Accessing Management Measures that Support Deployment of Wave and Tidal Energy Devices
As the marine renewable energy (MRE) industry moves beyond deployment of individual wave and tidal energy devices towards arrays, certain risks of MRE devices on the marine environment are not well understood and have led to onerous monitoring requirements placed on device developers.
A workshop was held in May 2017 with researchers, regulators, and developers to create the basis for the tool shown below. In consultation with the research and regulatory communities, it was agreed that applying a set of robust management measures could act as safeguards for marine animals and habitats until available monitoring data allows for determining the level of risk from MRE devices. At that point, measures could be dialed back or removed, if warranted. More information on the workshop and input for the tool can be found here.
The Management Measures Tool for Marine Energy shows management (or mitigation) measures from past or current MRE projects as a reference to help manage potential risks from future projects and allow them to move forward in the face of uncertainty, or until a risk can be retired. Additional management measures are regularly added by the OES-Environmental team. In addition to the searchable tool below, the information can be downloaded here. The download file includes additional details not shown below, including comments from stakeholders on past experience, cost of management measures, and when a management measure is needed.
View the instructions document for more in-depth details and examples on how to use the Management Measure Tool for Marine Energy or check out this webinar for an overview and demonstration of the tool.
Last updated June 2024
| Technology | Project Phase | Stressor | Receptor | Management Measure | Advantages | Challenges | Project Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for oil spill incident resulting from the influence of unfavorable weather conditions. |
Fish
|
Mitigation
Vessel activities to occur in suitable weather conditions. |
Reduces the chance for oil spill to the environment. |
None identified |
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 | 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
Micro siting of offshore infrastructure to avoid sensitive habitats and minimize footprint. |
Could reduce/remove effects on sensitive habitats. Low cost measure at single device or small-scale array. |
None identified |
Foubister 2005, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Laminaria 2018, The Marine Institute 2016, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Galway Bay Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Habitat
|
Mitigation
Material selection - lubricants, coolants, hydraulic fluids etc. selected with low ecotoxicity levels and biodegradable. |
Reduces/removes risk of contamination/pollution from materials which may have escaped structure. |
Use of lower toxicity materials may compromise performance or impact other technical issues (e.g., fluid changes.) |
Foubister 2005, MeyGen 2012, Xodus AURORA 2010, The Marine Institute 2016, THETIS Energy 2009, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, HS1000 at EMEC, Galway Bay 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. |
Marine Mammals
|
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, Fox 2019, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen) |
| 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. |
None identified |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) 2014, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Use smaller vessels for maintenance purposes. |
Reduces potential effects and is a relatively low cost measure. |
None identified |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Laminaria 2018, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) 2014, Wello Penguin at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Habitat Creation
The introduction of infrastructure and artificial substrates will provide habitat and artificial refuges. |
Reptiles
|
Monitoring
Monitor near-field behaviors. |
Informs understanding of potential positive impacts from colonization and use of the project infrastructure. 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). |
|
| Wave | Operation & Maintenance | Dissipation of wave energy
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. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates |
Monitoring
Modelling to predict the interaction between wave energy and animals. |
Reduces scientific uncertainty so appropriate management measures can be employed. |
Limited management measures available to minimize interaction despite modelling to fully predict interaction. |
|
| 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. |
Birds
|
Monitoring
Array installation carried out in phases. |
Allows close monitoring to observe any unexpected effects. Reduces scientific uncertainty. |
Can be complex and costly |
GlaxoSmithKlineMontrose 2012, GSK Montrose Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in lost fishing gear or other equipment trapped on infrastructure. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Compliance
Ensure standard notifications of loss of fishing gear in region notified to operators. Reporting of entanglement events. |
Good practice for emergency preparedness. Help track effects/interaction with marine animals. |
Chances of lost fishing gear being reported is reportedly low. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Reduced visibility impacting prey detection and obstruction avoidance. |
Fish
|
Monitoring
Modelling to predict the interaction between changes in sediment dynamics and animals. |
Reduces scientific uncertainty so appropriate management measures can be employed. |
Limited management measures available to minimize interaction despite modelling to fully predict interaction. |
MeyGen 2012, Fox 2019, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Bury cables where possible and viable. |
None identified |
None identified |
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 |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Marine Non-Native Species (MNNS)
Potential for introduction of MNNS which can have an adverse impact on the native species at the site. |
Fish
|
Mitigation, Design feature
Antifouling application on components such as the pile and rodos blades. |
Helps prevent colonization of the device and structure, avoiding forming a stepping stone for non-native species. |
None identified |
Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Habitat
Benthic invertebrates |
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 leading to greater fecundity in species. |
May have an impact on surrounding benthic habitats and sensitive species. Creation of artificial habitat may cause aggregation effect causing greater impact of EMF. Uncertainty around the need for and efficacy of this measure. Increased cost to project. ...Read moreMay have an impact on surrounding benthic habitats and sensitive species. Creation of artificial habitat may cause aggregation effect causing greater impact of EMF. Uncertainty around the need for and efficacy of this measure. Increased cost to project. Reduced possibilities for decommissioning in future. Direct disturbance/loss of benthic communities. Read less |
Foubister 2005, Orbital Marine Power 2010, MeyGen 2012, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Fox 2019, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Orbital Marine Power SR250 at EMEC, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park |
| 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. |
Marine Mammals
|
Design feature
Site selection. |
Minimizes significance of interaction. |
None identified |
ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Fox 2019, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array |
| 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 |
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, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Reduced visibility impacting prey detection and obstruction avoidance. |
Reptiles
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
None identified |
None identified |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | 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
Benthic invertebrates, demersal fish |
Monitoring
Periodic visual monitoring through the use of divers or drop down video, static cameras / remote sensing techniques, benthic grab surveys, geophysical survey to identify scour pits, turbidity measurements. |
Generation of data to quantify level and spatial extent of effect. |
Technical and health and safety risks associated with periodic monitoring operation in close vicinity of infrastructure. May require power shut down measure. Subsea static monitoring options require O&M which may have time and cost implications. |
Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Foubister 2005, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2011, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, Davison and Mallows 2005, SSE Renewables 2011, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Xodus Group 2012, AECOM 2009, Ramsey Sound, Brims Tidal Array, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, EMEC Shapinsay Sound Scale Tidal Test Site, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Westray South Tidal Project, PacWave South Test Site, Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates |
Design feature
Strategic use of rock placement/other cable protection. |
None identified |
None identified |
Orbital Marine Power 2010, MeyGen 2012, DP Energy Ltd. 2017, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Orbital Marine Power SR250 at EMEC, Westray South Tidal Project, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park |
| 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
Design structures to minimize 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, Fox 2019, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Ramsey Sound |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Lighting
Potential for light from installation vessels to adversely affect nocturnal and migratory species. |
Birds
Seabirds |
Monitoring
Monitoring effects on animals. |
Reduce scientific uncertainty. |
Can be difficult to detect change as a result of interaction as opposed to natural variability. |
Xodus Group 2019, Fox 2019, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Fish
|
Monitoring
Environmental monitoring to better understand near-field behaviour and avoidance. |
Could reduce potential effects on sensitive species during sensitive periods. Help 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 gathered 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 gathered 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. Difficulties associated with storing and anlysing the data produce Read less |
Xodus Group 2019, Magallanes Renovables 2020, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
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 |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Changes in sediment dynamics
Sediment disturbance disrupting water clarity that results in smothering of fish spawning grounds. |
Habitat
|
Mitigation
Best practice methodologies to reduce resuspension of sediment during cable burial or device foundation/mooring installation. |
None identified |
None identified |
Orbital Marine Power 2014, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, The Marine Institute 2016, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site |
| 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
Cable protection management measures to ensure that any rock placement that is required will be kept to a minimum to reduce seabed disturbance. |
Could reduce effects on sensitive habitats. |
Additional cost. |
AECOM 2009, Fox 2019, Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) Test Site |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Marine Mammals
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 | 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
|
Mitigation, Compliance
Adhere to appropriate measures when jettisoning ballast water. |
Reduce/remove risk of transfer of non-native species. |
None identified |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Reptiles
|
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. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Benthic
|
Design feature
Physical Containment systems including bulk heads, closed circuit systems, pressure relief systems. |
Reduces risk of contamination/pollution escaping from structure. |
None identified |
Foubister 2005, MeyGen 2012, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, The Marine Institute 2016, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL), Galway Bay Test Site, Oyster 800 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Habitat Loss
Seabed habitat disturbance/loss or changes to seabed habitat |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates, demersal fish |
Mitigation
Adherence to vessel anchor and device anchor/mooring plans. |
Minimize impact on biodiversity/ecosystem. |
None identified |
Xodus Group 2019, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Birds
|
Design feature
Physical containment systems including bulk heads, closed circuit systems, pressure relief systems. |
Reduces risk of contamination/pollution escaping from structure. |
None identified |
Foubister 2005, MeyGen 2012, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Magallanes Renovables 2020, 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, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), Galway Bay Test Site, Torr Head Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Birds
Birds on water |
Mitigation
Vessel transit route: defining routes to avoid sensitive sites and to only disturb one route. |
Reduces potential effects. Relatively low-cost measure. This is measurable and definable. |
None identified |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, DP Energy Ltd. 2013, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, SSE Renewables 2011, SAE Renewables 2011, Aquatera 2017, Davison and Mallows 2005, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Brims Tidal Array, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Westray South Tidal Project, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
None identified
None identified. |
None identified |
None identified |
|
| 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
Minimize footprint of anchors/foundations. |
Could reduce effects on sensitive habitats |
May impact technical considerations. |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Xodus Group 2019, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Wello Penguin at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Contamination
Potential for accidental or unplanned events which could lead to contamination of the marine environment. |
Habitat
|
Mitigation
Where rock placement is used, ensure clean rock is used. |
Reduces/removes risk of contamination/pollution from materials. |
None identified |
|
| 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. |
Marine Mammals
|
Mitigation
Adherence to vessel management plan. |
Minimizes the potential interaction between animals and construction or maintenance vessels. |
None identified |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Aquatera 2017, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, Xodus Group 2019, Fox 2019, Brims Tidal Array, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, Sound of Islay Demonstration Tidal Array |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Displacement
Potential displacement of essential activities due to the presence of devices and associated moorings/support structures. |
Marine Mammals
|
None identified |
None identified |
||
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Disturbance at seal haul-out sites from project vessels. |
Marine Mammals
Seals |
Mitigation
Avoid transiting within 500m of known seal haul outs. |
Reduces potential effects and is a relatively low cost measure. |
None identified |
SAE Renewables 2011, Argyll Tidal Limited 2013, Orbital Marine Power 2014, Orbital Marine Power 2010, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Royal Haskoning 2012, Xodus Group 2019, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, Argyll Tidal Demonstrator Project, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, 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. |
Reptiles
|
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. |
None identified |
MeyGen 2012, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, PacWave South Test Site |