New research to keep Scotland on track to meet ambitious renewables targets in Scottish waters whilst at the same time recognising the need to protect Scotland’s unique marine ecosystem and the many habitats and species which are found there.

Marine Scotland has announced three projects looking at the potential impact of marine renewables on Scotland’s biodiversity.

• A review of the potential impacts of renewable energy on Scotland’s marine environment
• Estimates of collision risk of harbour porpoises and marine renewable devices at sites of high tidal stream energy
• The use of acoustic devices to warn marine mammals of tidal-stream energy renewable devices

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in the development of marine renewable energy technologies. As a nation we are home to some of the best wave and tidal resources in the world, which could harness over a gigawatt of electricity generating capacity.

“This would help support the Scottish Government progress and deliver on its commitment of generating 50 per cent of our electricity from renewables by 2020 as well as boosting economic growth.

"These projects aim to ensure that the marine renewable energy sector is developed sustainably while at the same time protecting the many species and habitats which Scotland’s seas are famous for."

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