irrespective of political limits. As a result, it is considered that a specific assessment of trans-boundary effects is unnecessary.
11.5 Existing Environment
11.5.1 Data Sources, Limitations and Gaps 32.
In addition to site specific fish and shellfish characterisation surveys, characterisation of the existing environment (e.g. the fish and shellfish ecological baseline) has been undertaken using data sources listed under section 11.4.2. These data sources are subject to certain sensitivities and limitations, which are described in more detail in Appendix 11.2.
11.5.2 Fish and Shellfish distribution in the Southern North Sea (ICES Area IVc) 33. An overview of fish and shellfish distribution in ICES Area IV (including areas IVa, IVb, IVc) is provided in Appendix 11.2. Within this chapter, fish and shellfish species are described in the relevant sections in terms of their commercial importance, location of spawning and nursery grounds, and conservation importance. With respect to species of conservation importance, information is provided on the conservation status of a given species, including diadromous and elasmobranch species, as well as those that play fundamental roles in North Sea food webs.
11.5.3 Site Specific Surveys 34.
In order to inform the EIA, site specific fish and shellfish characterisation surveys were conducted in February and May 2013. In both surveys, fish and shellfish assemblages were sampled using a commercial demersal otter trawl and four metre commercial beam trawl gear. Survey methodology and results are described in detail within Appendix 11.2.
35. As part of the benthic ecology work package, epi-benthic communities were characterised using a two metre scientific beam trawl at nine stations along the offshore cable corridor and within the East Anglia THREE site; a description of the survey methodology and results is provided in Appendix 10.4, results are summarised in Table 11.10, section 11.5.3.3.
11.5.3.1 Otter Trawl Sampling 36. A total of eighteen species were caught by the demersal otter trawl sampling. Species richness was higher within samples from the East Anglia THREE windfarm site (18 species) compared to controls (eight species). The highest catch rates (Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measured as no. individuals per hour) were recorded for dab Limanda limanda followed by plaice Pleuronectes platessa and whiting Merlangius
Preliminary Environmental Information May 2014
East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm
Chapter 11 Fish and Shellfish Page 25
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