Accessing Management Measures that support Deployment of Wave and Tidal Devices
As the MRE industry moves beyond deployment of individual wave and tidal devices towards arrays, there continue to be onerous monitoring requirements placed on device developers. Certain risks of MRE devices on the marine environment are not sufficiently well resolved to allow smooth transitions towards a commercial industry. As an example, the potential collision of marine animals with single tidal turbines continues to create concern for stakeholders and regulators in many jurisdictions.
In consultation with the research and regulatory communities, it was determined that having a set of robust management measures might act as safeguards for marine animals and habitats until such time as definitive monitoring data become available to determine the level of risk from turbines and WECs. At that point, mitigation measures could be dialed back or removed, if warranted.
With the input of the researchers, regulators, and developers at a workshop held May 9th 2017 in Glasgow UK, the following criteria were used to develop the management measures tool shown here:
- Ensure common understanding of parameters that describe management measures proposed for collision risk, EMF, noise, and benthic disturbance;
- Evaluate each measure for effectiveness in addressing the risk for which it is intended;
- Determine the feasibility and practicality of each measure;
- Facilitate the development of a toolbox of management measures that can be made broadly available, as they are needed; and
- Consider the use of the tool to guide initial discussions between project proponents and regulators.
The tool can be explored using the following steps:
Management Measures Tool for Marine Renewable Energy
| Technology | Project Phase | Stressor | Receptor | Management Measure | Advantages | Challenges | Project Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Migratory fish |
Design feature
Use of 3-phase cables instead of DC cables. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects |
Potential commercial and technical feasibility issues - the cables used will largely depend upon the project requirements. Some uncertainty as to the efficacy of this measure. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Underwater noise
The potential effects from underwater noise generated by wave and tidal energy converters. |
Fish
|
Monitoring
Measure noise generated by device(s) during operation to better understand the potential effects on sensitive species. |
Measured noise levels can be correlated with threshold values of relevant species and baseline noise levels of the site to determine impact and need for adaptive management measures. |
Can be complex and costly to undertake this type of monitoring in high energy environments. Data and analysis have requirement for acoustic experts. |
SAE Renewables 2011, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2019, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Habitat
Benthic invertebrates |
Design feature
Bundle cables together to reduce field vectors. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. |
Less redundancy in system. Potential commercial and technical feasibility issues. |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation, Monitoring, Design feature
Install a 'detect and shut-down' system using active sonar and other appropriate monitoring equipment (e.g., Marine Mammal Detections Sonar System [MMDS]). |
Could reduce/remove risk of collision with moving blades and enable a route through the consenting process, particulalrly at high sensitivity locations. |
Could affect power production, is expensive to implement, and does not help reduce scientific uncertainty regarding the risk. Uncertainty around effects of sonar on sensitive species. Not certain how often ‘shut-downs’ would be required. ...Read moreCould affect power production, is expensive to implement, and does not help reduce scientific uncertainty regarding the risk. Uncertainty around effects of sonar on sensitive species. Not certain how often ‘shut-downs’ would be required. Detection systems are currently insufficient to detect animals (in particular at array scale). Reductions in power production, although small, would bring about uncertainty in the investment process. Read less |
Harrison et al. 2015, Orbital Marine Power 2010, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Keenan et al. 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, Xodus Group 2019, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Minesto 2016, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Churchill Barriers - Wave Overtopping and Tidal Flow Energy Capture, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Minesto Holyhead Deep - Non-grid connected DG500, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in lost fishing gear or other equipment trapped on infrastructure. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
Mitigation
Fisheries management: Agreement with fishermen not to fish near to the device, warning of the dangers of losing equipment. |
Reduces potential for entanglement of fishing gear in mooring lines and thus potential for entanglement of marine animals. |
Xodus Group 2019, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site | |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
The potential wider or secondary effects on protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed due to removal or alteration of energy flow arising from devices and moorings or support structures. |
Reptiles
|
Monitoring
Installation of ADCPs and turbulence sensors to better understand the baseline tidal flow conditions and hence the change in tidal flow due to presence of the device(s). |
Reduce scientific uncertainty. |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Reduced visibility from altered water clarity associated with sediment mixing that can impact prey detection and obstruction avoidance. |
Benthic
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
Foubister 2005, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWDRA) 2006, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Wave Hub, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Mocean Wave Energy Converter: Blue Horizon | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates |
Design feature
Bury cables where possible and viable. |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), PacWave South Test Site | ||
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
Modifications to prey distribution and abundance (to include for other receptors) resulting in changes to foraging behavior. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Design feature
Site selection. |
Minimizes significance of interaction. |
Argyll Tidal Limited 2013, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Argyll Tidal Demonstrator Project, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Birds
|
Mitigation
Establish and implement a Biofouling Management Plan. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer of non-native species. |
Lack of industry specific guidance. |
European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Fish
|
Mitigation
Minimise turbine standstill periods. |
|||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Monitoring
Fishing debris detected during routine inspections of mooring lines and cables will be removed. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement. Low cost measure, implemented as part of standard O&M procedures. Regular monitoring will benefit system performance in addition to addressing environmental risks (e.g., early detection of damage or failures in the system). |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in sediment dynamics
The potential wider or secondary effects (siltation changes or smothering) on protected or sensitive littoral habitat due to devices and associated moorings, support structures, or landfall cables. |
Habitat
Benthic species |
Design feature
Micrositing of landfall cables and infrastructure to minimise the impact on sensitive habitats and species. Best practice techniques for cable installation, burial and protection. |
Orbital Marine Power 2014, Craig 2008, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, DP Energy Ltd. 2013, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWDRA) 2006, SSE Renewables 2011, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, DP Energy Ltd. 2017, Laminaria 2018, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, OpenHydro Alderney, Brims Tidal Array, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, Wave Hub, Westray South Tidal Project, Fair Head Tidal Array, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL) | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Habitat Loss
Direct loss of protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed communities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings or support structures on the seabed. |
Habitat
Benthic invertebrates, demersal fish |
Design feature
Site selection to avoid sensitive or protected sub-littoral seabed communities. |
Could reduce/remove effects on sensitive habitats. |
ScottishPower Renewables 2012, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array, Brims Tidal Array | |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Marine Mammals
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Design proportion of swept area to structure area to minimise collision risk. |
Could reduce the likelihood/consequence of potential collision events. |
Can be a high cost associated with this. Can present financial, logistical, or design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device. |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Marine Mammals
|
Compliance
Compliance with all relevant guidance (including IMO guidelines) regarding ballast water management and transfer of non-native species. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer and settlement of non-native species. |
McPherson 2015, MeyGen 2012, Davison and Mallows 2005, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Nova Innovation - Shetland Tidal Array, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, PacWave South Test Site | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Reptiles
Sea turtles |
Design feature
Maintain taut mooring lines. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement. Regular inspections can provide operational insight into condition and track events. |
Mooring design driven by technical and commercial consideration. Regular ROV/dive or drop-down camera inspections required. |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Wello Penguin at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Benthic
|
Mitigation
Where rock placement is used, ensure clean rock is used. |
Reduces/removes risk of contamination/pollution from materials. |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Benthic
|
Compliance
Adhere to appropriate measures when jettisoning ballast water. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer of non-native species. |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Birds
|
Mitigation
Where rock placement is used, ensure clean rock is used. |
Reduces/removes risk of contamination/pollution from materials. |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Birds
Birds on water |
Mitigation
Vessel speed limitation to and from site. |
Reduces potential effects. Relatively low-cost measure. |
SAE Renewables 2011, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, Brims Tidal Array | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Fish
|
Mitigation
Timing of installation and decommissioning & marine operations to avoid times of particular sensitivity (e.g. breeding). |
Minimizes risk of development causing displacement by avoiding works during sensitive times. |
Can be disruptive and hence costly to developer. |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Aquatera Ltd 2011, Foubister 2005, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, SSE Renewables 2011, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, McGrath 2013, Orbital Marine Power 2014, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, THETIS Energy 2009, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Brims Tidal Array, Wello Penguin at EMEC, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Westray South Tidal Project, Fair Head Tidal Array, Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Torr Head Project, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Habitat Loss
Direct loss of protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed communities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings or support structures on the seabed. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Mitigation
Use of locally sourced materials, for cable protection, of the same type as the habitat to be disturbed by cable installation. |
Minimizes habitat loss as lost seabed is replaced with same material. |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation | Contamination
Accidental release of contaminants during installation including diesel fuel, oil hydraulic fluids, etc. |
Habitat
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce risk of accidental release of contaminants. |
Reduces risk of contamination/pollution escaping from structure. |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Reduced visibility impacting prey detection and obstruction avoidance. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
Foubister 2005, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Marine Mammals
|
Design feature
Site selection (taking into account cumulative impact of other developments). |
Minimizes risk of development causing displacement by avoiding migratory routes or other important sites. |
ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Vessel speed limitation to and from site. |
Reduces potential effects and is a relatively low cost measure. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, SAE Renewables 2011, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Reptiles
|
Mitigation, Compliance
Adhere to appropriate measures when jettisoning ballast water. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer of non-native species. |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates |
Design feature
Use of 3-phase cables instead of DC cables. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. |
Potential commercial and technical feasibility issues. Uncertainty around the need for and efficacy of this measure. |
Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, Ramsey Sound |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Barrier to movement
Potential barrier to movement due to the physical presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures, cables and electrical equipment. |
Birds
|
Mitigation
Adherence to vessel management plan. |
Minimizes the potential interaction between animals and construction or maintenance vessels. |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Aquatera 2017, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, Brims Tidal Array, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Design feature
Cable design with maximum bend radius. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement |
Mooring design driven by technical and commercial consideration. |
Foubister 2005, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
The potential wider or secondary effects on protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed due to removal or alteration of energy flow arising from devices and moorings or support structures. |
Fish
|
Design feature
Design structures to minimise effect on turbulence structure. |
Minimizes change in turbulence structure and hence potential interaction. |
Can present financial, logistical, or design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device/moorings. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Ramsey Sound |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Elasmobranchs |
Design feature
Use of 3-phase cables instead of DC cables. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. |
Potential commercial and technical feasibility issues. Some uncertainty as to the efficacy of this measure. |
Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, Ramsey Sound |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Underwater noise
The potential effects from underwater noise generated during installation/ construction (excluding piling). |
Fish
|
Mitigation
Limit vessel speed. |
Reduces potential effects. Relatively low-cost measure. |
SAE Renewables 2011, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Habitat
Benthic invertebrates |
Design feature
Bury or HDD cables where possible and viable. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. Reduces 'snagging risk' for vessels. |
May have an impact on surrounding benthic habitats and sensitive species. Uncertainty around the need for and efficacy of this measure. Can be very challenging or impossible at sites where seabed tends to be rocky. Additional expense to the project. ...Read moreMay have an impact on surrounding benthic habitats and sensitive species. Uncertainty around the need for and efficacy of this measure. Can be very challenging or impossible at sites where seabed tends to be rocky. Additional expense to the project. Reduced possibility for decommissioning. Read less |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL), PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Collision risk
The potential effects from airborne noise from support vessel activity. |
Marine Mammals
Seals |
Mitigation
Adherence to Scotish Marine Wildlife Watching Code (SMWWC). |
European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Xodus Group 2019, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, SSE Renewables 2011, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Aquatera 2017, Laminaria 2018, Orbital Marine Power 2018, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, Westray South Tidal Project, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC, Mocean Wave Energy Converter: Blue Horizon | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
Design feature
Minimise the number of mooring lines. |
Reduce risk of entanglement. |
Could be a costly measure for technology developers. |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
The potential wider or secondary effects on protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed due to removal or alteration of energy flow arising from devices and moorings or support structures. |
Reptiles
|
Design feature
Design structures to minimise effect on turbulence structure. |
Minimizeschange in turbulence structure and hence potential interaction. |
Can present financial, logistical, or design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device/moorings |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen) |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Sediment disturbance disrupting water clarity that results in smothering of fish spawning grounds. |
Benthic
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
ScottishPower Renewables 2010, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWDRA) 2006, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Wave Hub, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entrapment
Potential risk of entrapment within device chambers and mooring arrays. |
Benthic
|
Mitigation
Regular ROV/drop down camera surveys to establish occurrence of entrapment |
Early detection of entrapment. |
Additional cost. |
Foubister 2005, Orbital Marine Power 2010, Orbital Marine Power SR250 at EMEC |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Monitoring
Environmental monitoring to detect collision events. |
Understand avoidance behavior, nature of interactions, and outcome of collision events. |
Can be a high cost associated with measure. Unclear how much monitoring will be required to fully understand this risk. Technology is not advanced enough yet to do this efficiently. Data mortgage (data generated more quickly than it can be analysed). ...Read moreCan be a high cost associated with measure. Unclear how much monitoring will be required to fully understand this risk. Technology is not advanced enough yet to do this efficiently. Data mortgage (data generated more quickly than it can be analysed). Power supply availability - hard-wired vs. battery; power is required for monitoring and power availability can present logistical, financial, and technical challenges. Interaction between equipment - e.g., multibeam sonar/ADCP/echosounder; can be interaction between monitoring equipment which can present challenges in monitoring. Certain equipment used such as PAM may actually effect behaviour themselves. Read less |
SAE Renewables 2011, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Orbital Marine Power 2014, Minesto 2016, SSE Renewables 2011, Xodus Group 2012, McGrath 2013, GlaxoSmithKlineMontrose 2012, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Minesto Holyhead Deep - Non-grid connected DG500, Westray South Tidal Project, Costa Head Wave Farm, Fair Head Tidal Array, GSK Montrose Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Birds
|
Mitigation, Compliance
Adhere to appropriate measures when jettisoning ballast water. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer of non-native species. |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) | |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Reduce maximum blade tip speed. |
Could reduce the likelihood/consequence of potential collision events. |
Potential impacts on power production. Control mechanism of turbine blade speed unclear. May cause increased fatigue. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in lost fishing gear or other equipment trapped on infrastructure. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Monitoring
Ensure standard notifications of loss of fishing gear in region notified to operators. Reporting of entanglement events. |
Good practice for emergency preparedness. |
Chances of lost fishing gear being reported is reportedly low. |
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
The potential wider or secondary effects (siltation changes or smothering) on protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed due to scour or siltation around devices and associated moorings, support structures, and export cables. |
Habitat
Benthic species |
Design feature
Minimise the amount of structure on the seabed. |
Minimizes the changes in sediment dynamics due to presence of structure on the seabed. |
Can present financial, logistical, or design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device/moorings |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Brims Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Habitat
|
Compliance
Compliance with all relevant guidance (including IMO guidelines) regarding ballast water management and transfer of non-native species. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer and settlement of non-native species. |
McPherson 2015, MeyGen 2012, Xodus Group 2019, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWDRA) 2006, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Nova Innovation - Shetland Tidal Array, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Wave Hub, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, PacWave South Test Site, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC | |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Minimise turbine standstill periods. |
|||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Marine Mammals
|
Monitoring
Monitoring and reporting of MNNS. |
Reduces/removes risk of transfer of non-native species. |
Orbital Marine Power 2018, Aquatera 2017, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Reptiles
Sea turtles |
Monitoring
Fishing debris detected during routine inspections of mooring lines and cables will be removed. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement. Low cost measure, implemented as part of standard O&M procedures. Regular monitoring will benefit system performance in addition to addressing environmental risks (e.g., early detection of damage or failures in the system). |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Benthic
|
Compliance
Management: Establish and implement a Contamination Control Plan/Ship Oil Contamination Emergency Plans (SOPEPs). Compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) codes for the prevention of contamination. |
Reduces risk of any contamination/pollution event and ensures that contingency plans are in place. Demonstrates compliance with environmental management systems. |
Low 2012, Foubister 2005, GlaxoSmithKlineMontrose 2012, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, RSK Group 2012, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, GSK Montrose Tidal Array, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, West Orkney South Wave Energy Site, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Oyster 800 at EMEC | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Benthic
|
Mitigation
Source vessels locally. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer and settlement of non-native species. |
MeyGen 2012, McPherson 2015, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , Nova Innovation - Shetland Tidal Array, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Mocean Wave Energy Converter: Blue Horizon | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Birds
|
Mitigation, Compliance
Management: Establish and implement a Contamination Control Plan/Ship Oil Contamination Emergency Plans (SOPEPs). Compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) codes for the prevention of contamination. |
Reduces risk of any contamination/pollution event and ensures that contingency plans are in place. Demonstrates compliance with environmental management systems. |
Low 2012, MeyGen 2012, Orbital Marine Power 2010, GlaxoSmithKlineMontrose 2012, Foubister 2005, Davison and Mallows 2005, Xodus Group 2019, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Magallanes Renovables 2020, McGrath 2013, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, THETIS Energy 2009, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC, GSK Montrose Tidal Array, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Fair Head Tidal Array, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Torr Head Project | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation | Barrier to movement
Potential barrier to movement due to the physical presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures, cables and electrical equipment. |
Fish
|
Design feature
Site selection to avoid sensitive routes/areas. |
Minimizes risk of development acting as a barrier to movement by avoiding migratory routes or other important sites. |
ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Fish
|
Design feature
Array/ mooring configuration designed to avoid migratory routes or other important sites. |
Minimizes risk of development creating displacement by avoiding migratory routes or other important sites. |
May be inconsistent with optimal layout of the development for exploitation of the energy source. Can be a costly measure when scaling up to larger arrays. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen) |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Habitat Loss
Direct loss of protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed communities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings or support structures on the seabed. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Site selection to avoid sensitive or protected sub-littoral seabed communities. |
Could reduce/remove effects on sensitive habitats. |
ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for oil spill incident resulting from the influence of unfavourable weather conditions. |
Habitat
|
Mitigation
Vessel activities to occur in suitable weather conditions. |
Reduces the chance for oil spill to the environment. |
MeyGen 2012, The Marine Institute 2016, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , Galway Bay Test Site, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Sediment disturbance disrupting water clarity that results in smothering of fish spawning grounds. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
Craig 2008, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, OpenHydro Alderney, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Timing of installation and decommissioning & marine operations to avoid times of particular sensitivity (e.g., breeding). |
Minimizes risk of development causing displacement by avoiding works during sensitive times. |
Can be disruptive and hence costly to developer. |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Aquatera Ltd 2011, Foubister 2005, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, SSE Renewables 2011, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, McGrath 2013, Orbital Marine Power 2014, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, THETIS Energy 2009, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Brims Tidal Array, Wello Penguin at EMEC, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Westray South Tidal Project, Fair Head Tidal Array, Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Torr Head Project, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Marine Mammals
seals |
Mitigation
Employ an MMO during periods when noisy operations are likely to cause disturbance (e.g., all operations using a DP vessel). |
SAE Renewables 2011, Orbital Marine Power 2010, Minesto 2016, Foubister 2005, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Xodus Group 2019, Magallanes Renovables 2020, MeyGen 2012, DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, THETIS Energy 2009, Davison and Mallows 2005, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC, Minesto Holyhead Deep - Non-grid connected DG500, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Torr Head Project, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen) | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Reptiles
|
Mitigation
Source vessels locally. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer and settlement of non-native species. |
Mocean Wave Energy Converter: Blue Horizon | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates |
Design feature
Limit cable voltage. |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Reduced visibility impacting prey detection and obstruction avoidance. |
Birds
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
Foubister 2005, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Monitoring
Install tension sensors on mooring lines. |
Informs of problem with mooring lines allowing rectification. Cost per unit. |
Additional cost and control system integration requirement. Load from entangled animal is likely to be smaller than the device loading on the moorings. Uncertainty of the efficacy of this measure. |
Laminaria 2018, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
Modifications to prey distribution and abundance (to include for other receptors) resulting in changes to foraging behaviour. |
Fish
|
Design feature
Design structures to minimise effect on turbulence structure. |
Minimizes change in turbulence structure and hence potential interaction. |
Can present financial, logistical, or design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device/moorings. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Ramsey Sound |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Migratory fish |
Design feature
Bundle cables together to reduce field vectors. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. |
Less redundancy in system. Potential commercial and technical feasibility issues. Greater costs associated with not laying direct cable paths. |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Underwater noise
The potential effects from airborne noise from support vessel activity. |
Fish
|
Mitigation
Adherence to Scotish Marine Wildlife Watching Code (SMWWC). |
European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Xodus Group 2019, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, Aquatera 2017, Laminaria 2018, Orbital Marine Power 2018, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC, Mocean Wave Energy Converter: Blue Horizon | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Habitat Creation
The introduction of infrastructure and artificial substrates will provide habitat and artificial refuges. |
Habitat
|
Monitoring
Monitor near-field behaviours. |
Reduces scientific uncertainty around collision risk, displacement, and other impacts. Increased value/fecundity of commercially important species. |
Can be expensive and difficult to deliver in practice. May require additional licensing (e.g., echosounders). |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Install propeller guards. |
McGrath 2013, Fair Head Tidal Array | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
Mitigation
Install strain gauges on the device |
Alerts the opertaor in the event of an entanglement event. |
Magallanes Renovables 2020, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC | |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
The potential wider or secondary effects on protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed due to removal or alteration of energy flow arising from devices and moorings or support structures. |
Reptiles
|
Monitoring
Modelling to predict the interaction between changes in tidal flow, flux, and turbulence structure and animals. |
Reduces scientific uncertainty so appropriate management measures can be employed |
Limited management measures available to minimise interaction despite modelling to fully predict interaction |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
The potential wider or secondary effects (siltation changes or smothering) on protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed due to scour or siltation around devices and associated moorings, support structures, and export cables. |
Benthic
|
Design feature
Minimize the amount of structure on the seabed. |
Minimises the changes in sediment dynamics due to presence of structure on the seabed. |
Can present financial/ logistical/ design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device/moorings. |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Brims Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Habitat Creation
The introduction of infrastructure and artificial substrates may generate additional habitat diversity. |
Benthic
Benthic species |
Monitoring
Structure colonization and biofouling surveys. |
Informs understanding of potential for increased prey availability and ecological diversity. |
Cost associated with monitoring. |
Magallanes Renovables 2020, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Monitoring
Environmental monitoring to better understand near-field behaviour and avoidance. |
Telp reduce scientific uncertainty. |
Can be a high cost associated with this. Unclear how much monitoring will be required to fully understand this risk. Technology is not advanced enough yet to do this efficiently. Data mortgage (data generated more quickly than it can be analysed). ...Read moreCan be a high cost associated with this. Unclear how much monitoring will be required to fully understand this risk. Technology is not advanced enough yet to do this efficiently. Data mortgage (data generated more quickly than it can be analysed). Power supply availability - hard-wired vs. battery; power is required for monitoring and power availability can present logistical, financial, and technical challenges. Interaction between equipment - e.g., multibeam sonar/ADCP/echosounder; there can be interaction between monitoring equipment which can present challenges in monitoring. Certain equipment used such as PAM may actually effect behaviour themselves. Read less |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Minesto 2016, SSE Renewables 2011, Xodus Group 2012, GlaxoSmithKlineMontrose 2012, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Brims Tidal Array, Minesto Holyhead Deep - Non-grid connected DG500, Westray South Tidal Project, Costa Head Wave Farm, GSK Montrose Tidal Array, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Birds
|
Mitigation
Source vessels locally. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer and settlement of non-native species. |
McPherson 2015, Nova Innovation - Shetland Tidal Array, Mocean Wave Energy Converter: Blue Horizon | |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Design proportion of swept area to structure area to minimise collision risk. |
Could reduce the likelihood/consequence of potential collision events. |
Can be a high cost associated with this. Can present financial, logistical, or design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Design feature, Monitoring
Routine inspections of mooring lines. Implement features into existing control systems to detect entanglement events. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement. Likely to be required as part of the technical monitoring of the device and therefore not an additional cost |
Could be a costly measure for technology developers if not required as part of technical monitoring of device. |
Argyll Tidal Limited 2013, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Xodus Group 2019, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Argyll Tidal Demonstrator Project, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, PacWave South Test Site |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
The potential wider or secondary effects (siltation changes or smothering) on protected or sensitive littoral habitat due to changes in tidal flow around devices and associated moorings, support structures, or landfall cables. |
Habitat
Benthic invertebrates |
Monitoring
Pre and post installation monitoring of sensitive benthic communities, based on visual surveys. |
Reduce scientific uncertainty. |
Interpretation of data for statistical purposes may not have power to detect change generated by impact. May require correlation with detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics studies and physical flow measurements. |
Orbital Marine Power 2014, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, The Marine Institute 2016, Orbital Marine Power 2018, EMEC Shapinsay Sound Scale Tidal Test Site, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array, Galway Bay Test Site, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Habitat
|
Mitigation
Establish and implement a Biofouling Management Plan. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer of non-native species. |
Lack of industry specific guidance. |
European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Xodus Group 2019, Orbital Marine Power 2018, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Marine Mammals
|
Design feature
Physical Containment systems including bulk heads, closed circuit systems, pressure relief systems. |
Reduces risk of contamination/pollution escaping from structure. |
Foubister 2005, MeyGen 2012, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, THETIS Energy 2009, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, Torr Head Project | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Underwater noise
The potential effects from underwater noise generated during installation/construction (excluding piling). |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Avoid/limit 'noisy works' within close proximity to sensitive sites (e.g., known seal haul outs during sensitive periods, defining appropriate clearance distances where necessary). |
Could reduce potential effects on sensitive species during sensitive periods. |
Could increase project construction timescales (e.g., if continuous drilling time is restricted or specific periods need to be avoided). |
Orbital Marine Power 2014, Xodus AURORA 2010, Aquatera Ltd 2011, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Davison and Mallows 2005, Xodus Group 2019, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, McGrath 2013, Aquatera 2017, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, DP Energy Ltd. 2017, HS1000 at EMEC, Wello Penguin at EMEC, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Fair Head Tidal Array, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Fair Head Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in lost fishing gear or other equipment trapped on infrastructure. |
Reptiles
Sea turtles |
Monitoring
Ensure standard notifications of loss of fishing gear in region notified to operators. Reporting of entanglement events. |
Good practice for emergency preparedness. |
Chances of lost fishing gear being reported is reportedly low. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for oil spill incident resulting from the influence of unfavourable weather conditions. |
Benthic
|
Mitigation
Vessel activities to occur in suitable weather conditions. |
Reduces the chance of oil spill to the environment. |
MeyGen 2012, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , Oyster 800 at EMEC, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Benthic
|
Compliance
Compliance with all relevant guidance (including IMO guidelines) regarding ballast water management and transfer of non-native species. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer and settlement of non-native species. |
MeyGen 2012, McPherson 2015, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Xodus Group 2019, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, SSE Renewables 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project , Nova Innovation - Shetland Tidal Array, Brims Tidal Array, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Westray South Tidal Project, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL), PacWave South Test Site | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Contamination
Potential for oil/hydraulic spill incident resulting from the maintenance activities. |
Fish
|
Mitigation
All maintenance activities involving oil/hydraulic fluid treatments will be carried out on-shore. |
Reduces the chance for oil spill to the environment. |
Foubister 2005, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation | Barrier to movement
Potential barrier to movement due to the physical presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures, cables and electrical equipment. |
Fish
|
Design feature
Array/mooring configuration designed to avoid migratory routes or other important sites |
Minimizes risk of development acting as a barrier to movement by avoiding migratory routes or other important sites. |
May be inconsistent with optimal layout of the development for exploitation of the energy source. Can be a costly measure when scaling up to larger arrays. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen) |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Migratory fish, elasmobranchs |
Design feature
Install cable protection, armor, rock placement, or other cable protection. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. Reduces 'snagging risk' for vessels. Creation of artificial habitat. |
May have an impact on surrounding benthic habitats and sensitive species Creation of artificial habitat may cause aggregation effect causing greater impact of EMF. Increased cost to project. Reduced possibilities for decommissioning in future. |
Orbital Marine Power 2014, Foubister 2005, McGrath 2013, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Fair Head Tidal Array, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Lighting
Potential for lighting to adversely affect nocturnal and migratory species. |
Fish
|
Design feature
Consider type, colour and use of lighting during design and consultation with navigational stakeholders. |
Could redcue impacts on sensitive species if they are known to use or migrate near to the project site. |
Navigational saftey need to be considered at all times and may take precedent over ecological needs. |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL) |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Contamination
Potential for oil/hydraulic spill incident resulting from the maintenance activities. |
Habitat
|
Mitigation
All maintenance activities involving oil/hydraulic fluid treatments will be carried out on-shore. |
Reduces the chance for oil spill to the environment. |
Foubister 2005, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site | |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
Modifications to prey distribution and abundance (to include for other receptors) resulting in changes to foraging behaviour. |
Marine Mammals
|
Monitoring
Observational surveys (including remote sensing) of bird and marine mammals (prey availability linked to benthic community). |
Reduces scientific uncertainty. |
Statistical power of studies can be low. Can be difficult to distinguish between natural variation and direct effects of energy removal from the system. Monitoring may be expensive. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, GlaxoSmithKlineMontrose 2012, Orbital Marine Power 2014, Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, Xodus AURORA 2010, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, McGrath 2013, Xodus Group 2012, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Oyster 800 at EMEC, GSK Montrose Tidal Array, Ramsey Sound, HS1000 at EMEC, EMEC Shapinsay Sound Scale Tidal Test Site, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Fair Head Tidal Array, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Marine Mammals
|
Design feature
Array/mooring configuration designed to avoid migratory routes or other important sites. |
Minimizes risk of development creating displacement by avoiding migratory routes or other important sites. |
May be inconsistent with optimal layout of the development for exploitation of the energy source. Can be a costly measure when scaling up to larger arrays. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen) |
| Wave, Tidal | Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans, seals |
Mitigation
Limit use of vessels, e.g. one vessel present with regular use of thrusters to maintain position. |
Reduces potential disturbance effects. |
Low 2012, MeyGen 2012, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project | |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Reptiles
|
Monitoring
Monitoring and reporting of MNNS. |
Reduces/removes risk of transfer of non-native species. |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates |
Design feature
Bundle cables together to reduce field vectors. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects |
Less redundancy in system. Potential commercial and technical feasibility issues. |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Sediment disturbance disrupting water clarity that results in smothering of fish spawning grounds. |
Birds
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site | ||
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Design feature
Minimise the number of mooring lines. |
Reduce risk of entanglement. |
Could be a costly measure for technology developers. |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
The potential wider or secondary effects on protected or sensitive sub-littoral seabed due to removal or alteration of energy flow arising from devices and moorings or support structures. |
Fish
|
Monitoring
Modelling to predict the interaction between changes in tidal flow, flux, and turbulence structure and animals. |
Reduces scientific uncertainty so appropriate management measures can be employed. |
Limited management measures available to minimise interaction despite modelling to fully predict interaction. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Elasmobranchs |
Design feature
Bundle cables together to reduce field vectors. |
Reduce the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. |
Less redundancy in system. Potential commercial and technical feasibility issues. Greater costs associated with not laying direct cable paths. |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Mitigation
Reduce speed and maintain steady course when animal is sighted. |
Reduces potential effects and is a relatively low cost measure. |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Magallanes Renovables 2020, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, SSE Renewables 2011, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Royal Haskoning 2012, Aquatera 2017, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Wello Penguin at EMEC, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, Westray South Tidal Project, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, PacWave South Test Site | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Habitat Creation
The introduction of infrastructure and artificial substrates will provide potential roosting habitat. |
Habitat
Roosting birds |
Monitoring
Monitor use of device as a roosting platform. |
Reduces scientific uncertainty around collision risk, displacement, and other impacts. Monitoring is relatively inexpensive to carry out. |
Data mortgage (data gathered more quickly than it can be analyzed). |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation, Design feature
Install a 'detect and deter' system using a combination of active sonar and acoustic deterrent device (ADD). |
Could reduce likelihood of collision with moving blades and enable a route through the consenting process. |
Would rely on well proven and reliable system - efficacy of ADDs is unknown in these environments and unknown if deterrent systems will help reduce risk. Expensive to implement. Questions around the effects of ADDs (e.g., added noise) on sensitive species. ...Read moreWould rely on well proven and reliable system - efficacy of ADDs is unknown in these environments and unknown if deterrent systems will help reduce risk. Expensive to implement. Questions around the effects of ADDs (e.g., added noise) on sensitive species. Detection systems are currently insufficient to detect animals (in particular at array scale). Further research around ADDs which deter specific groups or species, is underway. This could be useful in deterring specific sensitive species or species groups, at a particular site. For example, University of St Andrews is seveloping an ADD which deter seals, but which don't effect cetaceans. Read less |
Harrison et al. 2015, Orbital Marine Power 2010, Keenan et al. 2011, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, THETIS Energy 2009, Churchill Barriers - Wave Overtopping and Tidal Flow Energy Capture, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Oyster 800 at EMEC, Torr Head Project |