As the work at the Redcar offshore wind farm site is progressing, 17 of the 27 monopile foundations now installed, marine sciences company Gardline is making sure that the marine life is protected, writes Gazette Live.
Before each piling, the Gardline conducts a search for marine mammals around the site and if there are no mammals detected the piling begins.
“For at least half an hour before piling is due to start, the team undertakes visual watches for marine mammals. We also use a piece of equipment called a hydrophone to listen to vocalisations made by whales and dolphins.
“Once the area has been monitored for 30 minutes and marine mammals haven’t been detected, piling work can start.”
After completion of the wind farm, monitoring will continue for three more years, to ensure compliance with the planning consents.
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, May 01, 2012; Image: edf group