Abstract
The Crown Estate identified a need to ensure that data and evidence from already consented tidal stream projects are readily available, and where possible transferable, to tidal stream projects subject to consenting or to those that have already been consented. This work aims to pinpoint areas where scientific uncertainty can be minimised, allowing research and monitoring efforts to focus on critical evidence gaps.
ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd. (“ABPmer”) and The Crown Estate have developed a data transferability matrix that can be used by regulators/advisors and industry developers to provide an indication of the extent to which existing tidal stream energy datasets are transferable to another project. In addition, an accompanying guidance framework has been developed to provide direction and key principles when considering data transferability. This document outlines the purpose of both the matrix and guidance framework and how using them in conjunction with each other can assist in the effective use and reuse of existing data.
The scope for this matrix was based on the project focal points of the Tidal Stream Energy Project: Collision Risk Data and Evidence Summary, 2025 (The Crown Estate, ABPmer, 2025). The focus for the transferability matrix and framework is on tidal stream energy marine mammal environmental data, particularly in relation to collision risk. If displacement is an interaction of concern for a project under consideration, then the matrix may also assist with data transferability. Seabirds and fish monitoring data are not the focus, however, some of the factors included in the matrix could be applied to these data.
The monitoring techniques used to collect marine mammal data to which the matrix could apply are inclusive of, but not limited to, hydrophones, sonar, Passive Acoustic Monitoring, underwater cameras, land-based Vantage Point surveys, boat-based surveys, photography, drones, and GPS/GSM tagging.