Assessment of bird-human interactions at offshore installations

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We will study patterns of attraction and repulsion of birds from an offshore gas platform off Sable Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Birds are known to be attracted to offshore structures, and environmental regulations require companies to assess these patterns of attraction. Human observations are ideal for many situations, but fail during periods of fog, light rain and at night. Within this project we aim to combine radar, VHF, GPS and satellite tags, to study the patterns of movements of birds between Sable Island, colonies along the shore of Nova Scotia. Specifically, we are interested in the patterns of movement of birds in and around the multiple offshore gas platforms in the vicinity of Sable Island. The research will: a) improve our understanding of bird-platform interactions; b) improve our ability to acquire data using automated sensors (VHF and radar) and c) provide new means to supplement data required by companies for environmental assessments. Scientifically, the data will add considerably to our knowledge of the patterns of movements of seabirds in Atlantic nearshore waters.