Combined impacts consideration of the possible effects of other plans, – proposals or projects. Identification of impacts 5.2 The assessment of the impact by proposed developments on ecological functionality of coastal habitats, adjacent and otter populations must take into account: food species and feeding areas, including the movements and migrations of the food species; resting sites within the home range; breeding areas including natal holts, i.e. dens where cubs are born; corridors for movement and dispersal; access to fresh water. 5.3 Seals may potentially be affected by proposed developments that impinge upon: Breeding activity; Resting areas; Feeding behaviour. 5.4 Birds may potentially be affected by proposed developments that impinge upon: Feeding behaviours; Resting areas. 5.5 There is extensive literature studying the potential impact of human disturbance on bird populations. In a literature review, the BTO (2008) suggest six factors affect the response of water birds and waders to human activity Distance between birds and source and nature of activity; Species difference in their tolerance of activities; Predictability of disturbance is important; The greater the food supply the more likely the bird will resist disturbance; Larger flocks are more prone to disturbance; Distance from alternative sites. 5.6 Fitzpatrick and Bouchez (1998) showed oystercatcher, curlew and redshank had greater vigilance on higher rocky shores, but when disturbed, flight distance was low. They also suggested undisturbed birds were feeding slowly and prey capture rates of oystercatcher and curlew increased with moderately close human disturbance. 5.7 In addition to potential impacts on mammals and birds the proposed developments could impinge upon marine habitats by: Altering tidal water flow in the locality due to new breakwaters;
Combined impacts – consideration of the possible effects of other plans, proposals or projects. Identification of impacts 5.2 The assessment of the impact by proposed developments on ecological functionality of coastal habitats, adjacent and otter populations must take into account: food species and feeding areas, including the movements and migrations of the food species; resting sites within the home range; breeding areas including natal holts, i.e. dens where cubs are born; corridors for movement and dispersal; access to fresh water. 5.3 Seals may potentially be affected by proposed developments that impinge upon: Breeding activity; Resting areas; Feeding behaviour. 5.4 Birds may potentially be affected by proposed developments that impinge upon: Feeding behaviours; Resting areas. 5.5 There is extensive literature studying the potential impact of human disturbance on bird populations. In a literature review, the BTO (2008) suggest six factors affect the response of water birds and waders to human activity Distance between birds and source and nature of activity; Species difference in their tolerance of activities; Predictability of disturbance is important; The greater the food supply the more likely the bird will resist disturbance; Larger flocks are more prone to disturbance; Distance from alternative sites. 5.6 Fitzpatrick and Bouchez (1998) showed oystercatcher, curlew and redshank had greater vigilance on higher rocky shores, but when disturbed, flight distance was low. They also suggested undisturbed birds were feeding slowly and prey capture rates of oystercatcher and curlew increased with moderately close human disturbance. 5.7 In addition to potential impacts on mammals and birds the proposed developments could impinge upon marine habitats by: Altering tidal water flow in the locality due to new breakwaters;