Seabird Monitoring undertaken during the Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS) 2022

Irish waters represent one of the most important marine habitats for seabirds in Europe, utilized by a wide range of seabird species. However, the at-sea abundance and distribution of many of the seabird species occurring in Irish waters remains poorly understood. Under the EU Birds Directive, there is a requirement on member states to conduct surveillance of seabirds occurring within their waters. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), through the Marine Institute, commissioned a seabird survey from the MRV Celtic Explorer during the annual Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS), running from 15th June- 22nd July 2022. A standard line transect survey methodology was employed by the seabird observer with additional visual point sampling at fishing locations and oceanographic sampling stations. Survey transects were undertaken at speeds of 5-10 knots, with fishing activity being conducted at speeds of 2-3 knots. A total of 2632 seabird observations were recorded throughout the survey, totalling 7478 individuals. In total, 1763 seabirds were recorded as “in transect”, while 5715 were recorded “off transect”. The species encountered included 21 species from seven families. A further 11 observations of terrestrial/migratory birds were also recorded, comprising of 31 individuals