Introduction
Using clean, low-carbon energy sources is more important now than ever. As we combat climate change, marine renewable energy (MRE) has the potential to play an important role. However, we need to understand the impact tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy devices may have on the environment in order to deploy MRE devices in a responsible manner.
OES-Environmental has compiled educational resources to increase awareness and understanding of MRE and associated environmental effects as well as support the future workforce.
The materials and resources on this page can be used by students of all ages and educational backgrounds. Educators, schools, aquariums and zoos, science camps, etc. may also want to use this page for fun, educational content or to develop a classroom curriculum on environmental effects of MRE.
Contents
Suggested education level for the various materials and resources:
| Primary/ Middle School | Secondary/High School | University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | |||
| Coloring Pages | X | X | |
| Video Series | X | X | X |
| Youth Presentations | X | ||
| High School-level Presentations | X | ||
| Colored Images | X | X | X |
| Short Science Summaries | X | X | |
| College-level Presentations & Brochure | X | ||
| Resources | |||
| Knowledge Base | X | X | |
| 2020 State of the Science Page | X | X | |
| OES-Environmental Metadata | X | X | |
| Tethys Blasts | X | X | |
| Environmental Webinars | X | X | |
| Tethys Community | X | ||
| Events Calendar | X | ||
*Grey text indicates that the material is still being developed, but will be available soon.
Tethys Materials
Educational Materials
Below you can find education materials on environmental effects of MRE. At the top are general resources to get you started, followed by sections on several key environmental effects. Materials include coloring pages as well as short science summaries. Short science summaries are two-page overviews of each environmental effect based on the 2020 State of the Science Report; these highlight status of knowledge, remaining uncertainties about the interaction, and recommendations. Additional materials will be added soon, such as presentations for all education levels and short videos on the different environmental effects.
General Resources
Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy Coloring Book PDF
Short Science Summary: "Benefits and Effects"
High School/College level Presentation: Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy
College level Presentation: Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy
College level MRE Brochure: Marine Renewable Energy: An Introduction to Environmental Effects
Collision Risk
Short Science Summary: "Collision Risk"
High School / College level Collision Presentation
College level Collision Risk Presentation
Underwater Noise Risk
Underwater Noise Risk Coloring Page
Short Science Summary: "Underwater Noise"
High School / College level Underwater Noise Presentation
College level Underwater Noise Presentation
Video Series: Underwater Noise
Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) Risk
Short Science Summary: "Electromagnetic Fields"
High School / College level EMF Presentation
College level EMF Presentation
Video Series: Electromagnetic Fields
Habitat Change
Change in Habitat Coloring Page
Short Science Summary: "Changes in Benthic and Pelagic Habitats"
High School / College level Habitat Change Presentation
College level Habitat Change Presentation
Video Series: Changes in Habitat
Changes in Oceanographic Systems
Changes in Oceanographic Systems (Wave & Tidal) Coloring Page
Short Science Summary: "Changes in Oceanographic Systems"
High School / College level Oceanographic Systems Presentation
College level Oceanographic Systems Presentation
Encounters with Mooring Lines and Cables
Encounters with Mooring Lines and Cables Coloring Page
Short Science Summary: "Entanglement Risk"
Animated video: Exploring Encounters between Humpback and Floating Wind Farms
High School / College level Entanglement Presentation
College level Entanglement Presentation
Displacement
High School / College level Displacement Presentation
Social and Economic Impacts
Social and Economic Impacts Coloring Page
Short Science Summary: "Social and Economic Data"
High School / College level Social and Economics Presentation
Tethys Resources
Although Tethys has many resources, the list below may be most helpful for students and researchers:
- Knowledge Base: Relevant documents about the environmental effects of marine renewable energy (and wind energy) from around the world are compiled into a user-friendly table that displays all content available in Tethys. A Map Viewer is also available to find documents by locations.
- 2020 State of the Science: This report reflects the most current and pertinent published information about interactions of MRE devices and associated infrastructure with the animals and habitats that make up the marine environment.
- Environmental Metadata: OES-Environmental metadata contains information from researchers and developers about MRE activities around the world, including marine energy deployments, monitoring, and research pertaining to the environmental effects.
- Tethys Blasts: This bi-weekly newsletter highlights new publications in the Tethys Knowledge Base; relevant announcements, opportunities, and upcoming events; and news articles of international interest.
- Environmental Webinars: Tethys hosts regular webinars pertaining to topics of environmental concern, as a means to effectively disseminate new information and research efforts to a large international audience of stakeholders. Anyone is welcome to attend these live webinars and participate in a live question and answer session with the presenters.
- Tethys Community: A list of registered Tethys users who have given permission to share professional contact information with other registered users.
- Events Calendar: The calendar highlights key events from around the world related to marine renewable energy, including conferences, workshops, webinars, and more.