ML 27_14 Ballyhenry Bay, Strangford Lough

In the first three to four weeks, the tests will be conducted during day-light in order to refine and calibrate the marine mammal detection system. When the sonar system is fully calibrated, it is intended that tests will continue during hours of darkness.

The first test period will continue for approximately four weeks after having received permission to conduct night time tests. The testing regime proposed is considered to be Research & Development. Tests will be conducted to give the best possible input to the development of the larger commercial devices. It’s therefore anticipated that the tests will be interrupted during the test period for evaluation and improvements of the systems and functionality.

During the following year, further tests will be programmed and one scenario is that these will be conducted in periods of approximately six weeks in two month intervals.