The Experts below are selected from a list of 2154 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Robert W Furness - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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incorporating data uncertainty when estimating potential vulnerability of scottish seabirds to Marine Renewable Energy developments
Marine Policy, 2016Co-Authors: Elizabeth A Masden, Angus C Jackson, Helen M Wade, Robert W FurnessAbstract:Abstract The effects of Marine Renewable Energy developments (MREDs) on seabirds are uncertain because of the relative infancy of the industry. This uncertainty can delay the consenting process as regulators adopt a precautionary approach. This study uses novel methods to demonstrate uncertainty in two indices that ranked the vulnerability of seabird populations to MREDs. The study also consolidates recently available data with information from the two indices to consider developments in our understanding of how seabirds respond to MREDs and to present up-to-date vulnerability predictions. Results indicate greater uncertainty in data regarding displacement caused by vessels and/or helicopters, and use of tidal races by seabirds, than in data regarding the percentage of flight overlapping with wind turbine blades and the level of displacement caused by structures. Results also indicate varying uncertainty among species. Overall vulnerability rankings remained broadly the same, with some minor changes. The uncertainty indices highlight areas lacking data, identify robust predictions, and indicate where particular caution in interpreting vulnerability indices should be adopted. They are a useful tool to inform impact assessment and identify strategic research and monitoring priorities.
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great skua stercorarius skua movements at sea in relation to Marine Renewable Energy developments
Marine Environmental Research, 2014Co-Authors: Helen M Wade, Elizabeth A Masden, Angus C Jackson, Chris B Thaxter, Niall H K Burton, W Bouten, Robert W FurnessAbstract:Marine Renewable Energy developments (MREDs) are an increasing feature of the Marine environment. Owing to the relatively small number of existing developments and the early stage of their associated environmental monitoring programmes, the effects of MREDs on seabirds are not fully known. Our ability to fully predict potential effects is limited by a lack of knowledge regarding movements of seabirds at sea. We used GPS tracking to improve our understanding of the movements at sea of a protected seabird species breeding in Scotland, the great skua (Stercorarius skua), to better predict how this species may be affected by MREDs. We found that the overlap of great skuas with leased and proposed MREDs was low; particularly with offshore wind sites, which are predicted to present a greater risk to great skuas than wave or tidal-stream developments. Failed breeders overlapped with larger areas of MREDs than breeding birds but the overall overlap with core areas used remained low. Overlap with wave Energy development sites was greater than for offshore wind and tidal-stream sites. Comparison of 2011 data with historical data indicates that distances travelled by great skuas have likely increased over recent decades. This suggests that basing Marine spatial planning decisions on short-term tracking data could be less informative than longer-term data.
Helen M Wade - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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incorporating data uncertainty when estimating potential vulnerability of scottish seabirds to Marine Renewable Energy developments
Marine Policy, 2016Co-Authors: Elizabeth A Masden, Angus C Jackson, Helen M Wade, Robert W FurnessAbstract:Abstract The effects of Marine Renewable Energy developments (MREDs) on seabirds are uncertain because of the relative infancy of the industry. This uncertainty can delay the consenting process as regulators adopt a precautionary approach. This study uses novel methods to demonstrate uncertainty in two indices that ranked the vulnerability of seabird populations to MREDs. The study also consolidates recently available data with information from the two indices to consider developments in our understanding of how seabirds respond to MREDs and to present up-to-date vulnerability predictions. Results indicate greater uncertainty in data regarding displacement caused by vessels and/or helicopters, and use of tidal races by seabirds, than in data regarding the percentage of flight overlapping with wind turbine blades and the level of displacement caused by structures. Results also indicate varying uncertainty among species. Overall vulnerability rankings remained broadly the same, with some minor changes. The uncertainty indices highlight areas lacking data, identify robust predictions, and indicate where particular caution in interpreting vulnerability indices should be adopted. They are a useful tool to inform impact assessment and identify strategic research and monitoring priorities.
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great skua stercorarius skua movements at sea in relation to Marine Renewable Energy developments
Marine Environmental Research, 2014Co-Authors: Helen M Wade, Elizabeth A Masden, Angus C Jackson, Chris B Thaxter, Niall H K Burton, W Bouten, Robert W FurnessAbstract:Marine Renewable Energy developments (MREDs) are an increasing feature of the Marine environment. Owing to the relatively small number of existing developments and the early stage of their associated environmental monitoring programmes, the effects of MREDs on seabirds are not fully known. Our ability to fully predict potential effects is limited by a lack of knowledge regarding movements of seabirds at sea. We used GPS tracking to improve our understanding of the movements at sea of a protected seabird species breeding in Scotland, the great skua (Stercorarius skua), to better predict how this species may be affected by MREDs. We found that the overlap of great skuas with leased and proposed MREDs was low; particularly with offshore wind sites, which are predicted to present a greater risk to great skuas than wave or tidal-stream developments. Failed breeders overlapped with larger areas of MREDs than breeding birds but the overall overlap with core areas used remained low. Overlap with wave Energy development sites was greater than for offshore wind and tidal-stream sites. Comparison of 2011 data with historical data indicates that distances travelled by great skuas have likely increased over recent decades. This suggests that basing Marine spatial planning decisions on short-term tracking data could be less informative than longer-term data.
Beth E Scott - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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fish distributions in a tidal channel indicate the behavioural impact of a Marine Renewable Energy installation
Energy Reports, 2018Co-Authors: Shaun Fraser, Vladimir Nikora, Benjamin Williamson, Beth E ScottAbstract:Abstract In the dynamic environments targeted for Marine Renewable Energy extraction, such as tidal channels, the natural distribution of fish and behavioural impacts of Marine Renewable Energy installations (MREIs) are poorly understood. This study builds on recent methodological developments to reveal the behaviour of fish schools using data collected by a seabed-mounted echosounder deployed in extreme tidal flows and in the wake of a MREI (composed of the foundation of a full-scale tidal stream Energy turbine). The results show a significant change ( p 0 . 001 ) in the vertical distribution of fish schools in the vicinity of a MREI compared to a nearby control location representative of the natural conditions. The MREI is associated with an overall increased rate of fish school observations (+74%), particularly at night (+163%) and in the MREI wake flow (+378%), related to the disruption of natural diurnal behavioural patterns in school characteristics (size, relative density, and distance from seabed). These results indicate an attraction effect of the MREI, and show that the aggregation and vertical distribution of fish in the modified flow conditions is dependent on tidal phase with evidence of avoidance of the MREI depth range during peak flow velocities. The behavioural responses observed in this study provide new information relevant to the environmental impact assessment of Marine Renewable Energy developments and highlight priorities for further research.
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hydrodynamic impacts of a Marine Renewable Energy installation on the benthic boundary layer in a tidal channel
Energy Procedia, 2017Co-Authors: Shaun Fraser, Vladimir Nikora, Benjamin Williamson, Beth E ScottAbstract:Abstract Field measurements of the flow in the benthic boundary layer (BBL) of a tidal channel are presented which compare data collected in the wake of a Marine Renewable Energy installation (MREI) with control data representative of the natural conditions. The results show significant flow modification in the wake of the MREI including a reduction in mean velocity, enhanced turbulence, and the breakdown of the natural structure and dynamics of the BBL. This study provides new information relevant to the environmental impact assessment of MREIs and to the design and consenting of Marine Renewable Energy projects.
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Acoustic imaging around Marine Renewable Energy Devices - Field deployments of the FLOWBEC platform
2016Co-Authors: Benjamin Williamson, Paul S. Bell, James J Waggitt, Shaun Fraser, Philippe Blondel, Beth E ScottAbstract:Rapid development of Marine Renewable Energy Devices (MREDs) strongly focuses on tidal and wave sites, although little is known of impacts on surrounding ecosystems. Quantification of the behavior and distribution of animals around MREDs is crucial to understanding these impacts. The NERC/Defra collaboration FLOw, Water column and Benthic ECology (FLOWBEC) produced an innovative subsea platform [1], which includes an Imagenex multibeam echosounder oriented along the axis of tidal flow, and an EK60 multifrequency echosounder, identifying targets and characterising the morphology of turbulence. Co-registration and tracking [2] will be illustrated with examples from five 2-week deployments at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney.
Glen Wright - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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rights and ownership in sea country implications of Marine Renewable Energy for indigenous and local communities
Marine Policy, 2015Co-Authors: Sandy Kerr, John Colton, Kate R Johnson, Glen WrightAbstract:The adoption of UN Convention of the Law of the Sea in 1982 created optimism for indigenous peoples and marginalised coastal communities that they may (re)gain control of, or improve access to, Marine resources. However concerns were also raised that opening the seas to industrial development might create threats for traditional users of the sea. Twenty-five years later the potential enclosure of large areas of coastal seas to Marine Renewable Energy development is reigniting debates about Marine governance, access and control over Marine resources. Case studies in Scotland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia reveal a dynamic tension between: an economic development ‘blue growth’ agenda requiring the creation of private rights in the sea; and socio-political drivers which seek to address historic injustices and increase access to natural resources by indigenous and marginalised coastal communities. As yet there is little evidence of this tension being adequately addressed by emerging institutional frameworks for managing Marine resources.
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Marine governance in an industrialised ocean a case study of the emerging Marine Renewable Energy industry
Marine Policy, 2015Co-Authors: Glen WrightAbstract:The world׳s oceans are currently undergoing an unprecedented period of industrialisation, made possible by advances in technology and driven by our growing need for food, Energy and resources. This is placing the oceans are under intense pressure, and the ability of existing Marine governance frameworks to sustainably manage the Marine environment is increasingly being called into question. Emerging industries are challenging all aspects of these frameworks, raising questions regarding ownership and rights of the sea and its resources, management of environmental impacts, and management of ocean space. This paper uses the emerging Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) industry, particularly in the United Kingdom (UK), as a case study to introduce and explore some of the key challenges. The paper concludes that the challenges are likely to be extensive and argues for development of a comprehensive legal research agenda to advance both MRE technologies and Marine governance frameworks.
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regulating Marine Renewable Energy development a preliminary assessment of uk permitting processes
Underwater Technology, 2014Co-Authors: Glen WrightAbstract:While the UK has implemented a number of reforms to permitting processes to support the emerging Marine Renewable Energy industry, research into the effectiveness of such reforms has been limited. The present paper presents a preliminary assessment of two key aspects of the UK’s regulatory framework: the seabed leasing process and the permitting process. In particular, the Crown Estate seabed leasing process and Scotland’s ‘one-stop shop’ for permitting are discussed. Some concluding thoughts are given regarding the efficacy of these processes, laying the foundation for further research and analysis.
Elizabeth A Masden - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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assessing the effects of tidal stream Marine Renewable Energy on seabirds a conceptual framework
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2020Co-Authors: Natalie Isaksson, Benjamin Williamson, Elizabeth A Masden, Melissa M Costagliolaray, James Slingsby, Jonathan D R Houghton, Jared WilsonAbstract:Abstract We are at a crossroads where many nation states, including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), are committing to increased electricity production from “green Energy”, of which tidal stream Marine Renewable Energy is one such resource. However, many questions remain regarding the effects of tidal Energy devices on Marine wildlife, including seabirds, of which the UK has internationally important numbers. Guidelines are lacking on how best to use both well-established and novel survey methods to assess seabird use of tidal flow areas, leading to a data-rich but information poor (DRIP) situation. This review provides a conceptual framework for assessing the effects of tidal stream Energy devices on seabirds, summarises current knowledge and highlights knowledge gaps. Finally, recommendations are given for how best to pursue knowledge on this topic.
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incorporating data uncertainty when estimating potential vulnerability of scottish seabirds to Marine Renewable Energy developments
Marine Policy, 2016Co-Authors: Elizabeth A Masden, Angus C Jackson, Helen M Wade, Robert W FurnessAbstract:Abstract The effects of Marine Renewable Energy developments (MREDs) on seabirds are uncertain because of the relative infancy of the industry. This uncertainty can delay the consenting process as regulators adopt a precautionary approach. This study uses novel methods to demonstrate uncertainty in two indices that ranked the vulnerability of seabird populations to MREDs. The study also consolidates recently available data with information from the two indices to consider developments in our understanding of how seabirds respond to MREDs and to present up-to-date vulnerability predictions. Results indicate greater uncertainty in data regarding displacement caused by vessels and/or helicopters, and use of tidal races by seabirds, than in data regarding the percentage of flight overlapping with wind turbine blades and the level of displacement caused by structures. Results also indicate varying uncertainty among species. Overall vulnerability rankings remained broadly the same, with some minor changes. The uncertainty indices highlight areas lacking data, identify robust predictions, and indicate where particular caution in interpreting vulnerability indices should be adopted. They are a useful tool to inform impact assessment and identify strategic research and monitoring priorities.
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great skua stercorarius skua movements at sea in relation to Marine Renewable Energy developments
Marine Environmental Research, 2014Co-Authors: Helen M Wade, Elizabeth A Masden, Angus C Jackson, Chris B Thaxter, Niall H K Burton, W Bouten, Robert W FurnessAbstract:Marine Renewable Energy developments (MREDs) are an increasing feature of the Marine environment. Owing to the relatively small number of existing developments and the early stage of their associated environmental monitoring programmes, the effects of MREDs on seabirds are not fully known. Our ability to fully predict potential effects is limited by a lack of knowledge regarding movements of seabirds at sea. We used GPS tracking to improve our understanding of the movements at sea of a protected seabird species breeding in Scotland, the great skua (Stercorarius skua), to better predict how this species may be affected by MREDs. We found that the overlap of great skuas with leased and proposed MREDs was low; particularly with offshore wind sites, which are predicted to present a greater risk to great skuas than wave or tidal-stream developments. Failed breeders overlapped with larger areas of MREDs than breeding birds but the overall overlap with core areas used remained low. Overlap with wave Energy development sites was greater than for offshore wind and tidal-stream sites. Comparison of 2011 data with historical data indicates that distances travelled by great skuas have likely increased over recent decades. This suggests that basing Marine spatial planning decisions on short-term tracking data could be less informative than longer-term data.