Introduction
This brochure was developed by OES-Environmental to provide an overview of the environmental effects of marine renewable energy (MRE) development. The goal of the brochure is to familiarize readers with the latest scientific information on the potential effects of installation and operation of MRE devices.
First, MRE technologies are briefly described, as well as how effects on the environment are defined. Then, individual sections about each environmental risk are presented. Each section includes a description of the issue, the current status of the risk based on scientific data, recommendations for minimizing risk, and a case study from a real-world project or research study. The brochure concludes by sharing the concepts of risk retirement and data transferability as developed by OES-Environmental.
Information compiled in the brochure comes from the following sources:
- OES-Environmental 2024 State of the Science Report
- OES-Environmental 2020 State of the Science Report
- Monitoring Datasets Discoverability Matrix
- Tethys Knowledge Base
Click on the image below to open the brochure, or download here.
Additional Resources
These resources provide additional information on the topics contained in the brochure.
- About OES-Environmental
- 2024 State of the Science Report
- 2020 State of the Science Report
- Risk Retirement
- Evidence Bases
- Monitoring Datasets Discoverability Matrix
- Guidance Documents
- Overview Image of Marine Energy Devices (Copping et al. 2021)
Case Study References
The references for information contained in the case studies for each section are listed below to provide additional context.
Collision:
- SMRU Annual Report 2019
- MeyGen Tidal Energy Project (Metadata Form)
Underwater Noise:
- Acoustic Characteristics of the Lifesaver Wave Energy Converter (Conference Paper)
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee 114 (TC 114)
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Technical Guidance (Report)
- Interim Sound Exposure Guidelines (Report)
Electromagnetic Fields:
Changes in Habitat:
- Colonization of Wave Power Foundations by Mobile Mega- and Macrofauna - A 12 Year Study (Journal Article)
Oceanographic Systems:
- Impacts of Tidal Energy Extraction on Sediment Dynamics in Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, NS (Journal Article)
Entanglement
- Deep Green Holyhead Deep Project Phase I (0.5 MW) - Environmental Statement (Marine mammals: p. 161)
Displacement:
- No Evidence of Long-Term Displacement of Key Wildlife Species from Wave and Tidal Energy Testing (Conference Paper)
- Animal displacement from marine energy development: Mechanisms and consequences (Journal Article)
Socioeconomics:
- Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) Test Site (Metadata Form)
- Scoping Study on Socio-Economic Impacts of Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia: A Research Synthesis & Priorities for Future Action (Report)
Risk Retirement:
Data Transferability:
- PLAT-O at EMEC (Metadata Form)