confirms that these two sightings were in the vicinity of the Channel Islands, and not in close proximity to the East Anglia Zone.
206. Genetic evidence suggests a limited spatial separation of populations within the North Atlantic (Anderwald and Evans 2010). The International Whaling Commission (IWC) treats this as a single stock (Central and North eastern North Atlantic), with a population estimate (in 1996-2001) of 174,000 (Northridge 2012). The IAMMWG consider the population at the BI MU level to be 23,168 (CV 0.27, 95% CI 13,772 – 38,958, IAMMWG 2013).
207. The species is most commonly seen singly or, less commonly, in loose groups of up to three. In late summer, off the coast of northern and north west Britain, loose feeding aggregations of up to 15 animals may form (Anderwald and Evans 2010). In the northern hemisphere, mating is from October to March. Gestation is about 10 months, with calving occurring primarily between December and January (Seawatch Foundation 2008).
12.5.3.3.2Diet
208. Minke whale feed upon a variety of fish species, including herring, sandeel, cod, haddock and saithe, as well as on invertebrates (Anderwald and Evans 2010). Feeding during the summer months is often observed in areas of upwelling or strong currents around headlands and small islands.
12.5.3.3.3 Site specific surveys
209. Aerial surveys undertaken for the ZEA did not record any minke whale (East Anglia Offshore Wind 2012c). In addition, no minke whale, or large cetaceans (which had the potential to be minke whale) were recorded in the East Anglia THREE site plus buffer during the 24 months of aerial surveys (Appendix 12.2).
210. As a result, of the lack of sightings during the site specific surveys, and the lack of sightings in this area of the North Sea during the SCANS II survey this species will not be considered in the impact assessment. This approach has been taken in agreement with Natural England (Table 12.1).
12.5.4 Other cetacean species 12.5.4.1 Bottlenose dolphin 12.5.4.1.1Population structure
Preliminary Environmental Information May 2014
211. The bottlenose dolphin has a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical seas, both in nearshore and offshore waters, including the northwest Atlantic seaboard of Europe (Reid et al. 2003). In terms of occurrence, the closest high density area to East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm
Chapter 12 Marine Mammal Ecology Page 60
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