The Orkney-based European Marine Energy Centre’s (EMEC) grid-connected test site at Billia Croo on Orkney will be the location of a unique project involving the wave energy and fishing industries. The project at Billia Croo will address the possible effects of marine energy developments on crustacea and their fisheries, and will investigate the effects of a no-take zone established around the wave energy site.
Working together with Orkney Sustainable Fisheries Ltd, EMEC will release hatchery reared juvenile lobsters
into the area and the population will then be monitored by an annual catch and release programme.
Way forward for co-existence
“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,” said Jennifer Norris, research and consents manager at EMEC. "The production of electricity by clean and sustainable methods is crucial, and I firmly believe that there is a way forward for the marine energy and fisheries industries to coexist co-operatively.”
From the local fishing industry point of view the project is regarded as highly important. Orkney Fishermen's Society general manager Stewart Crichton said: "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.”
Crichton added that by taking a pro-active role with regard to sustainable fisheries management and practices - in this case by making a commitment and financial contribution to research and restocking - marine energy developers can work in co-operation with traditional marine users.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This project, aided by 67,000 (pounds) of Scottish Government funding, will add to our knowledge of the interactions between marine renewables and fisheries.
EMEC’s Billia Croo test facility can be used by developers to pilot test their wave energy devices and feed the electricity they generate into the UK grid. EMEC also has a similar site in the North Isles of Orkney for testing tidal energy devices. Both test sites have already seen various devices on test, with more planned for deployment in the months and years ahead.
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