Ornithology Monitoring Carlingford

Tender description

1. This programme will focus on systematic monitoring of Light-bellied brent Geese distribution in Carlingford Lough SPA. 2. It is recommended that the programme should monitor numbers and spatial distribution of Light bellied brent geese in Carlingford Lough SPA. As part of this the use of trestles (i.e., structures used in aquaculture production) for foraging should be investigated; looking at frequency of use; numbers feeding; timing during the tidal cycle and seasonality. The objective would be to provide a quantitative understanding of the degree that trestles provide foraging opportunities for Light-bellied brent geese and to what degree this can compensate for habitat loss. 3. In addition, incidents of disturbance should also be recorded. This should consider issues such as response to tractors using the access lanes and response to workers. When workers are on site how close do brent geese forage to trestles. This would help to inform the decision on new applications and the degree to which infilling and extension towards the shore might negatively impact upon geese. 4. Monitoring should also consider patterns of use of eelgrass within the lough. There is an ongoing programme of colour ringing Light-bellied brent geese which would allow for the identification of individual birds. This can also assist with looking for patterns of turnover of individuals early in the season, which will in turn give a greater understanding of the numbers of birds using Carlingford Lough during autumn migration; over-winter and during spring migration. 5. Monitoring to encompass one ‘winter’ seasons 2019/2020 with final reporting due in May 2020. 6. The report should present a summary of site-use by the shorebird species while also providing a commentary on the likely interactions with aquaculture activities and any other prominent features on the shore, specifically as it relates to species distribution within the site