FS007077 Loughs Agency SeaMonitor Project along West Coast of

Contents:

 Water and Marine Engineer

 Marine Survey Office

 Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

Water and Marine Engineer

Re FS007077 Loughs Agency S.3.3 Foreshore Licence Application for the deployment of Sea Monitoring Equipment (Acoustic Listening Stations -ALS) on seabed between (Co ) to Isle Of Islay (Scotland) -a Cross Border Research Project , and at 3 other locations (Malin Head , , and Achill) off the North Western coastline -Your e-mail of 16/-01/2020 and attachment refers .

In relation to the above a Section 3.3 Foreshore Licence Application has been received from the Loughs Agency in conjunction with its specific research project partners ( Marine Institute, Galway- Mayo IT, U.C.C, Queens University ,Belfast, Agri Food and Biosciences Institute ,University of Glasgow) for the deployment of a linear array of Acoustic Listening Stations(ALS) on the seabed at different locations between Malin Head and Islay in Scotland (54 No of these ALS’s are within the foreshore domain and so subject of this S3.3 Licence Application) and at a further 3 No locations (Malin Head -4 No ,Tory Island-12 No , and Achill -3No) off the North West coast (ALS’s at each site as shown on Foreshore Licence Map1 ) as per submitted drawings for the purposes of tracking the movement of basking shark, cetaceans, salmon and skate in the North Channel and off the north west coast of Ireland . This will be achieved by using acoustic telemetry technology to detect the presence of acoustically tagged animals in proximity to the ALS’s. The information gathered by the devices will be recovered every 6-8months

Each device will take up no more than 1m2 in area and the north channel array (i.e. 54 ALS’s ) and those ALS’s off the north west coast will be deployed for a period extending from March 2020 to October 2022 with 5 No re-deployments planned every 6-8 months for data harvest purposes –i.e. recovering telemetric data gathered by the devices -

OVERVIEW

The Sea Monitor project lead by Loughs Agency is a unique EU INTERREG research project, the first of its kind in Europe, aiming to deliver Europe’s largest telemetric marine array to track movements of basking shark, cetaceans, salmon, seals and skate by use of acoustic telemetry technology to enable detecting of electronically tagged animals

SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS

The following documents were submitted by Loughs Agency in support of this application:

 Completed S3.3 Foreshore Licence Application Form dated 17/12/2019  Completed Pre Application Consultation Request Form dated 15/10/2019  Subsea mooring Stability calculations (for Mooring/Anchors in Marine Environment)-Ref Annex III -  Notice of Intention to Carry out an Exempted Activity- Ref Annex II- ( for UK element of project but includes installation methodologies for all ALS’s so is an effective MS for this project )  Annex I ‘’All parts of the mooring and flotation system’’-showing schematics for mooring/flotation system in different stages of operation-  Drawings o Foreshore Licence Map1 –detailing all ALS Locations o Foreshore Licence Map 2 –detailing ALS Locations in North Channel o Foreshore Licence Map 3-detailing ALS locations in North Channel including spacing information o Foreshore Licence Map 4-detailing ALS locations off coast of Ireland (Malin Head, Tory Island and Achill arrays) o Admiralty Charts 3 No (showing ALS Locations for 1 Malin Head and North Channel,2 Tory Island array, and 3 Achill array)

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The proposed ALS devices are described with reference to Section 1.1 (Page 2) of the completed S3.3 Application form where an outline schematic of the proposed device in operation is also illustrated (ref Figure 1)

Each of the ALS devices takes up a footprint area of less than 1m2 and will sit on the seabed. A total of 73 ALS’s are planned for different locations including the North Channel linear array from Malin Head to Islay (Scotland) –main array- (54 No ) and at 3 Further Locations (Malin Head ,, Tory Island, and Achill) off the North West coastline. The extent of the ALS’s within the Foreshore domain is shown on the ‘’Foreshore Licence Map 1’’ .There will be 54 No of ALS’s within the foreshore domain for the north channel array of which the first 16 No will be spaced 400m apart with the further offshore ones at 600m apart with the nearest ALS to shore at app 0.5 km from the Malin Head coastline. There will be 4 No ALS‘s for the Malin Head array ,12 No for the Tory Island array and 3 No for the Achill array off the north west coastline as shown on the map

The mooring of the ALS’s will be on the seabed and will consist of two possible mooring arrangements depending on local hydrological conditions as displayed in Figure 3 –schematic in Annex II Pg.24 -- (arrangements B and C relate to the Marine Environment)-

The moorings will be deployed on the sea bed using a research vessel provided by Marine Institute (Celtic Voyager)

Each of the proposed designs in Figure 2 (Annex II) require a bespoke mooring solution to anchor the ALS to the bottom. In this regard heavy stud-link iron chains are designated to be the most cost- effective solution for moorings in high energy environments (open seas) as deployed in similar projects elsewhere in Europe. The ALS’s for optimum operation will need to be fixed and perpendicular to the seabed at all times.

Monitoring carried out by the Sea Monitor project team suggests that mooring weights of > 70kg will enable the deployment of receivers in the majority of the areas to be covered by the project. ( see also Annex III ‘’Subsea mooring stability calculations’’).

The location of acoustic receivers in shallow water (5-10m) will be indicated by surface buoys (ref Fig 2 panel B Annex II) enabling the removal of the receiver for maintenance and data download. Receivers deployed in deeper waters (10-50m) will be recovered using an acoustic release system and no surface buoys will be needed (ref Fig 2 Panel C Annex II).

For the open ocean (locations 17-54 in main array –ref Foreshore Licence Map 3), each receiver will stand alone with 600m spacing between each other. These acoustic stations can be easily retrieved using the acoustic release mechanism. However the mooring chain will be left behind on the seabed after deployment. PROGRAM AND TIMELINES

The proposed tracking programme will be conducted over three years in 2020, 2021 and 2022 from March to end of October in each year .The activities to be carried out during this period and the associated time line is displayed in Figure 5 (Ref Pg. 28 Annex II) and also as specifically outlined at 1.3 (ref Pg.5 in Foreshore Licence Application Form)

Retrieval of data(data harvest) will take place every 6-8 months commencing in October 2020 with ALS redeployment occurring until removal of the array in October 2022 .This will permit 5 No data harvests to be gathered throughout the lifetime of this project

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS /OTHER MARINE USERS

The ALS’ and Mooring arrangements will minimise any possible conflicts with other users of the sea (e.g. fishing boats, lobster anglers, ferries etc.) Every year in August and January receivers will be taken from the water for maintenance and data download. The devices will be re-deployed within 5m from original location. For receivers in deeper areas (10-50m) it is proposed to leave the mooring (iron rich chain) on the seabed and replace it with a new one. The estimated weight of seabed anchor is > 40kg .This should not cause any damage to benthic environment as iron rich chains should biodegrade within 2-3 years.

The Loughs Agency will have meetings with local fishing interests and other key stakeholders with the aim of avoiding any specific areas of concern. A notice to mariners will be sent before deployment. Local Harbours will be informed about the proposed project and stakeholder open seminars will be carried out to inform marine users about Sea Monitor plans for deployment of acoustic receivers in the water.

The location of ALS’s will be communicated to other marine users through the appropriate ‘’Notice to Mariners’’ and conducted under existing health and safety regulations.

Offshore equipment will not affect other marine users. However, as a precaution, both the Irish and U.K Ministries of Defence will be notified about deployment locations and project duration.

OTHER

It is proposed to deploy 73 No ALS’ in total of which 54 No are in the North Channel array and the other 19 are at 3 specific locations as shown on the Foreshore Licence Map 1 and as per Foreshore Application documents. The devices and associated moorings are spaced at 400m apart for nearshore and at 600m apart for deep-water sites (ref North Channel array ALS No’s 17-54)

It is noted at 8.1 (ref completed Foreshore Licence Application Form) that in terms of this research project:

‘’it will address 2 Programme Output indicators and will deliver directly the INTERREG V objective of developing cross border capacity for monitoring and management of marine protected areas and species ‘’

It is therefore my considered view that this project contributes to the Management of Marine Protected Areas and Species (i.e. European Sites SPA’s and SAC’s) and that under the Habitats Legislation an AA will not be necessary in this case.

The North Coast SAC (Code 002012) is situated in the North West of while the Inishtrahuil SPA (004100) and SAC (000154) are situated further offshore in the North Channel. From the North Channel array device Nos 1-7 closest to the Irish Coastline are situated within the Inishowen SAC while devices 1 and 2 from the Malin Head Array are also situated within this SAC. Device Nos 15-18 from the North Channel array are situated within the Inishtrahuil SPA and SAC. Device Nos 1, 2 and 3 off Tory Island are contained within the Tory Island Coast SAC Site Code 002259 while Device Nos 9-12 are contained within the Inishbofin, and Inishbeg SPA Site Code 004083. All of the proposed three devices off are situated within the Achill Head SAC Site code 002268. Device numbers referenced here can be identified with reference to the various Admiralty Charts for relevant ALS’s.

The Marine Institute Research Vessel (Celtic Voyager) will be used for the purposes of the deployment/redeployment and servicing of each ALS and the noise levels associated with this practice would be in keeping with standard background levels associated with typical Marine craft in all of the areas where it is proposed to deploy the ALS’s. Therefore there will be no impact to bird populations within the general areas of the placement and servicing of the ALS’s (those within the Irish Foreshore domain for North Channel array and within the other 3 sites off the North West coast).

Due to the fact that the devices (and associated moorings)are well separated and take up an infinitesimal area (< 1m2 each ) of seabed footprint and will be only deployed/redeployed twice yearly for three years and are non –intrusive ( i.e. placed on sea bed with no excavations required ), it can be concluded with certainty that the deployment, re-deployment , operation and final removal of these devices will not impact on the qualifying interests or the conservation objectives of any European Site in the North Channel or within the maritime area off the north west coast . Indeed the operation of the ALS’s should have a positive impact on European Sites as one of the project’s core objective is to monitor and manage marine protected areas and species

COMMENT/RECCOMENDATIONS

It is noted that the Loughs Agency intend to engage with the relevant marine stakeholders including Harbours and fishing industry .The planned ongoing consultation arrangements with the fishing/angling industry should help to eliminate any potential risk to ongoing angling or fishing activities in the general areas where ALS’s will be deployed. It is also noted that a Marine Notice will be prepared to inform local marine users of the presence and operation of the ALS’s in the various areas where Sea Monitoring devices are to be placed.

It is recommended that the deployment of the various ALS’s at the 4 specific locations, in North Channel and off the north west coast, should be notified to the British Admiralty so that the locations can be marked on the appropriate Nautical Charts with specific note as to the temporary (i.e. for 3 years) deployment period.

There will be no significant impact on any European Site due to infinitesimal nature of footprint areas taken up on a temporary basis and the non-intrusive nature of each installation. Indeed as stated previously the nature, aims and objectives of this research project is for the management and protection of European Sites and therefore there should be positive impacts resulting with no requirement for an AA in this case

Engineering is satisfied that, in view of the extremely miniscule size, nature, number and scale of devices, spacing of devices and subject to certification that the mooring arrangements are fit for use in the marine environment the proposed deployment and operation of these ALS’s will not impact on the foreshore, marine environment or any Natura 2000 sites and has no objections to the granting of a Section 3.3 Foreshore Licence for the deployment of the Acoustic Listening Stations on the foreshore in the North Channel off Malin Head and at Malin Head ,Tory Island, and Achill as proposed ,subject to the following conditions:

1. The Licensee shall use that part of the foreshore the subject matter of this licence for the purposes as outlined in the application documents and for no other purposes whatsoever.

2. The Licensee shall ensure that the project operations are carried out and completed in accordance with the plans and particulars lodged with the application.

3. Further to 2 above all operations shall be undertaken in accordance with the methodology as outlined in Annex II ( ref Foreshore Licence Application documents) and as outlined in Section 1.2 of the Foreshore Licence Application Form.

4. Mitigation Measures as set out at Sections 6.4 and 6.5 of the Foreshore Licence Application Form and as contained within Annex II, shall be implemented in full.

5. The Licensee shall consult with the relevant local fishing interests on a regular basis in order that appropriate actions can be taken to avoid or minimise interactions with on-going fishing activity in the areas for the duration of the project on the foreshore

6. The Licensee shall notify the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government at least 14 days in advance of the commencement of the project on the foreshore.

7. The Licensee shall ensure that all necessary precautions are put in place to protect the public in accordance with relevant Health and Safety Legislation.

8. The Licensee shall ensure that procedures are adopted to ensure that the Acoustic Listening Station deployment, servicing and redeployment operations are not injurious to fishing, navigation, adjacent lands or the public interest.

9. All vessels/floating plant used in connection with the project shall have appropriate certification from the Marine Survey Office.

10. The Licensee shall arrange the publication of a local marine notice giving general description of the project operations and approximate dates of commencement. Further notices should be issued as appropriate at time of redeployment and maintenance of devices and for final removal /decommissioning at the appropriate times.

11. The Licensee shall consult fully with the Irish Coast Guard and relevant local harbour authorities for improvement and safety of traffic management during the course of the project.

12. All mooring/anchors should be designed and certified by competent technical experts (Chartered Engineer or other competent authority) with appropriate Marine Engineering expertise, as fit for the purpose intended in terms of structural integrity and site conditions.

13. The Licensee shall provide advance notice of the Project to the UK Hydrographic Office. This information shall identify the Acoustic Listening Stations array location and project duration, for the purposes of inclusion on all appropriate Nautical/Marine charts in the region if relevant.

14. As a precaution the Department of Defence shall be notified about deployment locations and project duration.

P.J Shaw

Water Advisor

Marine Survey Office

Good morning Bridget.

I refer to the above application and in particular to the additional information recently supplied which provide for acceptable mitigating measures thus reducing the risk to navigational safety.

The applicant is required to arrange the publication of a Marine Notice which should provide on the commencement and completion dates of this project, the exact locations of deployment and in addition provide as much information as possible in order to alert the maritime community.

The applicant is further advised to inform the Irish Coast Guard and arrange maritime radio broadcasts as necessary.

Best regards.

Nick Cantwell (Capt).

Marine Survey Office

An Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

An Tsráid Mhór Uachtarach, Béal Átha Seanaidh, Co. Dhún Na Ngall, F94 C44WUpper Main Street, , Co Donegal, F94 C44W

T +353 (0)71 982 2407 M +353 (0)87 2899358 F +353 (0)71 982 2439

[email protected] www.dttas.gov.ie

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

Re: FS007077 Foreshore licence application by Loughs Agency for deployment of listening stations and anchoring at various identified locations around the Irish north and northwest coast as part of the SeaMonitor Project

Request for observations from Ms. Bridget Mc Guinness (DHPCLG) dated 16.1.2020

This application is in respect of a project to investigate the movement of a range of marine fish and mammals around the coast of the island of Ireland using a network of listening stations to track the movement of tagged target species. Relevant locations in the Republic are at Malin Head, Tory Island and Achill Island.

The application and maps indicate locations of placement and level or extent of deployment of listening devices.

The devices can be anchored in such a way as to permit retrieval of the listening station and also the anchorage, in shallower water. At locations of deeper water and more exposed locations, the anchorage would remain on the sea bed following completion of the study.

The estimated ‘residency’ of the array of listening stations is anticipated to run to 2022.

IFI comment: General: IFI has no intrinsic issues with the application, given that this is essentially a scientific study that should garner valuable information on a range of target species.

The applicant should network closely with other agencies within the island of Ireland, UK and mainland Europe to ensure that any straying fish can be associated with the SeaMonitor study. Straying fish may activate other listening station networks in other jurisdictions and it is a case of ensuring that this information on a ‘strange’ tag may be re-routed back to the original tag ‘owners’

The applicant my require to make arrangements with relevant fishing fleets attached to commercial ports in the area where listening stations are moored on the sea bed, to try and reduce likelihood of fouling n fishing nets and loss of data.

James J. King (IFI R&D), Inland Fisheries Ireland CC Terry Mc Mahon MLVC;