PNNL

Abstract

Understanding the environmental effects of marine renewable energy (MRE) is fundamental for supporting sustainable MRE development and efficient regulatory processes. However, measuring these effects is difficult given the currently limited number of operational devices. Numerical modeling is a powerful tool for estimating environmental effects and quantifying risks, and is more effective when coordinated with environmental monitoring. We reviewed available modeling techniques and information needs for six categories of environmental stressors potentially related to MRE: changes in oceanographic systems, underwater noise, electromagnetic fields, changes in habitat, collision risk, and displacement of marine animals. We summarize the maturity of modeling for each stressor, and provide MRE examples when available and analogous examples as needed. Models for oceanographic systems and underwater noise were widely available but MRE applications need validation in real settings. Many algorithms are available for modeling habitat change and displacement but have very few MRE examples. Models of collision risk and species response to electromagnetic fields are specialized and need more specific, observational data about species behavior near devices to be effective. We summarize commonalities between models and overlapping monitoring needs that can be exploited to develop a coordinated and efficient set of models and monitoring protocols.