Habitat Use and Selection of Black Scoters in Southern New England and Siting of Offshore Wind Energy Facilities

Lead/Team: P. Loring, P. Paton, J. Osenkowski, S. Gilliland, J.P. Savard, S. McWilliams

This regional black scoter study used satellite telemetry and spatial modeling techniques over 2 winters to estimate migratory timing and length of stay, quantify winter home range size and site fidelity between winters, examine key habitat characteristics associated with core-use areas, and map relative probabilities of use across a 3,800-km marine spatial planning area for 2 proposed offshore renewable energy facilities.

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