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Updated: May 26, 2026
08:54
Measurements of Waves in a Wind-wave Tank Under Steady and Time-varying Wind Forcing
Published on: February 13, 2018
Assessing wave energy effects on biodiversity: the wave hub experience
M J Witt1, E V Sheehan, S Bearhop
1Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Tremough Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, UK. m.j.witt@exeter.ac.uk
Summary
Marine renewable energy, particularly wave energy, is growing. Research is needed to understand and assess its potential positive and negative impacts on marine biodiversity for sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Marine renewable energy
- Oceanography
- Marine ecology
Background:
- Marine renewable energy installations, including wave energy converters (WECs), are poised to significantly contribute to the global energy mix.
- While wave energy technology is still developing, its widespread adoption is expected to transform coastal seas.
- There is considerable uncertainty regarding the ecological impacts of these transformations on marine biodiversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a framework for understanding the potential impacts of wave energy generation on marine biodiversity.
- To develop transferable and scalable methodologies for assessing these impacts.
- To facilitate formal meta-analysis of wave energy effects across different sites.
Main Methods:
- Review of potential positive and negative effects of wave energy generation.
- Application of methodological approaches at the Wave Hub (UK) test site.
- Focus on biodiversity impact assessment for wave energy converters.
Main Results:
- Identified potential positive and negative effects of wave energy generation on marine ecosystems.
- Outlined specific methodological approaches for biodiversity impact assessment.
- Highlighted the need for a coherent understanding of wave energy's ecological effects.
Conclusions:
- A robust framework and standardized methodologies are crucial for assessing wave energy's biodiversity impacts.
- Further research and collaboration are needed to accelerate wave energy implementation responsibly.
- Understanding both positive and negative ecological effects is essential for sustainable marine energy development.
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