Are wintering Red-throated Divers under energetic stress? Moving towards an understanding of the consequences of displacement

Governments across Europe agree that the large-scale construction of offshore windfarms (OWFs) is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions. They also agree that OWFs should not cause excessive impacts on ecosystems and natural populations. However, continued uncertainty about these impacts has stalled progress in OWF development, with birds being of particular concern.
The red-throated diver (RTD) is a migratory marine bird, arguably the most sensitive to disturbance by OWFs. Displacement is commonly observed, but we have almost no idea about the consequences of displacement to individuals and populations. This uncertainty is now causing a significant barrier to consenting of further OWFs.
Using biologging and individual-based modelling, our project will model the consequences for RTDs of displacement by OWFs. Our aim is to help industry as follows:
1. Using existing biologging data on behavior from Iceland and the UK, develop a broad-scale understanding of RTD foraging, movement and OWF interactions during winter.
2. By deployment of time-depth recorders, develop a fine-scale understanding of RTD foraging and diving behavior during the winter to assess whether they are under energetic stress.
3. Develop an individual-based model to integrate RTD behavior, energetics and body condition. Use the model to assess the consequences for RTDs of different kinds of OWF-induced effects.
4. Begin to understand the demographic consequences for RTDs of OWF-induced disturbance.
RTDs are among the least understood of marine birds and a workshop in 2017 convened by JNCC and the OWF industry identified an immediate need for our project so that OWFs in Europe can be allowed to develop.