Offshore renewable energy is an exciting new development area. However, as with all forms of energy generation, there will be some environmental effects and it is important that these are understood and addressed as the industry develops. Ecology Matters Mick Green has been working on the policy and environmental implications of offshore energy developments for some years. Most recently, working with The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Mick has co-authored a paper summarising the current state of knowledge with regard to cetaceans. The paper was presented to the recent IWC meeting, and the issues raised will be fully debated at the next meeting.

The paper – Marine Renewable Energy and Cetaceans – can be downloaded from the IWC website at

http://iwcoffice.org/_documents/sci_com/SC59docs/SC-59-E10.pdf

For more details of our offshore energy and other policy work please contact the office.