Abstract
The need for marine mammal collision detection was identified as a priority by the Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Programme (ORJIP) Ocean Energy1 for offshore marine energy array consenting to become a viable proposition at scale. Scientific evidence is required to reduce uncertainly around the probability and consequence of any marine mammal collisions with operating tidal turbines, to improve collision risk models and to inform the consenting process for proposed tidal energy developments. This will dictate future monitoring and turbine control strategy requirements and mitigate environmental effects. To date there is no known evidence of mammal collisions or injuries from any wave or tidal devices.
Significant efforts have resulted in progress in recent years in the development of approaches and technologies that detect and validate mammal collision events. However the technology readiness in some areas is still at best only at the proof of concept level. It is challenging to identify the relevant environmental parameters to measure and the technical requirements of an ideal sensor system that will operate reliably in high-energy tidal zones. Nonetheless, it is clear from the approaches identified in this study that any such solution must combine multiple techniques, including passive and active acoustics, optical, and electro-mechanical sensing methods. Key elements of these sensor requirements are summarised in this report. While acoustic techniques for tracking fine scale behaviour of marine mammals close to turbines have matured recently, other relevant technologies, such as tactile detection for instance, need to be explored and developed further in order to confirm a collision event.
A collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach is recommended to advance the technology readiness for marine mammal turbine impact detection systems. Work to date has covered a number of specific areas in the overall problem domain, based on readily available subject matter expertise. An integrated, systemic approach will provide additional benefits. Further knowledge sharing amongst tidal turbine developers, environmental scientists and sensor specialists is required for an overall system solution, allowing for impact sensing to be integrated into the turbine system design from initial development.