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 | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Birds
Shore-nesting birds |
Mitigation
Avoidance of sensitive shore nesting areas during sensitive periods with appropriate clearance distance. |
Reduces potential effects. Relatively low-cost measure. |
None identified |
OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Orbital Marine Power 2014, Foubister 2005, Xodus Group 2019, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Orbital Marine Power 2014, Aquatera 2017, The Marine Institute 2016, THETIS Energy 2009, Orbital Marine Power 2018, 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, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, Galway Bay Test Site, Torr Head Project, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| 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). |
None identified |
None identified |
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 | 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 | Collision risk
The potential effects from airborne noise from support vessel activity. |
Marine Mammals
Seals |
Mitigation
Adherence to Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code (SMWWC). |
None identified |
None identified |
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 | Installation, Decommissioning | Underwater noise
The potential effects from underwater noise generated during installation/ construction (excluding piling). |
Birds
Seabirds |
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 and thus costs (e.g., if continuous drilling time is restricted or specific periods need to be avoided). |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Davison and Mallows 2005, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, McGrath 2013, Orbital Marine Power 2014, Aquatera 2017, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, THETIS Energy 2009, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Wello Penguin at EMEC, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Fair Head Tidal Array, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, PacWave South Test Site, Torr Head Project, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Decommissioning | Airborne noise
The potential effects from airborne noise generated during installation/construction (excluding piling). |
Birds
Seabirds |
Mitigation
Avoid/limit 'noisy works' within close proximity to sensitive sites (e.g., known seal haul outs and important cliff nesting sites) 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) and may increase costs. |
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, 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 |
| 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 |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation | Lighting
Potential for light from installation vessels to adversely affect nocturnal and migratory species. |
Birds
Seabirds |
Mitigation
Limit lighting on installation vessels to that safe for navigational purposes only. |
Reduce impact on sensitive species. A lot of the light on navigational vessels is superfluous so would not detract from their safe operation. |
None identified |
Xodus Group 2019, AECOM 2009, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Lighting
Potential for lighting to adversely affect nocturnal and migratory species. |
Birds
Seabirds |
Design feature
Consider type, color, and use of lighting during design and consultation with navigational stakeholders. |
A targeted lighting plan may have the potential to reduce impacts on sensitive species but navigational interests need to be considered at all times |
Navigational safety are a consideration and may take priority over implementation of ecological aspects. |
Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Airborne noise
The potential effects from airborne noise from support vessel activity. |
Birds
Seabirds |
Mitigation
Adherence to Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code (SMWWC). |
None identified |
None identified |
Magallanes Renovables 2020, Xodus Group 2019, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, Aquatera 2017, Laminaria 2018, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, 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. |
Reptiles
Sea turtles |
Design feature
Minimize the number of mooring lines. |
Reduce risk of entanglement. |
Could be a costly measure for technology developers. |
|
| 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 |
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 sea turtles. |
None identified |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Reptiles
Sea turtles |
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. |
|
| 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 | 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). |
None identified |
|
| 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 | 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). |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Habitat Creation
The introduction of infrastructure and artificial substrates will provide potential roosting habitat. |
Birds
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 (concept of generating data more quickly than it can be analysed). Could be expensive to monitor. |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Orbital Marine Power 2018, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| 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 e.g smothering 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 | 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 | 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 | Installation | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Migratory fish |
Design feature
Micrositing of offshore infrastructure to avoid sensitive habitats and minimize footprint. |
Could reduce/remove effects on sensitive habitats. Relatively low cost measure. |
None identified |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Laminaria 2018, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, The Marine Institute 2016, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL), Galway Bay Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from subsea cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Migratory fish |
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, e.g., from smothering Can be very challenging or impossible at sites where seabed tends to be rocky. Additional expense to the project. Reduced possibility for decommissioning. |
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 | Habitat Loss
Loss of intertidal habitat from trenching for cable landfall. |
Habitat
Intertidal ecology |
Design feature
Pre-construction cable route surveys to avoid sensitive habitats. |
None identified |
None identified |
Orbital Marine Power 2014, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Brims Tidal Array, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration at EMEC |
| Wave | Installation, Operation & Maintenance | Habitat Loss
Direct loss of protected or sensitive intertidal communities from changes in hydrodynamics due to nearshore WECs. |
Habitat
Intertidal ecology |
Design feature
Micrositing of nearshore WECs to minimize the impact on sensitive habitats and species. |
None identified |
None identified |
Foubister 2005, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWDRA) 2006, SSE Renewables 2011, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, MeyGen 2012, Laminaria 2018, The Marine Institute 2016, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Wave Hub, Westray South Tidal Project, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Galway Bay Test Site |
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
| 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 | Operation & Maintenance | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Mitigation
Use smaller vessels for maintenance purposes. |
Reduces potential effects and is a relatively low cost measure. |
None identified |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Laminaria 2018, Wello Penguin at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site |
| 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). |
None identified |
|
| 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. |
None identified |
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 | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Design feature, Monitoring
Install tension sensors on mooring lines. |
Informs of problem with mooring lines allowing rectification. |
Additional cost. Would require control system integration. 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 |
| 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 | 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 | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Design feature
Maintain taut mooring lines. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement. Regular inspections can provide insight to interaction with marine animals. |
Mooring design driven by technical and commercial consideration. Regular ROV/dive or drop-down camera inspections required. |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Laminaria 2018, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Wello Penguin at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Mitigation
Install a 'detect and shut-down' system using active sonar and other appropriate monitoring equipment. |
Could reduce/remove risk of collision with moving blades and enable a route through the consenting process, particularly at high sensitivity locations. |
Could affect power production, is expensive to implement, and does not help to reduce scientific uncertainty regarding the risk....Read more Could affect power production, is expensive to implement, and does not help to reduce scientific uncertainty regarding the risk. The reductions in power production, although small, would bring about uncertainty in the investment process and there are questions around impacts of sonar on sensitive species. Read less |
Xodus Group 2019, Davison and Mallows 2005, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Strangford Lough - MCT (SeaGen), Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL) |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Fish
Elasmobranch, large fish |
Design feature
Minimize the number of mooring lines. |
Reduce risk of entanglement. |
Could be a costly measure for technology developers. |
|
| 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 |
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. |
None identified |
Xodus Group 2019, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Fish
Elasmobranch |
Mitigation
Implement a 'soft start'/cut in speed management approach at sensitive sites, i.e. those where the potential for collisions is high. |
Soft start could reduce risk by allowing animals time to move away from the turbine. Cut in speed management could be used to reduce risk during periods of known higher activity in sensitive species. Low cost option, adopted for other activities (e.g., piling). |
Unclear if this offers additional mitigation as many devices power up gradually anyway. Implementation of this measure could result in a loss of revenue for the developer. |
MeyGen 2012, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, SAE Renewables 2011, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL) |
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Design proportion of swept area to structure area to minimize 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. |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Implement a 'soft start' approach during cut-in. |
Could reduce risk by allowing animals time to move away from the turbine. Low cost option, adopted for other activities (e.g., piling) |
Unclear if this offers additional mitigation as many devices power up gradually anyway. |
Orbital Marine Power 2010, MeyGen 2012, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWDRA) 2006, Tidal Lagoon Power 2017, Fox 2019, Orbital Marine Power SR250 at EMEC, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (SBTL) |
| 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. |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Selective structural and blade coatings (e.g., colors to aide detection. |
Unknown - it is possible that this will aid detection of subsea structures and help reduce risk. |
This could result in 'attraction', increasing risk of collision Uncertainty around how animals use visual cues. Other sensory organs are often more important for fish & seals Use of such measures may be limited to conform with IALA standards |
Xodus Group 2019, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave 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
Minimize the number of mooring lines. |
Reduce risk of entanglement. |
Could be a costly measure for technology developers. |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Changes in water flow
Modifications to tidal flows affect prey distribution and abundance resulting in changes to foraging behavior. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Monitoring
Observational surveys (including remote sensing) of species (prey availability linked to benthic community). |
Reduce 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. |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Craig 2008, Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, Xodus AURORA 2010, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2014, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, SSE Renewables 2011, Xodus Group 2012, MeyGen 2012, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Xodus Group 2012, Oyster 800 at EMEC, OpenHydro Alderney, Ramsey Sound, HS1000 at EMEC, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, Westray South Tidal Project, Costa Head Wave Farm, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, Pelamis Wave Power P2 Demonstration 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. |
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 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, AECOM 2009, 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, Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) 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, Fox 2019, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site |
| 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 minimize 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, Fox 2019, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| 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, AECOM 2009, 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, Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) 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
Cable design with maximum bend radius. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement |
Mooring design driven by technical and commercial consideration. |
Foubister 2005, Fox 2019, 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 behavior. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Design feature
Site selection. |
Minimizes significance of interaction. |
None identified |
Argyll Tidal Limited 2013, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Fox 2019, Argyll Tidal Demonstrator Project, Ness of Duncansby Tidal Array |
| 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 | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in lost fishing gear or other equipment trapped on infrastructure. |
Birds
Diving birds |
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. |
None identified |
Xodus Group 2019, 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 behavior. |
Birds
Diving birds |
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 minimize interaction despite modelling to fully predict interaction. |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Monitoring, Design feature
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 likely an additional cost. |
Potential cost of measure for technology developers if not required as part of technical monitoring of the device. |
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, 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
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 | 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. |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Design proportion of swept area to structure area to minimize collision risk. |
This could reduce the likelihood/consequence of potential collision events. |
Can be a high cost associated with this. Can present financial/ logistical/ design challenges to technology developer to alter design of device. |
MeyGen 2012, Fox 2019, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Design feature
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). |
None identified |
|
| Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Collision risk
Potential for collision with turbine blades. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Mitigation
Reduce maximum blade tip speed. |
Could reduce the likelihood or 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 device mooring lines and cables. |
Birds
Diving birds |
Design feature
Maintain taut mooring lines. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement. Regular inspections can provide operational insight into condition, and help track effects/interaction with marine animals. |
Mooring design driven by technical and commercial consideration. Regular ROV/dive or drop-down camera inspections required. |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Wello Penguin at EMEC, PacWave South 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. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Site selection to avoid sensitive or protected sub-littoral seabed communities. |
Could reduce/remove effects on sensitive habitats. |
None identified |
ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Fox 2019, 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. Minimize impact on biodiversity/ecosystem |
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
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. |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Device components (e.g., transformer and power conditioning equipment) are designed internally. |
Reduces field effects external to the device. |
None identified |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Aquatera Ltd 2011, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, Wello Penguin 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
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 | 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 |
| 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 | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Bundle cables together to reduce field vectors. |
None identified |
None identified |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Limit cable voltage. |
None identified |
None identified |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Strategic use of rock placement/other cable protection. |
None identified |
None identified |
Foubister 2005, Orbital Marine Power 2010, MeyGen 2012, ScottishPower Renewables 2010, DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, 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, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Install cable protection/armor. |
Higher levels of insulation reduces the level of EMF to surrounding water column and therefore any potential effects. |
None identified |
DP Energy Ltd. 2013, Foubister 2005, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, West Islay Tidal Project Energy Park, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Maximize length of any drilled boreholes. |
None identified |
None identified |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Lay cables in natural crevices. |
None identified |
None identified |
MeyGen 2012, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | EMF
Impacts of electromagnetic fields from landfall cables on sensitive species. |
Fish
Demersal fish |
Design feature
Use of 3-phase cables instead of DC cables. |
None identified |
None identified |
Tidal Energy Ltd 2008, Ramsey Sound |
| Wave, Tidal | Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans, seals |
Mitigation
Avoid sudden changes of speed. |
Reduces likelihood of any further disturbance to marine animals in the vicinity. |
None identified |
Orbital Marine Power 2018, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| 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. |
None identified |
Low 2012, MeyGen 2012, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, MeyGen Tidal Energy Project |
| 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 operator in the event of an entanglement event. |
Magallanes Renovables 2020, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC | |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
Design feature
Minimize the number of mooring lines. |
Reduce risk of entanglement. |
Could be a costly measure for technology developers. |
|
| 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. |
None identified |
Xodus Group 2019, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
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, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Argyll Tidal Demonstrator Project, PacWave South Test Site, Orbital Marine Power O2 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 |
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 | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
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). |
None identified |
|
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
Design feature, Monitoring
Install tension sensors on mooring lines. |
Informs of problem with mooring lines allowing rectification. |
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 |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel collision
Potential for collision with project vessels. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
Mitigation
Adhere to minimum approach distances for vessels on approach. |
Reduces potential effects and is a relatively low cost measure. |
None identified |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Xodus Group 2019, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, Aquatera 2017, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Orbital Marine Power 2018, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) 2014, Oyster 800 at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, PacWave South Test Site, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC, U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
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 | Operation & Maintenance | Entanglement
Potential for marine animals to become entangled in device mooring lines and cables. |
Marine Mammals
Cetaceans |
Design feature
Maintain taut mooring lines. |
Remove/reduce risk of entanglement. Regular inspections can provide operational insight into condition. Inspections help track interactions/events with marine animals. |
Mooring design driven by technical and commercial consideration. Regular ROV/dive or drop-down camera inspections required. |
Aquatera Ltd 2011, Laminaria 2018, 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 | 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. |
None identified |
SAE Renewables 2011, OpenHydro and SSE Renewables 2013, Xodus Group 2019, AECOM 2009, Fox 2019, Atlantis Resources Corporation at EMEC, Brims Tidal Array, Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) Test Site, Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) |
| 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 | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Birds
Birds on water |
Mitigation
Adhere to minimum approach distances for vessels on approach. |
Reduces potential effects. Relatively low-cost measure. |
Effectiveness of mitigation is unclear. Further monitoring (e.g., defining of approach distances and then comparing these to see which are most effective) would validate the efficacy of the measure. Can increase the time of operational procedures and thus increase cost. |
Xodus Group 2019, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, DP Energy Ltd. 2017, Aquatera 2017, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, Fair Head Tidal Array, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, PacWave South Test Site |
| Wave, Tidal | Installation, Operation & Maintenance, Decommissioning | Vessel disturbance
Potential for disturbance from project vessels. |
Birds
Birds on water |
Mitigation
Do not break up or 'flush' rafts of birds. |
Reduces potential effects. Relatively low-cost measure. |
Effectiveness of mitigation unclear. Pertinent to note that the measure is selectively applied to project vessels in context of other vessel operations. |
European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) 2020, Magallanes Renovables 2020, Aquatera 2017, Orbital Marine Power 2018, EMEC Scapa Flow Scale Wave Test Site, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, Tocardo InToTidal at EMEC, Orbital Marine Power O2 at EMEC |
| Wave, Tidal | Operation & Maintenance | Habitat Creation
The introduction of infrastructure and artificial substrates may generate additional habitat diversity. |
Habitat
Benthic species |
Monitoring
Structure colonization and biofouling surveys. |
Informs understanding of potential for increased prey availability and ecological diversity. |
Cost associated with monitoring. |
Craig 2008, Fox 2019, OpenHydro Alderney |
| 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 |
| 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
Minimize 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, Fox 2019, Brims Tidal Array |
| 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 minimize the impact on sensitive habitats and species. Best practice techniques for cable installation, burial and protection. |
None identified |
None identified |
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 | 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 |
Monitoring
Periodic visual monitoring through the use of divers, drop down video, or intertidal shore surveys. |
Help reduce uncertainty. 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. Power shut down potential. Subsea static monitoring options require O&M. |
GlaxoSmithKlineMontrose 2012, Xodus AURORA 2010, Davison and Mallows 2005, GSK Montrose Tidal Array, HS1000 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. |
Benthic
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. |
Foubister 2005, RSK Group 2012, Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, West Orkney South Wave Energy Site, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) |
| 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. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates, demersal fish |
Design feature
Minimize footprint of anchors / foundations. |
Could reduce effects on sensitive habitats. |
May impact technical considerations, such as size of anchors/foundations that are safe and optimal for operation of device(s). |
Aquamarine Power Ltd 2011, Aquatera Ltd 2011, Royal Haskoning and Sea Generation (Kyle Rhea) Ltd. 2013, RSK Group 2012, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, The Marine Institute 2016, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 2020, Oyster 800 at EMEC, Wello Penguin at EMEC, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, West Orkney South Wave Energy Site, Galway Bay Test Site, PacWave South Test Site, Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) |
| 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. |
Benthic
Benthic invertebrates, demersal fish |
Design feature
Micrositing 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, RSK Group 2012, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWDRA) 2006, Magallanes Renovables 2020, ScottishPower Renewables 2012, Laminaria 2018, The Marine Institute 2016, THETIS Energy 2009, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) 2014, EMEC Fall of Warness Grid-Connected Tidal Test Site, Kyle Rhea Tidal Stream Array Project, West Orkney South Wave Energy Site, Wave Hub, Magallanes Renovables ATIR at EMEC, EMEC Billia Croo Grid-Connected Wave Test Site, Galway Bay Test Site, Torr Head Project, U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) |