Orkney tidal energy tests to measure effects on marine life

Published on Thursday 18 March 2010 21:12

A UNIQUE project is underway in Orkney exploring how the emerging wave and tidal energy industry can co-exist with the islands' inshore fishing community.

The scheme has brought together the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and fishermen to test how crabs and lobsters may be affected.

EMEC has a grid-connected test site at Billia Croo on the Orkney mainland where developers can pilot test wave energy devices and feed the electricity they generate into the UK grid. It has a similar site off the island of Eday for testing tidal energy devices.

The Scottish Government has awarded the project 67,000. Richard Lochhead, the environment secretary, said:

"It has the potential to identify win-win opportunities for both sectors that will contribute to sustainable growth for Scotland."

The project is also seen as highly important by fishermen. Stewart Crichton, Orkney Fishermen's Society general manager, said: "

We have a thriving and long-established inshore fisheries sector, with two of the UK's foremost brown crab processing factories in Stromness and Westray."

He said by having a pro-active role on fisheries management and practices marine energy developers can work in co-operation with traditional marine users.

"Marine energy devices will undoubtedly have an impact on inshore fisheries, and will in some areas restrict the ability of fishermen to work historic grounds.

"We hope that this project will demonstrate that the industries can work together."

Jennifer Norris, research and consents manager at EMEC, said it is an exciting exercise: "The production of electricity by clean and sustainable methods is crucial.

"If this local project can contribute to our understanding of any effects, including positive ones, of these devices on fisheries, then we will be delighted to have played a part in establishing a co-operative way forward for the two industries."