Appropriate Assessment Screening for Aquaculture activities in Trawenagh Bay, Co. Brief description of the project or plan Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are currently produced at 26 licenced aquaculture sites in Trawenagh Bay.

Applications have been submitted for Aquaculture Licences for the production of Pacific oysters at 2 sites and for the renewal of an existing licence at 1 site within Trawenagh Bay

The locations of the aquaculture sites are shown in Figure 1

Brief description of the Natura 2000 Trawenagh Bay is not a designated Natura 2000 site. The sites following Natura 2000 sites are adjacent to (within 15Km) of the aquaculture sites in Trawenagh Bay and are shown in Figure 2.

1. Derryveagh And Glendowan Mountains SPA (Site Code: 004039)

Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains SPA is an extensive upland site in north-west Co. Donegal, comprising Glenveagh National Park, a substantial part of the Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains and a number of the surrounding lakes. The substrate over much of site is peat, with blanket bog and heath comprising the principal habitats.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are1

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA:

 Red Throated Diver  Merlin  Peregrine  Golden Plover  Dunlin

2. Lough Nillan Bog SPA (Site Code: 004110)

Lough Nillan Bog SPA covers a large area of the hills immediately south of in Co. Donegal. The site extends from Owenea Lough in the west to the summit of Silver Hill in the east. The site comprises an extensive complex of blanket bog, wet heath, lakes, rivers and streams, with the topography varying from level plains to steep hills. The bog has a range of micro-topographical features (e.g. hummocks, inter-connecting pools and flushes) and vegetation communities.

1 NPWS (2020) Conservation objectives for Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains SPA [004039]. Generic Version 7.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the .

1 The Conservation Objectives of this site are2

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA

 Merlin  Golden Plover  Greenland White-fronted Goose  Dunlin

3. Sheskinmore Lough SPA (Site Code: 004090)

Sheskinmore Lough is a shallow lake located approximately 5 km north-west of Ardara in Co. Donegal. The site comprises an intricate complex of coastal and freshwater habitats. The solid geology is largely obscured by sand, but the fringe of a granitic intrusion forms the higher ground to the north-east of the lake. Calcareous sands blow across the site and there is seepage of basic water from the dunes to the lake.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are3

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA

 Greenland White-fronted Goose

4. Roaninish SPA (Site Code: 004121)

The site comprises a tight group of small, flat, low-lying, uninhabited islets surrounded by extensive intertidal rocks, situated in Gweebarra Bay, approximately 3 km north-west of Dunmore Head in Co. Donegal. Its highest point is 9 m above sea level. Much of the site is sparsely vegetated, with the exception of the main island, Roaninish, which supports lush maritime grassland. Two small ponds occur on Roaninish and support some aquatic species. The surrounding seas to a distance of 200 m are included within the site.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are4

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA

 Barnacle Goose

2 NPWS (2020) Conservation objectives for Lough Nillan Bog SPA [004110]. Generic Version 7.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 3 NPWS (2020) Conservation objectives for Sheskinmore Lough SPA [004090]. Generic Version 7.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 4 NPWS (2020) Conservation objectives for Roaninish SPA [004121]. Generic Version 7.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

2  Herring Gull

5. West Donegal Coast SPA (Site Code: 004150)

The West Donegal Coast SPA comprises separate sections of the Co. Donegal coastline and extends from Muckros Head in the south, northwards to Slieve League, , Rocky Point, Glen Head, Slieve Tooey, Maghera, Loughros Point, Dunmore Head, Aran Island, Magheradrumman, Carrickfin, Carnboy, , Magheragallan, Lunniagh, as far as Carrick, to the south of Bloody Foreland. The site includes the high coast areas and sea cliffs of the mainland and Aran Island, the land adjacent to the cliff, areas of sand dunes/machair at Maghera, Mullaghderg, Braade/Carrickfin/Carnboy, Magheragallan and Lunniagh/Carrick, and also several areas further inland of the coast at Croaghmuckros and Slieve League, north of Glencolumbkille and south of Dunmore Head. The high water mark forms the seaward boundary, except at Tormore Island where the adjacent sea area to a distance of 500 m from the cliff base is included.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are5

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA

 Fulmar  Cormorant  Shag  Peregrine  Herring Gull  Kittiwake  Razorbill  Chough

6. SPA (Site Code: 004116)

Inishkeel is a small island situated approximately 500 m offshore of Portnoo in the inner part of Gweebarra Bay in west Co. Donegal. At low tide it is accessible from the mainland by a sand spit. It is a rugged, low-lying island which is largely vegetated by a maritime grassland sward. The site includes the surrounding seas, to a distance of 200 m from the shore.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are6

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition

5 NPWS (2020) Conservation objectives for West Donegal Coast SPA [004150]. Generic Version 7.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 6 NPWS (2020) Conservation objectives for Inishkeel SPA [004116]. Generic Version 7.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

3 of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA

 Barnacle Goose

7. Illancrone and Inishkeeragh (SPA Site Code: 004132)

Illancrone and Inishkeeragh are two marine islands situated 8 to 9 km west of the town of Dunglow and south of Aranmore Island, Co. Donegal. Illancrone comprises areas of rock, shingle and short grassland. Inishkeeragh is a medium- sized, low-lying island surrounded by extensive intertidal rocks and, although now uninhabited, previous occupation has resulted in the island being divided into a system of enclosed fields. These fields have now reverted to unimproved dry grassland grazed by sheep.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are7

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA

 Barnacle Goose  Common Tern  Arctic Tern  Little Tern

8. Rutland Island & Sound SAC (Site Code: 002283)

Rutland Island and Sound SAC lies between Aran Island and in north-west Donegal, 5 km north-west of Dunglow. Besides Rutland itself a number of other small rocky islets are also included in the site. The bedrock of Rutland Island is granite, but the dune systems on the island are highly calcareous.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are8

 To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Coastal lagoons in Rutland Island and Sound SAC,  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Large shallow inlets and bays in  Rutland Island and Sound SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Reefs in Rutland Island and Sound SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Annual vegetation of drift lines in Rutland Island and Sound SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of

7 NPWS (2020) Conservation objectives for Illancrone and Inishkeeragh SPA [004132]. Generic Version 7.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 8 NPWS (2013) Conservation Objectives: Rutland Island and Sound SAC 002283. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

4 Embryonic shifting dunes in Rutland Island and Sound SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria ('white dunes') in Rutland Island and Sound SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation ('grey dunes') in Rutland Island and Sound SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Humid dune slacks in Rutland Island and Sound SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Harbour Seal in Rutland Island and Sound SAC

9. Slieve Tooey / Tormore Island / Loughros Beg Bay SAC (Site Code: 000190)

This large site covers the northern half of the Slieve League peninsula in Co. Donegal, stretching from Ardara in the east towards Glencolmbkille and Glen Bay in the west. Along its northern side, the site is fringed by a range of coastal habitats, including sea cliffs, stacks, islets, caves, sand dunes, the Loughros Beg Bay estuary and salt marshes. Inland, the area is generally mountainous, rising to 511 m O.D. south of Lough Croaghballaghdown.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are9

 To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlanticand Baltic coasts in Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Embryonic shifting dunes in Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) in Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum in Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) in Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Alpine and Boreal heaths in Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC

9 NPWS (2015) Conservation Objectives: Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay SAC 000190. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service,Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

5  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Blanket bogs in Slieve Tooey/TormoreIsland/Loughros Beg Bay SAC

10. Strand SAC (Site Code: 001195) This small coastal site is situated around the village of Maghery, about 5 km south-west of Dunglow in west Co. Donegal. It contains a coastal lagoon, sand dunes, wet grassland, mudflats and saltmarsh.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are10

 To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Coastal lagoons in Termon Strand SAC

11. West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC (Site Code: 000197)

This extensive site occupies the area of coast immediately north of Ardara in south-west Co. Donegal. From Ardara, it continues northwards around the coast, and then up the Gweebarra River to Doocharry. From the centre of the site an expanse of blanket bog extends south-east almost to Glenties. Lough Beg Bay and Slieve Tooey Mountain are adjacent, and to the south-west of the site. The Owenea system and some of its tributaries, including the Stracashel and Owengarve Rivers, are included.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are11

 To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Estuaries in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Large shallow inlets and bays in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria ('white dunes') in West of Ardara/Maas

10 NPWS (2016) Conservation Objectives: Termon Strand SAC 001195. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional,Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. 11 NPWS (2015) Conservation Objectives: West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC 000197. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

6 Road SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation ('grey dunes') in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Humid dune slacks in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Machairs in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of European dry heaths in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Alpine and Boreal heaths in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) in West of Ardara/MaasRoad SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt- laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC,  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Blanket bogs in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Alkaline fens in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC,  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of

7 Geyer's Whorl Snail in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Freshwater Pearl Mussel in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Marsh Fritillary in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic Salmon in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Otter in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Harbour Seal in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Petalwort in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Slender Naiad in West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC

12. Gannivegil Bog SAC (Site Code: 000142)

The site is located 6 km south-east of Dunglow, adjacent to the village of Doocharry in west Donegal. The site is underlain by igneous granite which is out-cropping in many areas. The topography of the site as a whole is undulating, with three prominent hills rising in the centre, south and east of the site. The steepest and highest of these hills is Croaghleconnel which rises to an altitude of 226 m. There are numerous lakes of varying sizes throughout the site, many of which are hydrologically linked.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are12

 To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) in Gannivegil Bog SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix in Gannivegil Bog SAC,  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Blanket bogs (* if active bog) in Gannivegil Bog SAC

13. River Finn SAC (Site Code: 002301)

This site comprises almost the entire freshwater element of the River Finn and its tributaries the Corlacky, the Reelan sub-catchment, the Sruhamboy, Elatagh, Cummirk and Glashagh, and also includes Lough Finn, where the river rises. The spawning grounds at the headwaters of the Mourne and Derg Rivers, Loughs Derg and Belshade and the tidal stretch of the Foyle north of to the border are also part of the site. All of the site is in Co. Donegal.

12NPWS (2017) Conservation Objectives: Gannivegil Bog SAC 000142. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

8

The Conservation Objectives of this site are13

 To restore the favourable conservation condition of Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) in River Finn SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix in River Finn SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Blanket bogs (*if active bog) in River Finn SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Transition mires and quaking bogs in River Finn SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic Salmon in River Finn SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Otter in River Finn SAC,

14. Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve) SAC (Site Code: 000165)

Lough Nillan Bog covers a large area and includes the range of hills immediately south of Glenties in Co. Donegal. The site extends from Owenea Lough in the west to the summit of Silver Hill in the east. Most of the area is underlain by dark, metamorphic siltstones but a few igneous intrusions also occur. Blanket bog is the most extensive habitat type.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are14

 To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) in Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve) SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Blanket bogs in Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve) SAC

15. Termon Strand SAC (Site Code: 01195)

This small coastal site is situated around the village of Maghery, about 5 km south-west of Dunglow in west Co. Donegal. It contains a coastal lagoon, sand dunes, wet grassland, mudflats and saltmarsh.

13 NPWS (2017) Conservation Objectives: River Finn SAC 002301. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 14NPWS (2016) Conservation Objectives: Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve) SAC 000165. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

9 The Conservation Objectives of this site are15

 To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Coastal lagoons in Termon Strand SAC

16. Bay and Islands SAC (Site Code: 001141)

Gweedore Bay and Islands is an extensive coastal site situated between Burtonport in the south, Bloody Foreland in the north, near the towns of , Bunbeg and Annagary, and stretching eastwards to Bunaninver. It includes a large stretch of coastline, many islands (including , , Gola, Umfin, Lower and parts of ) and areas of marine water between the islands and the coast. Areas of machair and sand dunes occur in several places along the coast, and large areas of sandflats are exposed off the coast at low tide.

The Conservation Objectives of this site are16

 To restore the favourable conservation condition of Coastal lagoons in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Reefs in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Perennial vegetation of stony banks in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria ('white dunes') in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation ('grey dunes') in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Humid dune slacks in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC

15 NPWS (2016) Conservation Objectives: Termon Strand SAC 001195. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. 16 NPWS (2015) Conservation Objectives: Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC 001141. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

10  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Machairs in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Oligotrophic waters containing veryfew minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of European dry heaths in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Alpine and Boreal heaths in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To restore the favourable conservation condition of Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Otter in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Petalwort in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC  To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Slender Naiad in Gweedore Bay and Islands SAC

11

Assessment criteria Describe the individual elements of the Intertidal culture of oysters is carried out in bags on trestles project (either alone or in combination in the intertidal zone. Depending on the size of the stock with other plans or projects) likely to the numbers of oysters in each bag will vary with lower give rise to impacts on the Natura 2000 number in bags with larger oysters. Typically seed for the site. Pacific oyster is sourced form hatcheries in the UK or France but half-grown oysters, sourced from or within the EU (typically France) may also be used as stock.

Describe any likely direct, indirect or secondary impacts of the project (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) on the Natura 2000 site by virtue of: size and scale; There are no direct or indirect impacts from the culture operations on the adjacent SACs or SPA Distance from the Natura 2000 site or There is no spatial overlap between any of the aquaculture key features of the site: sites and the adjacent Natura 2000 sties.

Resource requirements (water Pacific oysters are filter feeders and they feed upon abstraction etc.): suspended particulate matter. They selectively ingest phytoplankton and other organic material (e.g. small zooplankton and bacteria) and dispose of inorganic and larger organic matter in pseudofeces, which is excreted into the water column. Typically the fecal and pseudofecal pellets will fall to the sea floor and may cause localised organic enrichment and/or sedimentation. The level of enrichment is a function of, inter alia, water depth current speed, density of culture, the quantity of suspended particulate matter in the water column, or a combination of these. The build-up of excess organic matter beyond the footprint of the sites is not considered likely. The bivalve shellfish production activities do not use any resources required by the qualifying features within the adjacent Natura 2000 sites.

Emissions (disposal to land, water or The intertidal shellfish production sites accessed via air): vehicle (tractors) along designated routes through the shore. As a consequence, noise and pollution e.g. as a result of a fuel spill, may present a risk to features of adjacent Natura sites with a specific marine element. The risks are not considered significant at current levels of activity. Impacts would be localised and minor.

12 Excavation requirements: There are no excavation or similar activities associated with the aquaculture activity Transportation requirements: Access routes to the aquaculture sites do not spatially overlap with any of the adjacent Natura 2000 sites. The produced aquaculture products are transported offsite by lorry using the existing national road network with no impact on the adjoining Natura 2000 sites. Duration of construction, operation, None decommissioning: Other:

Describe any likely changes to the site arising as a result of:

Reduction of habitat area: There is no reduction in habitat area within any of the Natura 2000 sites considered arising from the aquaculture production activities. Disturbance to key species: Given the separation distance of the production sites from the adjacent Natura 2000 sites and the absence of any clear “source –pathway – receptor” there will be no disturbance to key species within any Natura 2000 sites. There is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that aquaculture activities impact on the bird species listed as Special Conservation interests in the adjacent SPAs Habitat or species fragmentation: There is no habitat or species fragmentation within the Natura 2000 sites arising from the aquaculture production activities. Reduction in species density: There is no reduction in species density within the Natura 2000 sites arising from the aquaculture production activities. Changes in key indicators of There are no changes in key indicators of conservation conservation value (water quality): value within the Natura 2000 sites arising from the aquaculture production activities. Climate change: Given the nature and scale of the aquaculture production activities the contribution to climate change is considered insignificant.

13

Describe any likely impacts on the Natura 2000 site as a whole in term of;

Interference with the key relationships None of the activities associated with the shellfish and that define the structure of the site: seaweed production in Trawenagh Bay will interfere with the key relationships that define the structure of the adjacent Natura 2000 sites. Interference with the key relationships None of the activities associated with the shellfish and that define the function of the site seaweed production in Trawenagh Bay will interfere with the key relationships that define the function of the adjacent Natura 2000 sites. Provide indicators of significance as a result of the identification of effects set out above in terms of: Loss None identified

Fragmentation: None identified

Disruption: None identified

Disturbance: None identified

Change to key elements of the site None identified (e.g. water quality etc..):

Describe from the above those None identified elements of the project or plan, or combination of elements, where the above impacts are likely to be significant or where the scale or magnitude of impacts is not known.

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Finding of no significance effect report: Name of project or plan: Aquaculture activities in Trawenagh Bay, Co. Donegal

Name and location of Natura 2000 site See Figure 1 and Figure 2 below It would be helpful for a map or plan to be provided: Description of the project or plan Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) culture activity in Trawenagh Bay, Co. Donegal

Is the project or plan directly connected No. with or necessary to the management of the site (provide details)?

Are there other projects or plans that No. together with the project or plan being assessed could affect the site (provide details)?

Describe how the project or plan (alone The cultivation of oysters in Trawenagh Bay, is not likely or in combination) is likely to affect the to affect the features of the adjacent Natura 2000 sites. Natura 2000 site.

Explain why these effects are not There is no spatial overlap of the aquaculture activities considered significant. with any of the adjacent Natura sites. In addition, there would be no interference with key relationships that define the function of the sites. The shellfish culture activities will not result in habitat loss, there will not be significant disturbance to key species and there will be no habitat or species fragmentation within the adjacent Natura 2000 sites. There will be no direct discharge of pollutants into the environment during the culture operations and water quality will not be affected.

On the basis of the above it is considered that there will be no significant effects on the qualifying feature / interests’ of the adjacent Natura 2000 sites.

Consequently, it is concluded that the culture of shellfish, as it is currently constituted and proposed in Traweenagh Bay does not pose significant risk to the conservation features of the adjacent Natura 2000 sites and as such does not require a full appropriate assessment

Who carried out the assessment? Marine Institute, June 2020

15 Figure 1. Location of aquaculture sites in Trawenagh Bay

16 Figure 2. Location of aquaculture sites in Trawenagh Bay and adjacent Natura 2000 sites.

17