters. Although the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide salar) is still fished commercially in Ireland, it abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon is considered to be endangered or locally electrofishing threatened elsewhere in Europe and is listed fry/5 min sampling on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The Out‐migrating Number No significant decline shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 307 km, while the smolt abundance shortest linear distance is 160 km. Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

River Moy The River Moy SAC site comprises almost the Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon SAC entire freshwater element of the River Moy marinus) in the River Moy SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (002298) and its tributaries including both Loughs Conn and Cullin. The system drains a catchment Attributes Measures Targets area of 805 sq. km. The Moy system is one of Distribution % of river Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers Ireland’s premier Atlantic Salmon (Salmo accessible accessible from estuary salar) (1106) waters and it also encompasses two of Ireland’s best lake trout Population Number of At least three age/size groups present fisheries in Loughs Conn and Cullin. The site structure of age/size is also important for the presence of four other juveniles groups species Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (1095). The Sea Lamprey is regularly Juvenile density Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² encountered in the lower stretches of the river in around Ballina. The shortest pathway fine sediment distance by water between the GWA and the site is 107 km, while the shortest linear Extent and m² and No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds. distance is 77 km. distribution of occurrence spawning habitat SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Availability of Number of More than 50% of sample sites positive juvenile habitat positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the River Moy SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order extent accessible accessible from estuary of anadromy Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently fish exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon electrofishing fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating Number No significant decline smolt abundance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

The Twelve This is an extensive site situated in the north- Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Bens/ west of Connemara in Co. Galway and in the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC. FCC is defined by the following: Garraun dominated by mountainous terrain. The site Complex SAC also includes some extensive tracts of lowland Attributes Measures Targets (002031) blanket bog which are continuous with the SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) mountains. Most of the mountain summits Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order reach a height in excess of 500 m, the highest extent accessible accessible from estuary being Ben Baun in the Twelve Bens which reaches 730 m. The Twelve Bens/Garraun of anadromy Complex includes a wide variety of habitat Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently types, nine of which are listed on Annex I of fish exceeded the E.U. Habitats Directive (including one with priority status), and populations of many rare Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide or scarce plant and animal species. It is one of abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon the largest and most varied protected sites in electrofishing Ireland and so is of high conservation interest. fry/5 min sampling The Owenglin River supports an important Out‐migrating Number No significant decline population of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (1106). There are no landmasses between the smolt abundance GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning between the site and the survey GWA is 92 redds due to anthropogenic causes km. distribution of occurrence redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) Unshin River The Unshin River runs from Lough Arrow Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) SAC north to Ballysadare Bay, Co. Sligo. The river in the Unshin River SAC. FCC is defined by the following: (001898) is largely undrained and unaltered along much of its course. The marginal vegetation Attributes Measures Targets associated with the river is also included in the Distribution: % of river 100% of river channels down to second order site, along with other semi-natural habitats extent accessible accessible from estuary adjacent to the river (included in order to of anadromy enhance its protection). The quality of the Unshin River and particularly its aquatic Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently macrophyte communities, make it rare in both fish exceeded an Irish and European context, and it is considered one of the most pristine rivers in Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean catchment‐wide the country. The Unshin and its tributaries abundance minutes abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon form a very important system for Salmon electrofishing (Salmo salar) (1106), The Owenboy/ fry/5 min sampling Owenbeg river is the principle spawning and Out‐migrating Number No significant decline nursery tributary for the system’s salmon fishery. The Unshin and its tributaries is the smolt abundance most important salmon producing river in Co. Number and Number and No decline in number and distribution of spawning Sligo. The shortest pathway distance by water distribution of occurrence redds due to anthropogenic causes between the GWA and the site is 133 km, while the shortest linear distance is 120 km. redds Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA

Belgica The Belgica Mound Province SAC is Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Mound approximately 29 kilometres long and 13 Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation Province SAC kilometres wide and covers an area of condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected. (002327) approximately 411 square kilometres. The western-most mounds are close to the edge of Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: the continental slope where water currents are its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and strongest. In this area, Madrepora oculata and the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely Lophelia pertusa are the main reef-forming to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and coral species. A spectacular array of the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. epibionts, including hydroid, bryozoan and glass sponge (Aphrocallistes sp.) species are found attached to coral colonies. Gorgonian coral (Acanthogorgia sp.), octocoral (Anthotela SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) grandiflora), eunicid polychaetes, crustaceans (Bathynectes sp. and Pandalus sp.), stylasterid colonies (Pliobrothus sp.) sometimes with attached gastropods (Pedicularia sp.). Unattached gastropods (Clio sp. and Diacria sp.), sea urchins (Cidaris sp.) and bivalves (Clamis sulcata and Delectopecten vitreus) have also been recorded. The shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is approximately 299 km. Hovland The Hovland Mound Province SAC which is Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Mound designated due to the presence of Annex I Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation Province SAC reef habitat, is located in the north Porcupine condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected. (002328) Seabight approximately 130 km south-west of the Blasket Islands off the County Kerry Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: coastline. Research at the SAC has identified its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and more than 25 – 50 carbonate mounds in water the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely depths of between 400 m and 1,000 m. The to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and mounds range in height from 100 m to 300 m the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. with the highest mounds occurring in water depth of approximately 700 m. The SAC site is approximately 50 km long and 38 km wide, and covers an area of 1,086 km2. The steep mound flanks support patch-reef of Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. Other corals present include Desmophyllum dianthus, Flabellum macandrewi, Stylater gemmascens and Stenocyathus veriformes. The reef formations also support a diverse community comprising echinoids, holothurians, sea pens and, caridean and thalassinean shrimps, fish and an array of epibionts, including hydroid and bryozoan species. Infaunal surveys have also recorded serpulids, zoanthids, crinoids and bivalves have also been recorded. The shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is approximately 237 km. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) North-west North-West Porcupine Bank SAC is located on Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Porcupine the north-western edge of the Porcupine Bank Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation Bank SAC as it slopes into the south-eastern Rockall condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected. (002330) Trough. The site comprises at least 35 carbonate mounds at water depths ranging Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: between 400 and 1,000 m. The mounds range its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and between 100 m to 300m in width and may the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely reach up to 200m in height. Research at the to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and site found extensive areas of live coral, the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. including Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata, associated with, and adjacent to, high relief areas. In addition, deepwater fish species observed in the area included False Boarfish (Neocytus helgae) and Blue Ling (Molva dypterygia). The shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is approximately 185 km. Porcupine The Porcupine Bank Canyon lies at the Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Bank Canyon continental margin of the north-east Atlantic Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation SAC and slopes into the Rockall Trough (to the condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected. (003001) west) and Porcupine Seabight (to the east). The site contains the largest submarine Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: canyon off the Porcupine Bank and measures its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and approximately 55 km long and approximately the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely 15 km wide. Water depths in the deep extend to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and to up to 2,600 m with several side-canyons or the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. channels branching into the continental shelf at water depths of between 1,400 m and 800 m. Substrate of the northern end of the canyon is dominated by hard ground interspersed with small areas of soft sediment, while substrate in the southern end was characterized by soft sediment with occasional boulders and pebbles. Terraces, cliffs, overhangs and boulders were all noted while dead coral formed an element of the available habitats. Research at the site indicated the area supported diverse faunal assemblages, particularly amongst the dead coral framework, including black coral, soft coral (>2 SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) species, including Anthomastus sp.), sea pen (Pennatula sp., on soft ground), gorgonians, encrusting sponges, desmospongia, glass sponges (particularly Aphrocallistes sp.), sea urchins (mainly Cidaris cidaris), anemones (including Phelliactis sp.), starfish, hydroids (stylasterids), fish, galatheids (>1 species and including Chirostylus sp. and Munidae), echiurans (particularly abundant on softer sediment), un-stalked crinoids, stalked crinoids, crabs (Bathynectes sp and Chaecon sp.), corallimorphs, britle stars and sea cucumbers. The shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is approximately 336 km. South-east The South-East Rockall Bank SAC is a Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Rockall Bank relatively shallow bank to the north-west of Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation SAC Ireland, separated from the Porcupine shelf by condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected. (003002) deeper area within the Rockall Trough. The SAC comprises a relatively shallow bank Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: bordered by long steep slopes or cliffs at the its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and bank edge at water depths between 500 m the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely and 1,500 m. Recent surveys indicated area to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and of hard substrate including pebbles, boulders, the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. and exposed bedrock, which in places formed steep inclines, escarpments, vertical walls, and cliffs with ledges, overhangs and caves. Fauna recorded within the designated area include a range of poriferans (desmonospongia, encrusting, glass sponge - Aphrocallistes sp.), cnidarians (including Anthipatharian sp., sea whips, bamboo coral, black coral, Lophelia pertusa, soft corals (Anthomastus grandiflora), solitary corals (Flabellum sp., Solenosmilia variabilis), gorgonians, stylasteroid hydroids, sea pens (Pennatula phophorea), ascidians (sea squirts), starfish (Brisingella coronata), feather stars, sea cucumbers, brittles stars (Ophiomusium lymani), crustaceans (shrimp), SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Conservation Objectives Name Interests (Site Code) and fish including eels and Neocytus sp. The shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is approximately 273 km.

South-west The South-west Porcupine Bank is located on Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Porcupine the south-western edge of the Porcupine Bank Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation Bank SAC close to a canyon as it slopes into the Rockall condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected. (002329) Trough. The site contains a number of carbonate mounds close to the continental Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: shelf break between depths of between 600 its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and and 1,600 metres. The greatest coral the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely coverage was found in the south-west of the to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and site on an isolated mound which hosted the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. extensive areas of coral on Its summit. Other mounds surveyed in the site exhibited patches of coral reef and areas of coral rubble associated with areas of live coral, with a diversity of species present. The shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is approximately 367 km. Table A.2: SPA sites brought forward for determination of significance of effects.

SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Ailsa Craig Ailsa Craig is a cone-shaped granitic island, rising to Objective: To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or (UK9003091) 338 m, situated in the outer part of the Firth of Clyde, significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site western Scotland. Cliffs up to 100 m encircle the island is maintained; and: and provide nesting sites for a range of seabird To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: species, notably one of the largest colonies of Gannet Morus bassanus in the world. The seabirds nesting Population of the species as a viable component of the site here feed in surrounding waters outside the SPA as Distribution of the species within site well as further afield. The shortest pathway distance by Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species water between the GWA and the site is 370 km, while Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species the shortest linear distance is 352 km. No significant disturbance of the species Qualifying species: Gannet, Guillemot, Herring gull, Kittiwake, Lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) Aughris Head Aughris Head is a rocky headland on the north-facing Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA Co. Sligo coastline, located some 20 km west of Sligo Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004133) Town. Its near-vertical cliffs reach a maximum height of species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) 30 m above sea level. Site was utilised by a nationally important population of Kittiwake and this species is The FCS of a species is achieved when: regarded as a special conservation interest for this population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on SPA. A survey in 1997 recorded a nationally important a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and population of breeding Kittiwake (742 pairs) and other the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the breeding seabirds including Guillemot (811 pairs), foreseeable future, and Razorbill (58 pairs) and Fulmar (94 pairs). There are no there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its landmasses between the GWA and the site; the populations on a long-term basis. shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 113 km. Beara The Beara Peninsula SPA is a coastal site situated on Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Peninsula the west coast of Co. Cork, south-west of the town of Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA Kenmare. It encompasses the high coast and sea cliff species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Fulmar, Chough. (004155) sections of the western end of the peninsula from Reenmore Point/Cod’s Head in the north, around to the The FCS of a species is achieved when: end of Dursey Island in the west, and as far east as population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on Bear Island in the south. The site is a Special a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the of special conservation interest for the following foreseeable future, and species: Chough and Fulmar. The site also holds a SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) nationally important population of Fulmar (575 pairs), there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its and populations of other breeding seabirds including: populations on a long-term basis. Shag (12 pairs), Herring Gull (20 pairs), Lesser Black- backed Gull (4 pairs), Razorbill (5 pairs) and Black Guillemot (87 individuals in 1999) – all seabird data from 2000. The site is also used by Peregrine (4 pairs in 2002). The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 295 km, while the shortest linear distance is 285 km. Bills Rocks The Bills Rocks are a group of three rocks lying close Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA together, approximately 10 kmsouth of Moyteoge Head species (004177) on Achill Island, Co. Mayo. The islands are composed listed as SCIs for this SPA. Storm Petrel, Puffin. of metamorphic rock and are drift-covered. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the The FCS of a species is achieved when: following species: Storm Petrel and Puffin. There are population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and shortest linear distance between the site and the the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the survey GWA is 57 km. foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. Blacksod Bay Situated in the extreme north-west of Co. Mayo, this Objective: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird species listed as SCIs for this SPA: / Broadhaven site comprises a number of bays and inlets including Site specific conservation objectives are set for the following species/habitat. Bay SPA Sruwaddacon Bay, Moyrahan Bay, Traw-Kirtaun, Blind Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, Golden Plover, Dunlin (subsp. schinzii), Bar- (004037) Harbour, Tullaghan Bay, and the various sheltered bays and inlets in Blacksod Bay, including Trawmore tailed Godwit, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern and Arctic Tern Bay, Feorinyeeo Bay, Saleen Harbour, Elly Bay and Elly Harbour. It is of note that eight of the species that occur regularly are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, i.e. Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, Golden Plover, Dunlin (subsp. schinzii), Bar-tailed Godwit, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern and Arctic Tern. Blacksod Bay and Broad Haven is a Ramsar Convention site. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 40 km. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Blasket The Blasket Islands are situated at the end of the Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Islands Dingle peninsula in Co. Kerry. The site comprises all of Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004008) the main islands in the group, as well as the various species islets and rocks, and also the seas which surround the islands to a distance of 500 m. There are six main listed as SCIs for this SPA: Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Shag, Lesser Black- islands, plus some smaller islands, islets and sea backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Razorbill, Puffin and Chough. stacks. The FCS of a species is achieved when: The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and the following species: Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Storm the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the Petrel, Shag, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, foreseeable future, and Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Razorbill, Puffin and Chough. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its The site is also of special conservation interest for populations on a long-term basis. holding an assemblage of over 20,000 breeding seabirds. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 229 km. Cape Wrath Cape Wrath lies at the north-westernmost tip of Objective: SPA mainland Scotland in Sutherland. The site comprises To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to (UK9001231) two stretches of Torridonian sandstone and Lewisian the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and gneiss cliffs (of c. 15 km length) around the headland of Cape Wrath. These cliffs provide suitable nest sites To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: for large numbers of breeding seabirds. The shortest Population of the species as a viable component of the site pathway distance by water between the GWA and the Distribution of the species within site site is 560 km, while the shortest linear distance is 550 Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species km. Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species Qualifying species: Fulmar,Guillemot, Kittiwake, Puffin, Razorbill.

Carrowmore Carrowmore Lake is a large, fairly shallow, Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Lake oligotrophic/mesotrophic lake in Co. Mayo. The lake Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004052) generally has a stony bottom and shoreline, and species overlies Dalradian schists and quartzite. listed as SCIs for this SPA : Sandwich Tern The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for The FCS of a species is achieved when: the following species: Sandwich Tern. There are no SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) landmasses between the GWA and the site; the population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on shortest linear distance between the site and the a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and survey GWA is 52 km. the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

Clare island Clare Island lies at the entrance to Clew Bay, in Co. Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA Mayo, and some 5 km from the mainland. The site Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004136) comprises all of the cliffs on the island, a length of species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Chough, Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake, Common Gull, approximately 10 km, as well as the land adjacent to Guillemot and Razorbill. the cliff edge (inland for 300 m) and the adjacent marine waters (to distances of 200 m or 500 m, The FCS of a species is achieved when: depending on auk distribution). population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the the following species: Chough, Fulmar, Shag, foreseeable future, and Kittiwake, Common Gull, Guillemot and Razorbill. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its There are no landmasses between the GWA and the populations on a long-term basis. site; the shortest linear distance between the site and

the survey GWA is 71 km. Cliffs of Moher This site extends a distance of some 9.5 km along the Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA north Clare coast from Faunmore in the north to just Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird south of Cancregga Point in the south. The cliffs, which (004005) species listed as SCIs for this SPA. Fulmar, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and rise to 203 m in height, are formed of horizontal beds of Chough. coal measure sandstones and shales. The FCS of a species is achieved when: The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on the following species: Fulmar, Kittiwake, Guillemot, a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Razorbill, Puffin and Chough. The site is also of special the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the conservation interest for holding an assemblage of foreseeable future, and over 20,000 breeding seabirds. The shortest pathway there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its distance by water between the GWA and the site is populations on a long-term basis. 168 km, while the shortest linear distance is 165 km.

Cruagh Island Cruagh Island is located approximately 2 km west of Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA Omey Island, off the Connemara coast in Co. Galway. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) (004170) The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Manx Shearwater and Barnacle Goose the following species: Manx Shearwater and Barnacle The FCS of a species is achieved when: Goose. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance between the population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on site and the survey GWA is 86 km. a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

Deenish Deenish Island and Scariff Island are small- to medium- Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Island and sized islands situated between 5 and 7 km west of Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird Scariff Island Lamb’s Head off the Co. Kerry coast; they are thus species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Lesser Black- SPA very exposed to the force of the Atlantic Ocean. The backed Gull and Arctic Tern. site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. (004175) Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the The FCS of a species is achieved when: following species: Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Storm population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on Petrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Arctic Tern. The a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the and the site is 283 km, while the shortest linear foreseeable future, and distance is 275 km. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

Dingle The Dingle Peninsula SPA is a large site situated on Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Peninsula the west coast of Co. Kerry. It encompasses the high Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA coast and sea cliff sections of the peninsula from just species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Chough, Peregrine and Fulmar (004153) south of Brandon Point in the north, around to the end of the peninsula at Slea Head, and as far east as Inch The FCS of a species is achieved when: in the south. The site is a Special Protection Area population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and conservation interest for the following species: Chough, the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the Peregrine and Fulmar. There are no landmasses foreseeable future, and between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its distance between the site and the survey GWA is 217 populations on a long-term basis. km.

SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Duvillaun Duvillaun Islands SPA comprises a group of marine Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Islands SPA islands, rocks and reefs, located between 1 and 5 km Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004177) off the southern tip of the Mullet Peninsula in Co. species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Fulmar, Storm Petrel and Barnacle Goose Mayo. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation The FCS of a species is achieved when: interest for the following species: Fulmar, Storm Petrel population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on and Barnacle Goose. There are no landmasses a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the distance between the site and the survey GWA is 44 foreseeable future, and km. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

Flannan Isles The Flannan Isles are a group of six rocky islands, with Objective: (UK9001021) outlying skerries, which lie about 30 km west of Lewis To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant in the Outer Hebrides off the north-west coast of disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is Scotland. They provide a strategically placed nesting maintained; and locality for seabirds, which feed in the rich waters off the Western Isles. There are no landmasses between To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance Population of the species as a viable component of the site between the site and the survey GWA is 449 km. Distribution of the species within site Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species Qualifying species: Fulmar, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Leach's petrel, Puffin, Razorbill, Seabird assemblage Galley Head The Galley Point to Duneen Point SPA is situated to Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. to Duneen the south-west of the town of Clonakilty, Co. Cork. It Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird Point encompasses the sea cliffs south of Castlefreke dunes species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Chough SPA to Galley Head, north-eastwards along the coast to Dunowen Head and Ringlea Point as far as the north The FCS of a species is achieved when: (004190) side of Duneen Point. population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the Chough. The shortest pathway distance by water foreseeable future, and SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) between the GWA and the site is 397 km, while the there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its shortest linear distance is 320 km. populations on a long-term basis.

Handa SPA Handa is an island surrounded by high sea-cliffs lying a Objective: (UK9001241) short To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant distance from the west coast of Sutherland in Scotland. disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is It provides a strategic nesting locality for seabirds that maintained; and feed in the productive waters of the northern Minch, To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: outside the SPA. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 550 km, while Population of the species as a viable component of the site the shortest linear distance is 557 km. Distribution of the species within site Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species: Fulmar, Great skua, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Razorbill, Seabird assemblage. High Island, High Island, Inishshark and Davillaun are small, Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Inishshark uninhabited islands lying some 3-5 km north and west Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird and Davillaun of Aughrus Point on the Co. Galway coast. Grassland species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Fulmar, Barnacle Goose and Arctic Tern SPA is the main vegetation type found, with vegetated sea cliffs, dry heath, exposed rock and some freshwater The FCS of a species is achieved when: (004144) marsh also present. population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the the following species: Fulmar, Barnacle Goose and foreseeable future, and Arctic Tern. There are no landmasses between the there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance populations on a long-term basis. between the site and the survey GWA is 80 km.

Horn Head to The Horn Head to Fanad Head SPA comprises a Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Fanad Head number of separate sections of the north Co. Donegal Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA coastline stretching some 70 km eastwards from species listed as SCIs for this SPA: Chough, Peregrine, Fulmar, Cormorant, Shag, (004194) Dooros Point, south-west of Horn Head to just south of Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Greenland White-fronted Goose and Barnacle Goose Saldanha Head, south of Fanad Head. The site includes the high coast areas and sea cliffs, land The FCS of a species is achieved when: adjacent to the cliff edge and the sand dunes and lake population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on at Dunfanaghy/Rinclevan. a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for foreseeable future, and the following species: Chough, Peregrine, Fulmar, there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its Cormorant, Shag, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, populations on a long-term basis. Greenland White-fronted Goose and Barnacle Goose. The site is also of special conservation interest for holding an assemblage of over 20,000 breeding seabirds. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 177 km. Illanmaster Illanmaster is a steep, rocky island situated just off the Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA north Co. Mayo coast. It rises to 107 m and is topped species (004074) with a maritime grassy sward. The surrounding seas to listed as SCIs for this SPA: Storm Petrel a distance of 500 m are included in the site. The southern boundary of the site adjoins the mainland The FCS of a species is achieved when: shoreline. population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the the following species: Storm Petrel. There are no foreseeable future, and landmasses between the GWA and the site; the there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its shortest linear distance between the site and the populations on a long-term basis. survey GWA is 56 km. Inishbofin, Inishbofin, Omey Island and Turbot Island SPA Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird Omey Island comprises parts of three islands lying off the coast of species and Turbot Connemara in Co. Galway. Inishbofin, the largest of listed as SCIs for this SPA: Corncrake Island SPA the three islands, is situated c. 5 km from the mainland The FCS of a species is achieved when: (004231) and some 20 km north-west of Clifden. It is composed of metamorphic schists and gneiss, and rises to a population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on maximum height of 89m above sea level. The Special a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Protection Area (SPA) includes approximately one fifth the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the of the island and mostly comprises agricultural foreseeable future, and grassland used for cattle and/or sheep pasture and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its fodder. populations on a long-term basis The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Corncrake. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 167 km. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Inishglora and The site comprises the two islands, Inishglora and Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Inishkeeragh Inishkeeragh, as well as a number of smaller islets and Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA rocks situated c. 1.5-3 km west of the Mullet Peninsula, species (004084) Co. Mayo. They are part of a larger grouping of similar islands that includes the Inishkeas and the Duvillauns. listed as SCIs for this SPA: The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the The FCS of a species is achieved when: E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on the following species: Storm Petrel, Cormorant, Shag, a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Barnacle Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the Gull and Arctic Tern. The Inishglora and Inishkeeragh foreseeable future, and SPA is one of the most important seabird sites in the region, with nationally important populations of Storm there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its Petrel, Cormorant, Shag, Lesser Black-backed Gull, populations on a long-term basis. Herring Gull and Arctic Tern. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 36 km. Inishmore Situated approximately 8 km off the south coast of Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA County Galway, Inishmore (Árainn) is the largest of the Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004152) three Aran Islands. The site is a Special Protection species Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: listed as SCIs for this SPA: Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Guillemot. The The FCS of a species is achieved when: Inishmore SPA is an important site for breeding population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on seabirds, with four migratory species having a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and populations of national importance. Of note is that two the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the of the seabird species, Arctic Tern and Little Tern, as foreseeable future, and well as the resident Peregrine and Chough, are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. The shortest there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its pathway distance by water between the GWA and the populations on a long-term basis. site is 137 km, while the shortest linear distance is 135 km. Inishkea The Inishkea Islands are the two largest islands off the Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Islands SPA west coast of the Mullet Peninsula in north-west Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004004) County Mayo. The site is a Special Protection Area species (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: listed as SCIs for this SPA: Barnacle Goose, Shag, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, The FCS of a species is achieved when: SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Turnstone, Common Gull, population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on Herring Gull, Arctic Tern and Little Tern. There are no a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and landmasses between the GWA and the site; the the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the shortest linear distance between the site and the foreseeable future, and survey GWA is 38 km. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. Iveragh The Iveragh Peninsula SPA is a large site situated on Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Peninsula the west coast of Co. Kerry. The site encompasses the Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA high coast and sea cliff sections of the peninsula from species (004154) just west of Rossbehy in the north, around to the end of the peninsula at Valencia Island and Bolus Head, and listed as SCIs for this SPA: as far east as Lamb’s Head in the south. The site is a The FCS of a species is achieved when: Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on Directive, of special conservation interest for the a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and following species: Chough, Peregrine, Guillemot, the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the Fulmar, and Kittiwake. The Iveragh Peninsula SPA is foreseeable future, and of ornithological importance as it supports an internationally important population of Chough and is there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its the second most important site in the country for this populations on a long-term basis. species. The shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 255 km, while the shortest linear distance is 245 km.. Kerry Head Kerry Head SPA is situated on the south side of the Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA mouth of the River Shannon in north Co. Kerry. The Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004189) site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. species Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Chough and Fulmar. Kerry Head listed as SCIs for this SPA: SPA is one of the most important sites in the country The FCS of a species is achieved when: for Chough. It also supports a population of Fulmar of population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on national importance. There are no landmasses a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the distance between the site and the survey GWA is 207 foreseeable future, and km. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis Loop Head Loop Head is situated at the most westerly point in Co. Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA Clare, approximately 20 km south-west of Kilkee. The site includes the cliffs, shoreline and the adjacent SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) (004119) marine area to a distance of 500 m from the shore. The Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. species Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the listed as SCIs for this SPA: following species: Kittiwake and Guillemot. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the The FCS of a species is achieved when: shortest linear distance between the site and the population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on survey GWA is 192 km. a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. Lough Mask Lough Mask, at over 8,000 ha, is the sixth largest lake Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA in the country. It is located in south Co. Mayo with a Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004062) small area extending across the border into Co. species Galway. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation listed as SCIs for this SPA. interest for the following species: Greenland White- The FCS of a species is achieved when: fronted Goose, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Common a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Tern. Lough Mask is one of the most important inland the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the gull breeding sites in the country, with nationally foreseeable future, and important populations of three gull species. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its shortest linear distance between the site and the populations on a long-term basis. survey GWA is 118 km. Mingulay and Mingulay and Berneray are adjacent islands that lie at Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Berneray SPA the southern end of the Outer Hebrides off the north- Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (UK9001121) west coast of Scotland. They are an important breeding species site for a diverse assemblage of seabirds, comprising especially auks and gulls. These seabirds feed in the listed as SCIs for this SPA. surrounding waters of the south Minch, outside the The FCS of a species is achieved when: SPA. During the breeding season, the area regularly To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant supports 110,000 individual seabirds including: Puffin disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is Fratercula arctica, Guillemot Uria aalge, Kittiwake maintained; and Rissa tridactyla, Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis, Fulmar To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: Fulmarus glacialis, Razorbill Alca torda. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the Population of the species as a viable component of the site Distribution of the species within site SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) shortest linear distance between the site and the Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species survey GWA is 305 km. Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species Mullet The Mullet Peninsula SPA comprises three separate Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Peninsula areas situated on the Mullet peninsula in Co. Mayo. Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA The site is selected as a Special Protection Area (SPA) species (004227) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Corncrake. Corncrake listed as SCIs for this SPA. is listed on the 2010 International Union for The FCS of a species is achieved when: Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on Species. This is due to population and range declines a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and of more than 50% in the last 25 years across significant the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the parts of its range. There are no landmasses between foreseeable future, and the GWA and the site; the shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 37 km. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. North Rona The two small and remote islands of North Rona and Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. and Sula Sula Sgeir lie in the North Atlantic about 65 km from Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird Sgeir SPA the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides off the north- species (UK9001011) west coast of Scotland. They hold a diverse assemblage of species including large numbers of listed as SCIs for this SPA. petrels, auks, gulls and Gannet Morus bassanus. It is The FCS of a species is achieved when: one of only seven known nesting localities in the EU for To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa. There are no disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is landmasses between the GWA and the site; the maintained; and shortest linear distance between the site and the To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: survey GWA is 571 km. Population of the species as a viable component of the site Distribution of the species within site Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species Puffin Island Puffin Island lies approximately 0.5 km off the northern Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA side of St Finan’s bay in south-west Co. Kerry. The site Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004003) is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds species Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Storm listed as SCIs for this SPA. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Petrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Razorbill and Puffin. The FCS of a species is achieved when: Puffin Island is one of the most important seabird sites population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on in Ireland. The island is owned by BirdWatch Ireland a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and and is managed for conservation. Puffin Island is a Statutory Nature Reserve. There are no landmasses the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear foreseeable future, and distance between the site and the survey GWA is 263 there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its km. populations on a long-term basis. Rathlin Island Rathlin Island is a large inhabited marine island Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA situated some 4km from the north Antrim coast of Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (UK9020011) Northern Ireland. Rathlin Island Special Protection species Area qualifies under Article 4.1 of EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds by supporting listed as SCIs for this SPA: nationally important numbers of the Annex 1 species population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on peregrine falcon. In 2008 only one pair of the Annex 1 a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and; species chough bred on the site but this still contributes the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the to the maintenance of the chough range in the UK. foreseeable future, and; Rathlin SPA regularily supports over 20,000 breeding there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its seabirds. Species include, fulmar, shag, eider, population on a long term basis. common gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, black guillemot, puffin and Manx shearwater. The distance between the site and the survey GWA is 295 km. Saltee Islands This site comprises the Saltees Islands and a large Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Fulmar SPA area of the surrounding seas. There are two islands, (Fulmarus), Guillemot (Uria aalge) and Razorbill (Alca torda) in the Saltee Islands SPA. (000707) Great Saltee and Little Saltee, and a constellation of FCC is defined by the following: islets and rocks. The islands are situated between 4 and 5 km off the south Wexford coast. The site is a Attributes Measures Targets Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Breeding Number No significant decline Directive, of special conservation interest for the population following species: Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, abundance: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, apparently Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin. The Saltee Islands occupied sites SPA is of international importance for breeding (AOSs) seabirds; it also supports populations of three species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, Productivity rate Mean number No significant decline i.e. Peregrine, Chough and Hen Harrier. It is one of the best-documented sites in the country and is monitored annually. The shortest pathway distance by water SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) between the GWA and the site is 559 km, while the Distribution: Number; No significant decline shortest linear distance is 367 km. breeding colonies location; area (hectares) Prey biomass Kilogrammes No significant decline available Barriers to Number; No significant increase connectivity location; shape; area (hectares) Disturbance at Level of impact No significant decline the breeding site Disturbance at Level of impact No significant decline marine areas immediately adjacent to the colony Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) Lesser Black‐backed Gull (Larus fuscus), Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) in the Saltee Islands SPA. FCC is defined by the following Attributes Measures Targets Breeding Number No significant decline population abundance: apparently occupied sites (AOSs) Productivity rate Mean number No significant decline Distribution: Number; No significant decline breeding colonies location; area (hectares) Prey biomass Kilogrammes No significant decline available SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Barriers to Number; No significant increase connectivity location; shape; area (hectares) Disturbance at Level of impact No significant decline the breeding site Objective: To maintain the Favourable Conservation Condition (FCC) of Puffin (Fratercula arctica), in the Saltee Islands SPA. FCC is defined by the following: Attributes Measures Targets Breeding Number No significant decline population abundance: apparently occupied sites (AOSs) Productivity rate Mean number No significant decline Distribution: Number; No significant decline breeding colonies location; area (hectares) Prey biomass Kilogrammes No significant decline available Barriers to Number; No significant increase connectivity location; shape; area (hectares) Disturbance at Level of impact No significant decline the breeding site Disturbance at Level of impact No significant decline marine areas immediately adjacent to the colony SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) Occurrence of Level of impact Absent or under control mammalian predators

Shiant Isles The Shiant Isles are a small island group lying in the Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA Minch east of the Outer Hebrides off the north-west Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (UK9001041) coast of Scotland. The site comprises three large species islands and several small islands and skerries, lying about 6 km east of the island of Lewis. This site listed as SCIs for this SPA. qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) The FCS of a species is achieved when: by supporting populations of European importance of To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant the following species listed on Annex I of the Directive disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, 172 individuals maintained; and representing at least 0.6% of the wintering population To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: in Great Britain Puffin Fratercula arctica, 76,100 pairs representing at least 8.4% of the breeding population Population of the species as a viable component of the site (Count, as at 1970), Razorbill Alca torda, 7,337 pairs Distribution of the species within site representing at least 1.3% of the breeding population Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species (Count as at 1986), Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis, 1,780 pairs representing at least 1.4% of the breeding Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species Northern Europe population (Count, as at 1986) The No significant disturbance of the species shortest pathway distance by water between the GWA and the site is 451 km. Skelligs SPA The site comprises Great Skellig and Little Skellig Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. (004007) islands. These highly exposed and isolated islands, Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird which are separated by a distance of 3 km, are located species in the Atlantic some 14 km and 11 km (respectively) off the County Kerry mainland. The site is a Special listed as SCIs for this SPA. Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, The FCS of a species is achieved when: of special conservation interest for the following population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on species: Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Puffin. The Skelligs the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the comprise one of the most important seabird colonies in foreseeable future, and the country for populations and species diversity. There are no landmasses between the GWA and the site; the there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its shortest linear distance between the site and the populations on a long-term basis. survey GWA is 268 km. St Kilda SPA The proposed Seas off St Kilda SPA covers the waters Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. around the St Kilda archipelago, about 50 km west of SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) (UK9001031) North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird seabirds of St Kilda comprise the largest, oldest and species most spectacular marine seabird community in western listed as SCIs for this SPA.: To avoid significant deterioration of the habitats of the Europe and one of the most important in the whole qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, subject to natural North Atlantic. Seabirds breeding on St Kilda are change, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained in the long term and already protected whilst on land and in the waters makes an appropriate contribution to achieving the aims of the Birds Directive for each of immediately surrounding the islands by the existing St the qualifying species. Kilda SPA. The new proposed Seas off St Kilda SPA will complement the existing protection and ensure that This contribution would be achieved through delivering the following objectives for each of the adjacent marine foraging area and the prey on the sites qualifying features: which the seabirds depend are equally protected. Avoid significant mortality, injury and disturbance of the qualifying features, so that the There are no landmasses between the GWA and the distribution of the species and ability to use the site are maintained in the long-term; site; the shortest linear distance between the site and Maintain the habitats and food resources of the qualifying features in favourable condition. the survey GWA is 374 km. Stags of The Stags of Broad Haven are a group of four Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Broad Haven precipitous rocky islets, totalling 4 ha, rising to almost Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird SPA 100 m, located about 2 km north of Benwee Head, Co. species (004072) Mayo. The surrounding seas to a distance of 500 m are included in the site. The site is a Special Protection listed as SCIs for this SPA. Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special The FCS of a species is achieved when: conservation interest for the following species: Storm population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on Petrel and Leach’s Petrel There are no landmasses a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and between the GWA and the site; the shortest linear the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the distance between the site and the survey GWA is 46 foreseeable future, and km. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. The Bull and The site comprises two very small rocky islands, the Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. the Cow Cow and the Bull, situated 2.5 km and 4 km Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird Rocks SPA respectively from Dursey Head off the coast of Co. species (004066) Cork. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation listed as SCIs for this SPA. interest for the following species: Storm Petrel, Gannet The FCS of a species is achieved when: and Puffin. The site holds one of the most important population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on seabird colonies in the country, with populations of a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Storm Petrel and Gannet of at least national the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the importance. The shortest pathway distance by water foreseeable future, and between the GWA and the site is 292 km, while the shortest linear distance is 290 km. SAC site Site Description and Relevant Qualify Interests Conservation Objectives Name (Site Code) there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. Tory Island Tory Island is a remote, rocky island lying some 11 km Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. SPA to the north of Bloody Foreland in County Donegal. The Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004073) site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. species Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Fulmar, Corncrake, Razorbill and listed as SCIs for this SPA. Puffin. Tory Island SPA is one of a suite of sites along The FCS of a species is achieved when: the western seaboard that is regularly utilised by population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on nationally important numbers of breeding Corncrake. a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and There are no landmasses between the GWA and the the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the site; the shortest linear distance between the site and foreseeable future, and the survey GWA is 169 km. there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. West Donegal The West Donegal Coast SPA comprises separate Site-specific Conservation Objectives have not been established for the site. Coast SPA sections of the Co. Donegal coastline and extends from Generic Conservation Objectives for the site is: To maintain or restore the FCC of the bird (004150) Muckros Head in the south, northwards to Slieve species League, Malin Beg, Rocky Point, Glen Head, Slieve Tooey, Maghera, Loughros Point, Dunmore Head, listed as SCIs for this SPA. Aran Island, Magheradrumman, Carrickfin, Carnboy, The FCS of a species is achieved when: Bunbeg, Magheragallan, Lunniagh, as far as Carrick, to population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on the south of Bloody Foreland. The site is a Special a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the of special conservation interest for the following foreseeable future, and species: Chough, Peregrine, Fulmar, Cormorant, Shag, Herring Gull, Kittiwake and Razorbill. There are no there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its landmasses between the GWA and the site; the populations on a long-term basis. shortest linear distance between the site and the survey GWA is 112 km.