The contractor behind the ongoing restoration of Blackhead Path in County Antrim has called on the expertise of Marine Mammal Observers (MMO).

The environmental specialists have been deployed for the latest phase of work to ensure marine animals can move away from the coastline with ease.

Contractor FP McCann will utilise a 'soft start' approach during the rock armour revetment works. MMOs will be in attendance at the start of each working day.

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The role of the MMO is to detect mammals in the vicinity of the coastline and advise a delay in the commencement of activity should any marine mammals be observed.

Once the MMO is in position the 'soft start' approach with machinery is followed meaning they are not fully revved up for the first 30 minutes to allow marine animals to disperse.

If the MMO does not observe any marine mammals after 30 minutes, the machinery can be fully revved and work commenced.

If the MMO does however observe a Marine animal, the observation period is increased for a further 20 minutes.

The restoration of Blackhead Path will continue through the winter months with completion scheduled for Spring 2020.

(CM/MH)