Manx Wildlife Trust says the ecological risks of the proposed Mooir Vannin offshore wind farm have likely been understated.
It warns that current assessments do not show how the development would affect wildlife specifically in the Isle of Man.
The charity says several baseline studies, particularly on benthic habitats and marine mammals, are inadequate.
MWT has released an update to ensure Members and the wider public understand the representations it has made to the Examining Body, and to highlight the ecological issues it believes must be addressed before any decision is taken.
Contrary to the “uniquely Manx” approach originally proposed by the Applicant, ecological impacts have often only been assessed at a very broad scale, using international biogeographical regions. MWT says this dilutes local‑level impacts and that clear, Manx‑specific conclusions are required throughout.
Projected Losses of Birds
MWT highlights modelled annual bird mortality of 660 birds, including 466 auks. It says projected losses for Guillemot and Razorbill represent substantial proportions of Manx over‑wintering populations, with Razorbill estimates exceeding the entire known Manx population.
The Trust argues these impacts cannot be considered insignificant and should trigger mitigation under existing Manx policies.
The organisation also warns that the island lacks a robust ecological assessment framework tailored to Manx conditions, making the process reliant on UK‑based regulations that do not fully reflect local habitats.
MWT notes one change already secured, the removal of Port Skillion as a cable landfall option, but says major ecological issues remain unresolved.
It will continue engaging with the examination process and is inviting further public input.
No Alternative Assessment Offered
In a statement to Manx.News, Ørsted said: “Our environmental surveys and impact assessment methods follow internationally recognised standards and were developed through extensive consultation with Manx statutory (e.g DEFA) and Tertiary (e.g. Manx Wildlife Trust) stakeholders.
“They have also been scrutinised throughout the Examination. Manx Wildlife Trust has been engaged at all stages of project development and have had multiple opportunities to comment on both the scope of the surveys and the assessment methodology. No alternative assessment approach has been proposed by Manx Wildlife Trust or other stakeholders.
“During the Examination we have provided extensive clarification on what we mean by the term “uniquely Manx”. It means applying robust internationally recognised best-practice while reflecting the Island’s specific environmental conditions, which is exactly what we’ve done.
“We understand that the Examining Body is satisfied with those explanations, having no further questions in relation to the term. In relation to the potential effects upon features of ornithological interest, our assessment concluded there are no likely significant effects requiring mitigation and that conclusion has been supported by the evidence presented throughout the Examination.”
