Annex IV 2016 State of the Science Report: Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy Development Around the World (2016)

https://tethys.pnnl.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Annex-IV-2016-State-of-the-Science-Report_LR.pdf

Abstract: In a new industry like MRE, there may be interactions between devices and marine animals or habitats that regulators or stakeholders perceive as risky. In many instances, this perception of risk is due to the high degree of uncertainty that results from a paucity of data collected in the ocean. However, the possibility of real risk to marine animals or habitats cannot be discounted; the lack of data continues to confound our ability to differentiate between real and perceived risks. Ultimately, risk will be governed by a variety of factors that include attributes of a particular device (static or dynamic), the type of device (wave or tidal), and the spatial scale of a particular installation (single device or arrays). As the MRE industry continues to develop, it isimportant to acknowledge all the potential mechanisms of harm these technologies may pose to the marine environment, although many of the perceived risks are likely to be small and easily avoided or mitigated. Additional strategic research investments will likely help to minimize uncertainty and elucidate actual risk. Most interactions and associated risks from single devices are unlikely to harm the marine environment; as larger arrays are deployed, additional monitoring and strategic research may be required to prepare for the commercial development of the industry. Studies to date have shown that most of the perceived risk to animals from MRE devices is due to uncertainty about the interactions because of the lack of definitive data, and continue to present challenges to permitting/consenting of commercial-scale development. As more definitive data are collected, it is possible that some real risks to marine animals and habitats will remain and continue to present challenges to permitting/consenting of commercial-scale development.

Citation: Copping, A., Sather, N., Hanna, L., Whiting, J., Zydlewski, G., Staines, G., Gill, A., Hutchison, I., O’Hagan, A., Simas, T., Bald, J., Sparling C., Wood, J., and Masden, E. 2016. Annex IV 2016 State of the Science Report: Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy Development Around the World. https://tethys.pnnl.gov/publications/state-of-the-science-2016