TY - RPRT
TI - Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) in the Tropics: An Overview of MRE Potential in Oaxaca, Mexico
AU - Oman, J
AB - Conventional sources of energy, such as fossil fuels, produce carbon emissions and are depleting as global demand increases. Marine renewable energy (MRE) offers a cleaner way of generating electricity by using waves, tides, currents, and salinity or thermal gradient resources. Although tropical and subtropical regions have a great potential for some of these MRE resources, industry progress in these areas has been slow. One of the main barriers to the development of MRE is the uncertainty surrounding potential environmental and socioeconomic effects. This study focuses on Oaxaca, Mexico, and aims to describe the MRE resources available in the region and provide information on socioeconomic and biological aspects to consider for future MRE development. Off Oaxaca, there is high potential for wave, current, and ocean thermal energy. Local communities, artisanal fishers, and regulatory agencies are key stakeholders to engage with for discussing important habitats, species presence along the coast, potential socioeconomic impacts, and public acceptance. In the area offshore of Oaxaca, there are several marine mammal, fish, seabird, and sea turtle species, and critical habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs. Based on the information gathered, potential interactions between MRE devices and the environment in tropical regions are defined.  
CY - Seattle, Washington
DA - 2022/04//
PY - 2022
SP - 25
PB - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
LA - English
KW - Marine Energy
KW - Ocean Current
KW - OTEC
KW - Wave
KW - Changes in Flow
KW - Collision
KW - EMF
KW - Entanglement
KW - Habitat Change
KW - Noise
KW - Birds
KW - Seabirds
KW - Fish
KW - Pelagic Fish
KW - Marine Mammals
KW - Cetaceans
KW - Human Dimensions
KW - Environmental Impact Assessment
KW - Legal & Policy
KW - Recreation & Tourism
KW - Social & Economic Data
ER -