NatureScot Research Report 1096: Seaweed hand-harvesting - literature review of disturbance distances and vulnerabilities of marine and coastal birds

This comprehensive literature review provides quantitative disturbance distances (Alert Distances, Flight Initiation Distances, Minimum Approach Distances) and non-quantitative responses to a range of human disturbance activities at the coast which are analogous to seaweed hand-harvesting activities for 50 protected UK bird species which use the shoreline, intertidal area or nearshore waters.

This report provides an account for each species summarising: the reliance on seaweed for foraging/habitat requirements, the quality of the studies providing quantitative information, and the likely sensitivity of each species to seaweed hand-harvesting activities.

This literature review and the associated recommendations for further analysis will contribute to guidance and best practice for seaweed hand-harvesters which will ensure any potential impacts resulting from harvesting are considered and minimised as part of a sustainable harvesting approach.

This study has relevance not just for seaweed hand-harvesting assessments but could also be used for other assessments and consultations on developments within the intertidal zone.

Pages: 168
Published: 2019

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