A joint three-year research project to investigate the interactions between tidal turbines and marine wildlife, was announced today (5th March) by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). In a statement explaining the need for the project SNH said; "In theory there is potential for marine energy developments to impact on some species during construction, installation and operation. However, little is known about what these impacts might be, as there are few devices installed anywhere in the world and little in the way of existing scientific research to refer to. This highlights the urgent need for further research on the subject."

George Lees, SNH's marine renewables research manager, said: "We recognise the need to develop Scotland's renewable energy sector, including marine, and the environmental gain this will provide. We are also conscious of the requirements of international legislation to protect particular marine species and habitats. What we have to do is find a way to meet the needs of both. To do this we need the very latest scientific findings."

The message was reinforced by Scot Mathieson, SEPA's principal conservation policy officer. "We require a sound scientific basis for assessing the potential environmental impacts of any activity, including renewable energy developments", said. This research project should assist planners, developers, regulators and advisors to make better informed decisions in relation to both strategic planning of renewable energy developments and in specific development cases."

The groundbreaking study will be conducted through a PhD studentship at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS UHI). It will look specifically at the background noise levels in areas being considered for tidal renewables development, as well as the noise made by tidal turbines. It will also explore the extent to which marine animals, particularly protected species, can detect and, potentially, avoid colliding with such devices.

SAMS, in collaboration with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, have developed a novel method of measuring sound in areas of strong tidal flow, something that will be crucial to the project.

Marine ecologist Dr Ben Wilson, who will be supervising the project, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to both sustainable marine energy extraction and conservation. Scotland is rapidly becoming a magnet for the companies developing devices to capture energy from tidal currents. These machines however will have to share the sea with vulnerable and protected species like whales, seals and fish. Understanding how these animals will perceive and behave around underwater turbines is a mystery but sound will undoubtedly be the most important sense for them, particularly at night and in murky water. Knowing what the natural sound-scape is like in prospective tidal energy sites and the noise output of different devices will help us identify those devices that marine animals will most easily move around without harm. With this understanding we will be better able to promote those machines that have the most gentle ecological footprints."

George Lees added: "Once we have the results of this study we will be in a much better position to advise on the implications of turbines for wildlife and on what measures if any are needed to minimise or avoid any collision risks."