DixonBrosnan

environmental consultants

Project Natura Impact Statement (Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment) for proposed seaweed collection from a beach within the townlands of Crossfarnoge and Nemestown, Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford.

Client K+M Aquatic Plant Enterprises Ltd

Project ref Report no Client ref 1423 1423 -

DixonBrosnan The Cedars, Bridewood, Ovens, Co Cork Tel 086 851 1437| [email protected] | www.dixonbrosnan.com

Date Rev Status Prepared by 23/10/14 0 Issue to client Carl Dixon M.Sc. Vincent Murphy M.Sc. 03/02/15 0-1 Amended and issued Carl Dixon M.Sc. Vincent Murphy M.Sc.

This report and its contents are copyright of DixonBrosnan. It may not be reproduced without permission. The report is to be used only for its intended purpose. The report is confidential to the client, and is personal and non-assignable. No liability is admitted to third parties. ©DixonBrosnan 2015. v180907

1. Background According to the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), member states are required to designate areas in order to protect priority habitats and species. These designated sites are known as Natura 2000 sites. In Ireland, the Natura 2000 network of European sites comprises Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), including candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), and Special Protection Areas (SPA), including proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA).

Under Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Article 30 of Statutory Instrument No 94/1997 – European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 as amended, any plan or project, which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site and has the potential to significantly impact thereon, must be subject to an Appropriate Assessment.

Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive states: Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

Article 6(4) states: If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted. Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species the only considerations which may be raised are those relating to human health or public safety, to beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

It is the responsibility of the proponent of the plan or project to provide the relevant information (ecological surveys, research, analysis etc) for submission to the “competent national authority” (in this case, the Planning Authority). Having satisfied itself that the information is complete and objective, the competent authority will use this information to screen the project, to determine if an AA is required and to carry out the AA, if one is deemed necessary. The competent authority shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned.

The appropriate assessment process consists of a four-stage process. Each stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. If, for example, the conclusions at the end of Stage One are that there will be no significant impacts on the Natura 2000 site, there is no requirement to proceed further. The four stages are:

• Screening to determine if an appropriate assessment is required • Appropriate assessment • Consideration of alternative solutions • Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest/Derogation

Stage 1. Screening Screening is the technique applied to determine whether a particular plan would be likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site and would thus warrant an Appropriate Assessment. The key indicator that will determine if an Appropriate Assessment is required is the determination of whether the development is likely to have significant environmental effects on a Natura 2000 site or not.

Stage 2. Appropriate Assessment This step is required if the screening report indicates that the development is likely to have a significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site. Stage 2 assesses the impact of the plan or project on the integrity on the Natura 2000 site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, with respect to the site’s structure, function and conservation objectives. Where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of these impacts in also required.

Stage 3 – Assessment of Alternative Solutions. If it is concluded that, subsequent to the implementation of measures, a plan or project will have an adverse impact upon the integrity of a Natura 2000 site, it must be objectively concluded that no alternative solutions exist before the plan or project can proceed.

Stage 4 – Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest/Derogation Where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain but imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist for the implementation of a plan or project, an assessment of compensatory measures that will effectively offset the damage to the Natura site 2000 will be necessary.

2. Methodology for appropriate assessment This assessment follows the methodology guidelines outlined in “Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites, methodological guidance on the provisions of Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC” (2001), Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2009, revised February 2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland and National Parks and Wildlife Services (2010) Circular NPW 1/10 & PSSP 2/10 Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities. These assessment guidelines provide for a step by step process as outlined above.

Part 5 42. (1) of the EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (BIRDS AND NATURAL HABITATS) REGULATIONS 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011) notes the following in relation to Screening for Appropriate Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of implications for European Sites:

42. (1) A screening for Appropriate Assessment of a plan or project for which an application for consent is received, or which a public authority wishes to undertake or adopt, and which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site as a European Site, shall be carried out by the public authority to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge and in view of the conservation objectives of the site, if that plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects is likely to have a significant effect on the European site.

This ecological screening report and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment was prepared by Carl Dixon MSc. (Ecological Assessment) and Vincent Murphy MSc. (Applied Ecology) and provides additional information on the proposed development and its ecological impact to assist the planning authority to make a determination in relation to the likely impact on designated sites.

3. Screening of proposed development 3.1 Proposed development K+M Aquatic Plant Enterprises Ltd is a locally-based, Irish owned company which was founded in 2012. The company manufactures organic seaweed-based fertilisers/plant food for the agricultural/horticultural market. The business is expected to generate 10 full-time positions within three years. There are presently no foreshore licence holders within at least 200km radius.

The proposed collection area will be the beach within the townland Crossfarnoge and Nemestown, and has an approximate length of 1,015m from the pier in Crossfarnoge to St. Patricks Bridge. The remainder of the seaweed will be collected from an area between Cullenstown and Bannow approximately 10km to the west of Kilmore Pier. Potential ecological impacts on this second collection area, which is approximately 4.2 km in length, are addressed by a separate report (Ecological Screening Report (Habitats Directive) for proposed seaweed harvesting at Bannow, Haggard, Blackhall and Ballymadder beaches, Cullenstown, Kilmore quay, Co. Wexford. DixonBrosnan 2014).

Only three species of sea weed will be collected, namely, bladder wrack ( Fucus vesiculosus ) and knotted wrack ( Ascophyllum nodosum ) for commercial purposes and serrated wrack ( Fucus serratus ) for research and development purposes. The volume of seaweed to be harvested is shown below in Table 1.

The methodology to be employed in the harvesting of seaweed is outlined in the document "Seaweed Harvesting Method Statement for K+M Aquatic Plant Enterprises Ltd, (January 28, 2015). It notes the following: • Prior to arrival on site, the Resource Manager determines which Site Access is to be used, depending on the site & zone to be harvested. • On arrival at site, the Resource Manager will identify and mark the zone to be harvested. This will be based on pre-selected GPS coordinates, and in accordance with the current harvest management plans. Harvesters will be equipped with hand-cutting tools (knives and sickles) and personal collection containers. • A platform trolley is positioned close to the current harvesting area, loaded with empty plastic collection drums. The number of drums per trolley may vary between 1 and 4, depending on the daily volumes of biomass required. • Harvesting must only be carried out by trained harvesters. • The seaweed will be harvested in accordance with the Harvest Management Plan, i.e. harvested by hand, in a non-linear pattern, leaving 150-200mm above the holdfast. • The freshly harvested seaweed is initially collected in the personal collection containers and then transferred to the larger collection drums. • The drums are then capped, when full. The collection drums are then carried back, on the platform trolley, to the site access, where they are loaded into a van/truck to be brought back to the production plant. • Ongoing monthly & yearly assessments are carried out by the Resource Manager to ensure that harvesting is carried out in accordance with the Harvest Management Plan and in accordance with agreed quotas. • Any deviations to the company’s SOP or to agreed quotas and/or Harvest Management Plan will be required to be recorded in the Deviation Management Database. • The Resource Manager’s role includes the conducting of regular site checks and staff training to ensure that harvesting sites are managed in accordance with good practise guidelines. These guidelines include: All equipment required for harvesting must be maintained in good working order. Equipment to be kept in a state of good and proper repair to ensure that it does not become an eyesore. All harvesting equipment must be positioned within licensed areas only. All redundant equipment and waste must be promptly removed from site and disposed of accordingly. All staff / harvesters must use existing tracks/roadways, to prevent damage to existing flora and fauna. All of the seaweed will be harvested by hand, with the holdfast remaining intact, to minimise disturbance of the intertidal zone. As the plants will not be removed entirely, the algae can regenerate from the remaining stem. It is noted that the trolley will be manually removed from the beach i.e. there will be no requirement for motorised vehicles to enter the foreshore area.

The total area, from which seaweed will be harvested, was calculated during preparation of the Seaweed Harvesting Management Plan which is attached as Appendix 2 of this report. This area was calculated at 37.51 hectares and will be harvested over a four year rotation.

Table 1. Species and weight to be harvested. All volumes are in metric tonnes. Species Ascophyllum Fucus vesiculosus Fucus serratus Total Nodosum (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) Weight available within 496 296 164 956 the total harvesting area Weight to be harvested 100 60 30 190 per annum Percentage of total initial 20.1% 20.3% 18.3% 19.87% biomass harvested per annum

The following was noted by the applicant in relation to the Harvest Management Plan: Stock assessments were carried out in March and early April ‘14. In the months prior to this, January and February in particular, violent storms along the south coast of Ireland caused major damage to seaweed stock, dramatically reducing the amount of available biomass. Secondly, the natural reproductive cycle of seaweed, results in an increase in overall biomass volumes during the summer months. In consideration of these two points, we regard our calculation of the biomass to be extremely conservative.

3.2 Designated sites A list of the Natura 2000 sites within 10km of the proposed harvesting area is given below in Table 2. There are a number of designated sites within a 10km radius and the proposed harvesting area is within the Saltee Islands SAC (000707). The approximate location of the proposed harvesting area, in relation to the closest designated sites, is shown in Figure 1. Given the distances involved and limited impact predicted, only the Saltee Islands SAC, Saltee Island SPA, Ballyteige Burrow SPA and Ballyteige Burrow SAC are considered relevant to the remainder of this report.

Table 2. Designated sites within 10km. Site Code Distance SAC Saltee Islands 000707 Within Ballyteige Burrow 000696 430m WNW Tacumshin Lake 000709 4.4km ENE Carnsore point 002269 9.0 km E SPA Saltee islands SPA 004002 2.6km S Ballyteige Burrow SPA 004020 2.1km NW Tacumshin Lake SPA 004092 5.4km ENE

Figure 1 showing location of the proposed harvesting area (redline) in relation to surrounding Natura 2000 sites.

3.3 Natura 2000 sites - Features of interests and conservation objectives: The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network. European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain at favourable conservation status sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level. Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, and the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or 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. The species and habitats listed as qualifying interests for Saltee Island SAC and SPA and Ballyteige and Burrows SAC and SPA are detailed below.

3.4 Saltee Islands SAC 00707 qualifying interests and conservation objectives This site is of high conservation importance for the occurrence of several habitats which are listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. The site is of international importance for breeding seabirds and also has two species which are listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. In addition, the site has a breeding population of Grey Seal, an Annex II species on the EU Habitats Directive. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report. The qualifying interests and site specific conservation objectives for the Saltee Islands SAC 000707 are listed below in Table 3.

Table 3. Qualifying interests and conservation objectives for the Saltee Islands SAC 000707 Site Site Habitat /Sp *Prior Habitat Conservation Code Name ecies Code ity Objectives IE0000 Saltee 1170 Reefs Maintain 707 Islands IE0000 Saltee 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered Maintain 707 Islands by seawater at low tide IE0000 Saltee 1160 Large shallow inlets and bays Maintain 707 Islands IE0000 Saltee 1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic Maintain 707 Islands and Baltic coasts IE0000 Saltee 8330 Submerged or partly submerged sea Maintain 707 Islands caves IE0000 Saltee 1364 Grey seal Maintain 707 Islands

3.5 Saltee Islands SPA 004002 qualifying interests and conservation objectives (See Table 4). The Saltee Islands are internationally important for holding an assemblage of over 20,000 breeding seabirds. The nationally important Gannet colony on Great Saltee has been well documented since its establishment in the1920s and 2,446 pairs were present in 2004. The following species have populations of national importance (all counts in the 1999/2000 breeding seasons): Fulmar (525 pairs), Cormorant (273 pairs), Shag (268 pairs), Lesser Black-backed Gull (175 pairs), Great Black- backed Gull ( c. 90 pairs), Herring Gull (73 pairs), Kittiwake (2,125 pairs), Guillemot (21,436 individuals), Razorbill (5,200 individuals) and Puffin (1,822 individuals). An estimated 250 pairs of Manx Shearwater occur on these islands. Seabird populations are monitored annually and large numbers of chicks, especially of Gannets, auks and Shags, are ringed. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report.

Table 4 List of qualifying interests and conservation objectives under the EU Birds Directive for SPA 4002 Annex of EU Common Name Scientific name Conservation Birds Objectives Directive N/A Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Maintain N/A Gannet Morus bassanus Maintain N/A Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Maintain N/A Shag Phalacrocorax Maintain aristotelis N/A Lesser Black -backed Gull Larus fuscus Maintain N/A Herring Gull Larus argentatus Maintain N/A Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Maintain N/A Guillemot Uria aalge Maintain N/A Razorbill Alca torda Maintain N/A Puffin Fratercula arctica Maintain

3.6 Ballyteige Burrow SAC qualifying interests and conservation objectives (see Table 50) This coastal site is of major ecological value for its range of good quality coastal habitats, including three habitats given priority status on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive - fixed dune, dune heath and lagoon. The dune system is of excellent quality, physically well-developed and with a rich flora which includes five protected species. The importance of the site for wintering waterfowl further enhances its value. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report. The qualifying interests and conservation objectives for the Ballyteige Burrow SAC 00696 are listed below in Table 5.

Table 5. Qualifying interests for Ballyteige Burrow SAC 00696 Habitat Habitat Conservation Code objectives 2130 *Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) Restore 1330 Atlantic salt meadows ( Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae ) Restore 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows ( Juncetalia maritimi ) Maintain 1150 *Coastal lagoons Restore 2150 *Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) Maintain 1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines Maintain 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand Maintain 1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs Restore (Sarcocornetea fruticosi ) 1130 Estuaries Maintain 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide Maintain 2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria Maintain (white dunes) 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks Maintain 1320 Spartina swards ( Spartinion maritimae ) Considered invasive. o conservation objective. 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes Maintain * denotes priority habitat

3.7 Ballyteige Burrow SPA 004020 qualifying interests and conservation objectives The principal ornithological importance of Ballyteigue Burrow SPA is wintering waterfowl, with an internationally important population of Brent Goose (290, average maximum in the five winters 1995/96-1999/00). It also supports nationally important numbers of Shelduck (167), Ringed Plover (133), Golden Plover (4,630), Lapwing (7,808), Black-tailed Godwit (474) and Bar-tailed Godwit (582). A range of other species occur in numbers of regional importance, including Wigeon (306), Grey Plover (69), Dunlin (1,020) and Redshank (206). Both the Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit populations represent just over 3% of the respective national totals, while the Lapwing population is almost 4% of the total. The estuarine habitats provide feeding and roosting areas for the waterfowl species, though a lot of the birds also feed on the intensively managed lands of the adjacent polders. Cullenstown Strand has a small colony of breeding Little Tern , though nesting may not occur in every year. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report. The qualifying interests for the Ballyteige Burrow SPA 004020 are listed below in Table 6. The generic conservation objectives for this Natura 2000 site are to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as qualifying interests and special conservation interests for this SPA.

Table 6. List of qualifying interests under the EU Birds Directive for SPA 004020 Annex of EU Birds Common Name Scientific name Directive N/A Light -bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota N/A Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Annex 1 Golden Plover Pliuvialis apricaria N/A Lapwing Vanellus vanellus N/A Black tailed godwit Limosa limosa N/A Bar tailed godwit Limosa lapponica Wetland & Waterbirds

3.8 Screening conclusions The proposed project is not directly connected with, or necessary for, the management of Natura 2000 sites. Based on the information contained in Table 7 it was ascertained that potential impacts on two sites namely Saltee Islands SAC and Saltee Islands SPA could not be screened out.

Table 7. Screening conclusions Natura 2000 Comment Conclusion Site Saltee Islands Harvesting will take place within the boundaries of this Natura 2000 sites AA required SAC and thus potential impacts on qualifying species and habitats could occur. Saltee Islands This Natura 2000 site is designated for a number of piscivorous bird AA required. SPA species. Although considered unlikely, impacts on these species could potentially arise due to indirect impacts on invertebrate and fish biomass. Ballyteige As this area is dominated by a rocky substrate, and mudflats are absent, it Screened Burrow SPA is not of high value for the species listed as qualifying interests for the out – AA not Ballyteige Burrow SPA i.e. Light-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Golden required. Plover, Lapwing, Black tailed godwit and Bar tailed godwit. No impact on these species is predicted. Ballyteige Harvesting will not directly impact on this SAC and no potential indirect Screened Burrow SAC impact has been identified. out- AA not required 4. Appropriate Assessment 4.1 Site inspections Site inspections were carried out on the intertidal/terrestrial habitats within and in proximity to the proposed harvesting area on the 18 th January and 12 th April, 2014. The terrestrial and aquatic habitats within the proposed harvesting site were classified using the classification scheme outlined in the Heritage council publication A Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossit, 2000). The following habitats were recorded; • CS3 Sedimentary sea cliff • LR4 Mixed substrata shore • LS2 Sand shore

Fig.2 Habitat Map.

4.2 Habitat descriptions CS3 Sedimentary sea cliff

This habitat defines the landward boundary in the eastern portion of the proposed harvesting area. Cliffs are relatively low at approximately 1 to 1.5 meters in height. The cliff is on the edge of agricultural grassland and tillage. The cliffs are sparsely vegetated with common agricultural grasses with some marram grass in places at the base. This habitat is linked with the Annex I habitat ‘vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts (1230)’ however due its low height and limited vegetative cover it is not considered a good example of this habitat type.

LR4 Mixed substrata shore

The western section of the proposed harvest area is partially composed of exposed bedrock of Precambrian Quartzites, Gneisses and Schists interspersed with some areas of loose boulders and cobbles. In this instance, the annexed habitat 'reefs (1170)' is included within this mixed substrata habitat type. The eastern beach is primarily a boulder and cobble beach with assorted gravel and sand within the lower intertidal area, though there are also areas of exposed bedrock. The dominant algal cover in this area is bladder wrack, spiral wrack and knotted wrack. The upper shore is defined by the eroding sedimentary cliff.

LS2 Sand shore

Adjacent to the east pier wall there is an area of sand shore, which is expansive at low tide. Seaweed is largely absent from this area which extends into the sub-tidal zone. Sand shore is linked with the annexed habitat 'mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (1140)'.

4.3 Fauna Mammals During the site survey no seals were observed. Due to the disturbed nature of the site from recreational users, it is unlikely that seals use this beach as a haul out site. It is possible that otter will occur in this general area; however no signs of their presence were recorded.

Birds A number of coastal bird species were recorded during the site survey, including hooded crow (4), cormorant (3), oystercatcher (55), curlew (6), common gull (2), heron (1), lapwing (2), great northern diver (2) turnstone (65), redshank (50), bar tailed godwit (2) and herring gull (1). Although this type of mixed substrate shore will support some bird species, it does not have significant mudflats that could support large numbers of wintering birds.

5. Potential impacts The harvesting of three relatively common algal species at this site will have a direct impact on the Saltee Islands SAC. Of the habitats listed as qualifying interests for this Natura 2000 sites, the habitat most likely to affected is reefs as it is this habitat which supports the algal species to be harvested.

Boaden & Dring (1980) predicted that the effects of seaweed cutting include: • removal of seaweed from the system; • destruction of the epifauna and flora; • increase in desiccation; • increase in predation; • increase in erosion; • contribute to settlement of other species; • stimulation of bushy A. nodosum growth.

The habitat 'Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide' generally does not support the relevant algal species and any impact from human traffic over this habitat will be minimal. No direct or indirect impact on the habitats 'Large shallow inlets and bays', 'Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts' and 'Submerged or partly submerged sea caves' will occur.

Grey seal is listed as a qualifying interest for this SAC; however no moult haul out sites, resting haul out sites or breeding areas for this species are known or likely to occur within or in proximity to the proposed harvest area (NPWS 2011). Although harvesting will be carried out by hand, there could potentially be some short-term disturbance/displacement of this species due to increased noise and disturbance and due to reduction in prey availability due to reductions in biomass of invertebrates and fish.

A number of piscivorous bird species (Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin) are listed as qualifying interests for the Saltee Island SPA. These species will feed within and offshore from the harvesting area and could potentially be affected by increased noise and disturbance and by any reductions in biomass of invertebrates and fish that could potentially occur.

6. Mitigation Harvesting will proceed as per the specifications outlined in the Harvesting Management Plan and Method Statement which were prepared for this site and provide for sustainable harvesting. In particular harvesting by hand (i.e. leaving the holdfast intact) over a four year rotation and a maximum of 20% of biomass to be harvested is considered critical to minimising impacts.

Rate of re-growth is influenced by the age structure of the exploited population, together with the morphology (e. g. extent and pattern of branching) of the seaweed, which is usually determined by the shore exposure regime and the intensity of grazing (Kelly et al., 2001). The UK Environmental and Heritage Service (2005) notes that 'commercial scale harvesting will require resource management, for which much more knowledge of the effects of biomass removal on this habitat and the ecosystems and species within it will be needed'. It will be necessary therefore to reassess the potential biomass available on an ongoing basis and where necessary to alter the weight of algae to be harvested. Thus the Harvest Management Plan should be updated on a minimum of a four year cycle with new harvesting quotas for each species prepared as required.

7. Conclusions 7.1 Impacts on Reefs Potentially the harvesting of algae could impact on the Annex 1 habitat 'reefs' which are listed as a qualifying interests for the Saltee Islands SAC. Reefs account for approximately 40% of the total area of the SAC which equates to approximately 4,595 hectares, most of which is sub-tidal (NPW,2011). Therefore the harvesting area equates to a small percentage of the overall reef habitat area within the SAC.

Seaweed harvesting will proceed over a four year rotation and the percentage of each species harvested per year will not exceed 20% of the original biomass as determined by the Harvesting Management Plan. Seaweed harvesting could cause varying degrees of impact on the target species. The impact of seaweed harvesting is dependent on amount harvested, the size of areas harvested, the homogeneity of the harvest and the equipment used, all of which influence a beds ability to regenerate and restore the communities that are associated with it. At locations where repeat harvesting takes place, post harvesting re-growth is usually higher in the first year and reduced in successive years, but varies with the harvesting regime (Marine Strategy Framework Directive, 2013). In this instance the use of hand harvesting methods will minimise impacts.

Kelly et al, 2001 reviewed the impact of hand harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum and concluded the following: • Harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum had no impact on overall biodiversity although it did have an impact on a small number of individual species. • Harvesting led to effective removal of percentage cover of Ascophyllum nodosum but cover showed recovery in percentage cover at two contrasting sites over the course of one year. In Connemara, harvesting of Ascophyllum significantly increased cover of Fucus vesiculosus over 11 months after harvesting. Harvesting did not have an impact on Fucus vesiculosus at Clew Bay. Harvesting of Ascophyllum did not have a significant impact on Fucus serratus , red algae or ephemeral algae. • A reduction in numbers of Littorina obtusata during winter months with a corresponding increase in the control section at both sites may result from hand-harvesting. Harvesting did not have an impact on other gastropods except for an immediate reduction in the lower zone at Connemara. Harvesting lead to a significant reduction in sessile animal such as sponges and bryozoans at both sites. • Harvesting of Ascophyllum did not have any significant impact on fish and large mobile epifauna. • There are likely to be short-term impacts on mobile epifauna and foraging fish, but evidence suggests that a full recovery of the habitat occurs within a year of harvesting. • Apart from the direct effects of the A. nodosum removal, impacts on epifauna may also result from changes in environmental conditions brought about by the absence of the seaweed canopy. These include increases in temperature, light transmission and a greater susceptibility to desiccation at low tide.

White (2003 ) in relation to Fucus vesiculosus notes the following: Recovery would be high due to the high fecundity of the species and its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal. Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years.

It is concluded that the sustainable harvesting of algae will result in some impacts on individual species but no net impact on overall biodiversity. Recovery of the algal communities is predicted to occur in between harvesting periods and thus no significant impact on the ecological functioning of this habitat or adverse impacts on the integrity of designated sites is predicted.

7.2 Impact on Grey seal listed as a qualifying interest for the Saltee Islands SAC No moult haul out sites, resting haul out sites or breeding areas for this species are known or likely to occur within or in proximity to the proposed harvest area (NPWS 2011). There is a moderate to high degree of disturbance of the harvesting area due to recreational usage by walkers, dogs, horses etc. Seals feeding offshore will have habitualised to existing levels of disturbance and any increase in noise and disturbance caused by harvesting activities would be expected to have a minimal impact. Harvesting of seaweed is not expected to significantly impact on faunal communities and thus no significant reduction in prey availability for grey seal is predicted. 7.3 Impact on piscivorous birds listed as qualifying interests for the Saltee Island SPA A number of piscivorous bird species (Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin) are listed as qualifying interests for the Saltee Island SPA. These species will feed within and offshore from the harvesting area. The level of disturbance caused by harvesting activities will not be significant in the context of existing levels of noise and disturbance and no significant impact on prey availability is predicted to occur. Thus no significant impact on these bird populations is predicted.

7.4 Cumulative Impacts No commercial harvesting of algae currently takes place within the proposed harvest area. There is some recreational usage of the beach area and some existing boat traffic. No significant cumulative impacts have been identified.

7.5 Overall Conclusions Overall there is no evidence to indicate that harvesting of algae will cause significant deterioration of the habitats and species of special conservation interest or significant disturbance to these species thus ensuring there are no significant adverse impacts on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites. No significant indirect, direct or cumulative impacts are envisaged.

8. References Boaden, P.J.S. & Dring, M.T., (1980). A quantitative evaluation of the effects of Ascophyllum harvesting on the littoral ecosystem. Helgolander Meeresuntersuchungen, 33:700-710. (NPWS 2011) Conservation Objectives: Saltee Islands SAC 000707 and Saltee Islands SPA 004002. Version 1.0. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht). Assessment of the Effects of Commercial Seaweed Harvesting on Intertidal and Subtidal Ecology in Northern Ireland (Environmental Heritage Service 2005). Marine Strategy Framework Directive Ireland’s Initial Assessment Reporting Sheet for Selective Extraction of Species (RS08B-11_ExtractionOfSpecies) Seaweed (Marine Strategy Framework Directive, 2013). Kelly et al, 2001. Marine Resource Series No. 19 (2001) Impact Assessment of Hand and Mechanical Harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum on Regeneration and Biodiversity. (Marine Institute, 2001). White, N., (2003). Fucus spiralis. Spiral wrack. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom . Appendix 1 SAC Site Synopses Saltee Islands SAC (Site Code 000707) This site comprises the Saltees Islands and a large area of the surrounding seas. There are two islands, Great Saltee and Little Saltee, and a constellation of islets and rocks. The islands are situated between 4 and 5 km off the south Wexford coast. As a group, they constitute a broken reef that protrudes from a seabed of sand and shell. The reef has a north-east/south-west orientation and is typically strewn with boulders, cobbles and patches of sand and gravel. Bedrock is metamorphic schist and gneiss.

The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats

• [1160] Large Shallow Inlets and Bays

• [1170] Reefs

• [1230] Vegetated Sea Cliffs

• [8330] Sea Caves

• [1364] Grey Seal ( Halichoerus grypus )

The subtidal reefs at this site range from rugged bedrock with steep sided gullies to large boulders mixed with sand or cobbles and pebbles. They range from exposed, to moderately exposed, to wave action. The communities present are excellent examples of those typical of tide-swept areas and many have fauna and flora that are tolerant of sand scour. The area is notable for the range of colonial sea squirts present. With the exception of only a few samples, the communities are very species rich, with samples taken during the BioMar Survey having from 78 to 117 species. No other area surveyed during the BioMar Survey had so many species rich communities.

In shallow water the reefs support a forest of mixed kelp species, with scour tolerant fauna on tide- swept bedrock or a kelp forest of Laminaria hyperborea with a faunal cushion and foliose red algae. With increasing depth the kelp thins to a kelp park. The kelp understorey ranges from a turf of hydroids, bryozoans, sponges and numerous colonial sea squirts, to a community characterised by the bryozoan Flustra foliacea or an understorey foliose red algae. On the sides of boulders a community with Deadman’s Fingers ( Alcyonium digitatum ), the keel worm Pomatoceros triqueter and algal and bryozoan crusts is found.

In deeper water (15-30 m) animal dominated reef communities occur. The most notable of these is a community dominated by the sea squirt Stolonica socialis and the bryozoan Flustra foliacea . This community is rich in colonial sea squirts, in which Archidistoma aggregatum, Sidnyum elegans and Distomus variolosus and the solitary Pyura squammata occur. Stolonica socialis is only known from the south-east and north-west of Ireland, while S. elegans has not previously been recorded in Ireland. Distomus variolosus is only known from between Galway and Tralee Bay on the west coast, and the east and south-east coasts of Ireland. Pyura squammata appears to have a widespread but local distribution in Ireland. The sea anemone Cataphellia brodricii occurs in this community and in shallow water, both around the Saltee Islands and in other areas in the south-east. The only other records for this species are from Roaringwater Bay, Co. Cork. Where the bedrock is steep or large boulders are present the community may be formed of cushion sponges, branching sponges, massive sponges, Nemertesia hydroids, the rose coral Pentapora foliacea, or Alcyonium digitatum . Beds of the brittlestars Ophiothrix fragilis and Ophiocomina nigra are also found in the area, and on very steep to vertical reefs the plumose anemone Metridium senile may be found.

Species not mentioned above, and with limited distribution in Britain and Ireland and considered to be worthy of conservation, include the sponges Tethyspira spinosa and Plocamilla coriacea , the hydroids Aglaophenia acacia, Tamarisca tamarisca, Halecium muricatum and Sertularella gaudichaudi, the sea slug Okenia aspersa, the bryozoan Schizomavella sarniensis and the burrowing brittlestar Amphiura securigera . The majority of these species occur in the ascidian dominated communities and the Stolonica socialis community in particular. Tethyspira spinosa is only known from the Saltees and Roaringwater Bay in Ireland. Plocamilla coriacea is a recently described species, only recorded from the Saltees, Carnsore Point and Tuscar Rock, Co. Wexford and Kilkieran Bay, Co. Galway. Aglaophenia acacia is a southern species and occurs at several sites around the Saltees,

th with only one previous record in Ireland. Prior to the BioMar survey the only 20 century records for Halecium muricatum in Britain and Ireland were from the Isle of Man. This species is now known to occur at the Saltees and in Co. Donegal. The records for Sertularella gaudichaudi from this area are the only Irish records. The sea slug Okenia aspersa occurs at two sites in the area and these are the only recent records for Ireland. Schizomavella sarniensis is a recently described species of bryozoan and to date in Ireland has only been recorded from around the Saltees. The current known distribution of the burrowing brittlestar Amphiura securigera in Ireland appears to be the south-east of the country and Kenmare River, Co. Cork.

The littoral sediments of the Saltee Islands area are moderately exposed to wave action. Talitrid amphipods live under drift algae on the strand line. The mid shore is characterized by polychaete worms ( Hediste diversicolor , Malacoceros fuliginosus , Spio filicornis and Arenicola marina ), crustaceans ( Crangon crangon ) and crabs ( Carcinus maenas ). The low shore is characterized by the polychaete worms Spio filicornis and Lanice conchilega , the burrowing crustacean Atylus swammerdamei , crabs and bivalve molluscs ( Fabulina fabula and occasional Cerastoderma edule ). The sublittoral sediment around the Saltees is composed of exposed, tide-swept shelly gravel characterised by the burrowing sea cucumber Neopendactyla mixta, with hydroids and bryozoans attached to cobbles.

Both islands have exposed rocky cliffs on the south and east sides. On Great Saltee these are mostly around 30 m high, and about half this on Little Saltee. The cliffs have a typical sea cliff flora, with Thrift ( Armeria maritima ), Sea Campion ( Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima ), Sea Plantain ( Plantago maritima ), Sea Aster ( Aster tripolium ), Common Scurvygrass ( Cochlearia officinalis ), Rock Sea- spurrey ( Spergularia rupicola ), Sea Mayweed ( Matricaria maritima ), Red Fescue ( Festuca rubra ), Sea Spleenwort ( Asplenium marinum ) and Sea Samphire ( Crithmum maritimum ). Sea Stork’s-bill (Erodium maritimum ) also occurs, and Golden-samphire ( Inula crithmoides ) has been recorded in the past. Excellent displays of lichens ( Ramalina spp. and Xanthoria spp.) are present. The northern and western sides of both islands are fringed with shingle and boulder shores, with small areas of intertidal sandflats. Sea caves occur at the base of the cliffs on Great Saltee. Some of these are sublittoral and some have boulder beaches at the back.

Since the abandonment of farming on the islands (apart from sheep grazing on Little Saltee), Bracken ( Pteridium aquilinum ) has become dominant over much of the terrestrial area and often occurs in association with Bluebells ( Hyacinthoides non-scripta ). Bramble ( Rubus fruticosus agg.) are also frequent. Dry grassland still occurs in some of the old fields, with species such as Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus ), Ground Ivy ( Glechoma hederacea ), Common Ragwort ( Senecio jacobaea ), Common Nettle ( Urtica dioica ) and thistles ( Cirsium spp.).

Several springs and seepage areas provide habitat diversity. Species present include Water-cress (Nasturtium officinale ), Jointed Rush ( Juncus articulatus ), Bog Stitchwort ( Stellaria alsine ), Marsh Pennywort ( Hydrocotyle vulgaris ) and, in at least one location, Early Marsh-orchid ( Dactylorhiza incarnata ). Great Saltee has a breeding population of Grey Seal, one of the very few in eastern Ireland. The breeding population was estimated at 571-744 individuals in 2005. A one-off moult count in 2007 gave a figure of 246 individuals.

The Saltee Islands are internationally important for their colonies of breeding seabirds. Particularly notable are the Gannets on Great Saltee (2,050 pairs in 2000), Cormorants on Little Saltee (273 pairs in 2000), Shags on both islands (265 pairs), Fulmars (525 pairs 1998-2000), Kittiwakes (2,125 pairs in 1999), and auks – Guillemots (21,436 individuals), Razorbills ( c. 4,000 individuals) and Puffins (1,822 individuals). There is also a small Manx Shearwater colony ( c. 150-175 pairs) on Great Saltee. The breeding populations of large gulls have declined dramatically in recent years. The Lesser Black- backed Gull colony is still important (245 pairs), but numbers of Herring Gull ( c. 50 pairs) and Great Black-backed Gull ( c. 90) are now very low.

There are one or two pairs of breeding Peregrine, and one pair of Chough occur here - at the eastern edge of their Irish range. Both of these species are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. Great Saltee is a major site for spring and autumn landbird migration. Very large numbers of pipits, swallows, martins, thrushes, warblers and finches occur, while smaller numbers of a great variety of other species (some very rare in Ireland) have also been recorded.

The island is also a good site for migrant Lepidoptera, especially Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, Clouded Yellows, Silver Y moths and Humming-bird Hawk Moths.

This site is of high conservation importance for the occurrence of several habitats which are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, of which the reefs are of exceptional quality and diversity. The site is of international importance for breeding seabirds and has two species which are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. In addition, the site has a breeding population of Grey Seal, an Annex II species on the E.U. Habitats Directive.

Site Name; Ballyteige Burrow SAC (Site Code 000696)

This coastal site extends eastwards and northwards from the village of Kilmore Quay in Co. Wexford. A long, narrow spit of coarse sand and gravel with an impressive sand dune system (Ballyteige Burrow) forms most of the seaward boundary of this site. Behind the spit lies a shallow, tidal sea inlet and estuary of the Duncormick River (The Cull). The eastern portion of this intertidal system was reclaimed in the 19 th century by construction of the Cull Bank and is now polderland, most of which is intensively farmed grassland and arable land. The western portion of The Cull retains semi- natural habitat, including mudflats which are exposed at low tide and saltmarsh. Most of the site is designated a Nature Reserve.

The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes):

• [1130] Estuaries • [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats • [1150] Coastal Lagoons* • [1210] Annual Vegetation of Drift Lines • [1220] Perennial Vegetation of Stony Banks • [1310] Salicornia Mud • [1320] Spartina Swards • [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows • [1410] Mediterranean Salt Meadows • [1420] Halophilous Scrub • [2110] Embryonic Shifting Dunes • [2120] Marram Dunes (White Dunes) • [2130] Fixed Dunes (Grey Dunes)* • [2150] Decalcified Dune Heath* A significant proportion of this site comprises intertidal mud- and sandflats which form part of the estuary of the Duncormick River, and the site includes most of the tidal section of this river. The estuary also receives the flow from a network of canals which drain the polders to the east of the site, plus from some minor streams. The estuary is interesting because it is almost entirely enclosed by the extensive sand-shingle spit which makes up Ballyteige Burrow, with only a narrow inlet/outlet at the western end. The estuary empties almost entirely on most tides, apart from the main central channel. A dominating feature of this site is its large dune system, many of the dunes reaching over 20 m in height. Embryonic shifting dunes and Marram ( Ammophila arenaria ) dunes occur along the seaward side, with more stable fixed dunes and dune heath inland, though blow-outs occur throughout. Typically, plants such as Marram, Portland Spurge (Euphorbia portlandica ), Sea-holly ( Eryngium maritimum ), Sea Stork's-bill ( Erodium cicutarium ) and Carline Thistle ( Carlina vulgaris ) are common on the seaward dunes.

The fixed dunes occupy the central ridge of the Burrow. These are well developed and species-rich. The vegetation is predominantly low-growing and contains species such as Common Restharrow (Ononis repens ), Wild Pansy ( Viola tricolor subsp . curtisii ), Sea Stork's-bill, Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea ), Wild Thyme ( Thymus praecox ) and Red Fescue ( Festuca rubra ).. Cattle have not grazed the eastern end of the site since 1987 and, as a result, there is an increase in dune scrub encroachment and a decrease in species diversity. The dominant species here are Red Fescue and Burnet Rose ( Rosa pimpinellifolia ), while Bracken ( Pteridium aquilinum ) is common.

One of the most notable features at Ballyteige is the presence of developing acid heath within the (calcareous) fixed grey dune area. This is very unusual in Irish dune systems. The vegetation here is dominated by Bracken, with some Gorse ( Ulex europaeus ) and low-growing herbs. In addition, along with the classic foredune/fixed grey dune sequence, there are some unusual incipient slack/blowout complexes. These are eroded down in places to the shingle base on which the dunes rest.

Saltmarsh vegetation fringes The Cull, featuring Sea Aster ( Aster tripolium ), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima ), Lax-flowered Sea-lavender ( Limonium humile ) and Hard-grass ( Parapholis strigosa ), with well developed mats of glasswort ( Salicornia sp.) and patches of cord-grass ( Spartina sp.). Salt meadows with Sea Rush ( Juncus maritimus ) have formed behind the dyke at the eastern end of the site. Part of the saltmarsh complex contains halophilous scrub vegetation. This is a very rare habitat in Ireland, with only two known extant locations - Ballyteige and Bannow Bay. This habitat is characterised by the rare Perennial Glasswort ( Arthrocnemum perenne ).

A series of drainage channels and a small pond, which are largely artificial in origin, now have a flora and fauna characteristic of lagoons. The channels have a maximum depth of 3 m. Seawater enters mainly by percolation through the dunes along the southern shore and apparently by leakage of the sluice on The Cull at high tide. While the aquatic vegetation in much of the site is poor, two lagoonal specialists, Tassel-weed ( Ruppia maritima ) and the green alga Chaetomorpha linum occur. An additional lagoonal specialist, the Red Data Book stonewort Chara canescens , was recorded here in 1991. The fauna of the lagoonal habitat is rich, diverse and typically lagoonal. A total of 60 taxa were recorded in a survey in 1998, in addition to several further taxa recorded previously. Eleven of these are considered as lagoonal specialists in Britain or Ireland ( Lekanesphaera hookeri (Order Isopoda) , Palaemonetes varians (Order Decapoda) , Sigara stagnalis (Order Hemiptera) , S. concinna (Order Hemiptera) , Agabus conspersus (Order Coleoptera) , Enochrus bicolor (Order Coleoptera) , Hydrobia ventrosa (Class Gastropoda, Order Neotaenioglossa) , Conopeum seurati (a bryozoan) , Neomysis integer (Order Mysida) , Notonecta viridis (Order Hemiptera) and Plea leachi (Order Heteroptera)). While the habitat is particularly degraded, restoration is considered feasible and long-term prospects are good.

Ballyteige is recognised as one of the most impressive shingle-based dune systems in the country. There are ‘cobble valley’s’ in between the some of the dunes, an unusual feature. Species associated with shingle recorded from the site include Sea Sandwort ( Honkenya peploides ), Sea-holly ( Eryngium maritimum ), Sea Bindweed ( Calystegia soldanella ) and Yellow Horned-poppy ( Glaucium flavum ). Species typical of the habitat ‘annual vegetation of drift lines’ which occur at the site include Spear- leaved Orache ( Atriplex prostrata ), Sea-holly, Sea Rocket ( Cakile maritima ) and Yellow Horned- poppy.

This site is host to a range of rare plant species. Wild Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis subsp. prostratus ) is frequent among dune vegetation, while Lesser Centaury ( Centaurium pulchellum ) is associated with damp dune slacks. Borrer's Saltmarsh-grass ( Puccinellia fasciculata ) and Perennial Glasswort occur on the saltmarsh. There is also a recent record for Sea Pea ( Lathyrus japonicus subsp. maritimus ), a species typically associated with shingle. All five species are protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999. Henbane ( Hyoscyamus niger ), a species which is considered as threatened in Ireland, also occurs at Ballyteige. The dunes also have an interesting lichen flora: the scarce species Usnea articulata occurs here, and this is the only known site in Ireland for the species Fulgensia fulgens .

The Cull and adjacent reclaimed land provide important habitat for wintering waterfowl, and Brent Goose occur here in internationally important numbers (average maximum count of 219 individuals over the winters 1994/95 - 1997-98). Nationally important numbers of Lapwing (2,737) and Black- tailed Godwit (161) occur. Two species listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive occur regularly in winter, Golden Plover (2,441) and Bar-tailed Godwit (79), while another species, Little Tern, breeds at Callenstown strand. The invertebrate fauna of the site includes a number of scarce species, examples being the bumble bees Bombus distinguendus and B. sylvarum , the jewel wasp Hedychridium ardens and the ant Tetramorium caespitum , as well as those listed above.

The dune system is used for cattle grazing. An appropriate grazing level is a critical factor in maintaining the diversity of dune systems. Coastal systems in general are threatened by disturbance of the substrate, such as removal of sand/shingle.

This coastal site is of major ecological value for its range of good quality coastal habitats, including three habitats given priority status on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive - fixed dune, dune heath and lagoon. The dune system is of excellent quality, physically well developed and with a rich flora which includes five protected species. The importance of the site for wintering waterfowl further enhances its value.

Site Synopsis Saltee Islands SPA (Site Code 004002)

The site comprises the two islands, Great Saltee and Little Saltee, situated some 4-5 km off the south Wexford coast. The bedrock of the islands is of Precambrian gneiss and granite. Both islands have exposed rocky cliffs on their south and east – those on Great Saltee being mostly c. 30 m high, those on Little Saltee about half this height. The cliffs support a typical sea-cliff flora, with Thrift ( Armeria maritima ), Sea Campion ( Silene maritima ), Sea Plantain ( Plantago maritima ), Sea Aster ( Aster tripolium ), Common Scurvy-grass ( Cochlearia officinalis ), Rock Sea-spurrey ( Spergularia rupicola ), Scentless Mayweed ( Matricaria maritima ), Red Fescue ( Festuca rubra ), Sea Spleenwort ( Asplenium marinum ) and Rock Samphire ( Crithmum maritimum ). Sea Stork’s-bill ( Erodium maritimum ) also occurs and the scarce Golden-samphire ( Inula crithmoides ) has been recorded in the past. The cliffs also support a variety of lichens (Ramalina and Xanthoria spp.). The northern and western sides of both islands are fringed with shingle and boulder shores, backed by boulder clay cliffs, as well as small areas of intertidal sandflats. Sea caves occur at the base of the cliffs on Great Saltee.

Since the abandonment of farming on the islands (apart from sheep and cattle grazing recently re- introduced on Little Saltee), Bracken ( Pteridium aquilinum ) has become dominant over much of the terrestrial areas and often occurs in association with Bluebells ( Hyacinthoides non-scripta ). Brambles (Rubus fruticosus ) are also common. Dry grassland occurs in some of the old fields and here a variety of grassland species occur, including Yorkshire Fog ( Holcus lanatus ), Ragwort ( Senecio jacobaea ), Common Nettle ( Urtica dioica ) and thistles ( Cirsium spp.). Several springs and seepage areas provide habitat diversity and species present include Watercress ( Nasturtium officinale ), Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus ), Bog Stitchwort ( Stellaria alsine ), Marsh Pennywort ( Hydrocotyle vulgaris ) and, in at least one location, Early Marsh-orchid ( Dactylorhiza incarnata ). In places there are dense stands of Hogweed ( Heracleum sphondylium ). On Great Saltee there are Cordylines ( Cordyline australis ) along the main path (planted in the 1950s), and in the garden area are found Sycamore ( Acer pseudoplatanus ), Elder ( Sambucus ebulus ), Ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ), Alder ( Alnus glutinosa ), willow (Salix sp.), Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna ) and Olearia ( Olearia sp.).

The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Lesser Black- backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin. The site is also of special conservation interest for holding an assemblage of over 20,000 breeding seabirds.

The Saltee Islands are internationally important for holding an assemblage of over 20,000 breeding seabirds. The nationally important Gannet colony on Great Saltee has been well documented since its establishment in the1920s and 2,446 pairs were present in 2004. The following species have populations of national importance (all counts in the 1999/2000 breeding seasons): Fulmar (525 pairs), Cormorant (273 pairs), Shag (268 pairs), Lesser Black-backed Gull (175 pairs), Great Black- backed Gull ( c. 90 pairs), Herring Gull (73 pairs), Kittiwake (2,125 pairs), Guillemot (21,436 individuals), Razorbill (5,200 individuals) and Puffin (1,822 individuals). An estimated 250 pairs of Manx Shearwater occur on these islands. Seabird populations are monitored annually and large numbers of chicks, especially of Gannets, auks and Shags, are ringed.

Peregrine Falcon breeds (1-2 pairs) and Chough (1 pair) occurs at the eastern edge of its Irish range. Both of these species are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive.

Great Saltee is a major site for spring and autumn landbird migration and was the site for Ireland’s first bird observatory. While the observatory is no longer operational, substantial numbers of migrants are still ringed annually. Large numbers of pipits, swallows and martins, thrushes, warblers and finches occur, while smaller numbers of a great variety of other species (some very rare in Ireland) are also recorded. The island is also a good site for migrant Lepidoptera, especially Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, Clouded Yellows, Silver Y moths and Humming-bird Hawk-moths.

Great Saltee has a breeding population of Grey Seal (a species that is listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive), one of the very few in eastern Ireland. Up to 120 animals are present in autumn and up to 20 pups are produced annually.

Renovated old farm buildings on both islands are used by the owners, mainly in summer. This site is of international importance for breeding seabirds and has two further species (Peregrine and Chough) which are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. It is one of the best documented sites in the country and is monitored annually.

Site Synopsis Ballyteigue Burrow SPA (Site Code 004020)

This site is located on the south coast of Co. Wexford between the towns of Kilmore Quay and Cullenstown. It comprises a sand and shingle barrier beach, approximately 8 km in length, and the estuary of the Duncormick River. The extensive overlying sand spit is known as the Burrow, while the estuary that it encloses is known as the Cull.

The site has a range of coastal habitats, including various types of sand dunes, salt meadows, and intertidal sand and mud flats. Former estuarine areas adjacent to the site have been reclaimed as polders and are intensively managed for agriculture. The dune system includes embryonic shifting dunes and Marram ( Ammophila arenaria ) dunes along the seaward side with more stable fixed dunes and dune heath inland. Typically, plants such as Marram, Portland Spurge ( Euphorbia portlandica ) and Seaholly ( Eryngium maritimum ) are common on the seaward dunes. The fixed dunes are well-developed and species-rich and include species such as Common Restharrow ( Ononis repens ), Wild Pansy ( Viola tricolor subsp . curtisii ), Common Centaury ( Centaurium erythraea ), Wild Thyme ( Thymus praecox ) and Red Fescue ( Festuca rubra ). In places, scrub is encroaching and Bracken ( Pteridium aquilinum ) and Burnet Rose ( Rosa pimpinellifolia ) are common. The dune heath element is typified by Bracken and Gorse ( Ulex europaeus ).

Saltmarsh vegetation fringes The Cull, with such species as Sea Aster ( Aster tripolium ), Sea Arrowgrass ( Triglochin maritima ), Sea Lavender ( Limonium humile ) and Glasswort ( Salicornia spp.). Part of the saltmarsh complex contains halophilous scrub vegetation, a very rare habitat in Ireland. The estuary empties almost entirely on most tides, apart from the main central channel. Sediments vary from muds in the innermost areas, especially towards Duncormick, to sands elsewhere. In addition to the Duncormick River, the estuary receives the flow from a network of canals which drain the extensive polders to the east and north-east of the site. Water quality of the inflowing freshwater is moderate to poor.

The principal ornithological importance of Ballyteigue Burrow SPA is wintering waterfowl, with an internationally important population of Brent Goose (290, average maximum in the five winters 1995/96-1999/00). It also supports nationally important numbers of Shelduck (167), Ringed Plover (133), Golden Plover (4,630), Lapwing (7,808), Black-tailed Godwit (474) and Bar-tailed Godwit (582). A range of other species occur in numbers of regional importance, including Wigeon (306), Grey Plover (69), Dunlin (1,020) and Redshank (206). Both the Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit populations represent just over 3% of the respective national totals, while the Lapwing population is almost 4% of the total. The estuarine habitats provide feeding and roosting areas for the waterfowl species, though a lot of the birds also feed on the intensively managed lands of the adjacent polders. Cullenstown Strand has a small colony of breeding Little Tern , though nesting may not occur in every year.

The site is host to a range of rare Red Data Book plant species, including Wild Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis ), Borrer’s Saltmarsh-grass ( Puccinellia fasciculata ), Perennial Glasswort ( Arthrocnemum perenne ) and Lesser Centaury ( Centaurium pulchellum ), and is the only Irish site for the protected (Flora (Protection) Order, 1999) lichen Fulgensia fulgens . The invertebrate fauna of the site includes a number of scarce species, examples being the bumble bees Bombus distinguendus and B. sylvarum , the jewel wasp Hedychridium ardens and the ant Tetramorium caespitum .

This coastal site is of high ecological value for its range of good quality coastal habitats, several being listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. It is a major site for wintering waterfowl, with an internationally important population of Brent Goose and a further six species with populations of national importance. Of particular note is that two of the species, Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit, are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. Little Tern is also listed on Annex I of this Directive. Most of the site is designated as a Nature Reserve.