Wildlife observations, using methodologies developed by EMEC with input from SMRU, based on the methodology developed for the Fall of Warness tidal test site (Scapa Flow Methodology; Shapinsay Sound methodology), commenced at these sites in June 2010. In December 2012 the EMEC Monitoring Advisory Group agreed that while the wildlife observations at the scales sites had been useful for site characterisation, initial analysis of the data collected had indicated insufficient numbers to be able to detect change, and the findings in relation to scaled deployments would be of limited applicability wider afield. It was therefore agreed that the routine wildlife observations at the scale sites would cease in March 2013.