Multi-platform studies of the MeyGen tidal energy site – using UAVs to measure animal distributions and hydrodynamic features

Conference Paper

Title: Multi-platform studies of the MeyGen tidal energy site – using UAVs to measure animal distributions and hydrodynamic features

Author:

Publication Date:

November 1, 2018

Event Name:

MASTS 8th Annual Science Meeting (ASM)

Event Location:

Glasgow, UK

Affiliation

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), University of Aberdeen, Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine Scotland Science, Aarhus University

Technology:

Marine Energy, Tidal

Stressor:

Changes in Flow, Habitat Change

Document Access

Attachment:

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Citation

Williamson, B.; Fraser, S.; McIlvenny, J.; Couto, A.; Chapman, J.; Wade, H.; Martin, J.; Wilson, J.; Evans, T.; Hunter, D.; Fenn, S.; Culloch, R.; Tait, A.; Chimienti, M.; Edwards, E.; Williamson, L.; Davies, I.; Scott, B. (2018). Multi-platform studies of the MeyGen tidal energy site – using UAVs to measure animal distributions and hydrodynamic features. Paper presented at MASTS 8th Annual Science Meeting (ASM) , Glasgow, UK.

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Abstract

Top predators are known to forage in tidal stream sites. High flow speeds, upwelling or shear may enhance prey availability and foraging efficiency. We need to measure the distribution of animals to understand potential animal interactions with tidal stream energy developments.

Our studies have focused on the MeyGen tidal energy site in the Pentland Firth, UK. The FLOWBEC seabed platform was deployed in 2015 to collect baseline measurements on hydrodynamics (ADCP & ADV), prey and turbulence (EK60) and predator-prey interactions (multibeam sonar).