Muir Mhòr team backs seabird conservation and marine research

Supporting seabird resilience

Muir Mhòr has contributed to the £1.6 million Seabird Resilience Fund, launched by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF). The fund brings together voluntary donations from offshore renewable energy developers to support practical conservation projects that address threats to seabirds, including climate change, invasive species and food scarcity. 

Initial funding will support biosecurity surveys on vulnerable island habitats, with further calls for conservation projects expected later this year. Scotland is home to around 60% of the world’s breeding population of Great Skua, as well as significant numbers of Northern Gannet and Manx Shearwater.

Adriaan de Gruijter, Deputy Project Director, Vattenfall, said: 

“Scotland’s seabirds are a vital part of our natural heritage and a key indicator of ocean health. Through our contribution to the Seabird Resilience Fund, we’re helping to ensure that clean energy development goes hand-in-hand with nature protection.”  

This initiative builds on Vattenfall’s broader commitment to understanding how seabirds interact with offshore wind farms, including the use of radar and camera technology to track flight paths and avoid collisions. 

Minke whale study adds marine insight

In addition to its seabird-focused work, the Muir Mhòr team has supported a new study into Minke whale activity in the North Sea. The research aims to better understand the behaviour of these marine mammals in areas near the proposed wind farm site. Insights from the study will help inform future environmental assessments and ensure that offshore developments are compatible with marine conservation goals.

Nature and clean energy working together 

The Muir Mhòr project is one of the world’s first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farms. With up to 1GW of power capacity, it will provide electricity for the equivalent of 1.2 million homes once operational, while contributing to Scotland’s ambition to be a global leader in floating offshore wind. 

By investing in nature alongside infrastructure, the Muir Mhòr team is helping to build a resilient future for Scotland’s coastal communities and wildlife. 

You can find out more about our joint venture here.