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Tidal energy is a dependable and clean power source that stands as a compelling alternative to fossil fuels. Despite this promise, tidal energy projects face barriers to practical implementation, and objections to proposed schemes often stem from perceptions of adverse ecological effects. Early concerns surrounding the ecological effects of tidal range energy infrastructure arose largely from the construction stages of barrages rather than from later, longer term operational stages. Though research on this was under‐planned, there is now a literature base. We synthesise the available current evidence of effects that both long‐established range and novel stream technologies have on marine environments through systematic and exploratory literature approaches. Fifty‐four articles have been included in this review and produce a nuanced picture accompanying a steep learning curve in both tidal power system construction and operation. Few of the widespread concerns are substantiated by evidence or in long‐term monitoring of existing projects. There is evidence of alterations in hydrodynamics and sediment flux at tidal range power plants, as well as some animal behavioural changes around tidal stream turbines, though many apprehensions either remain unsubstantiated or result in neutral effects on marine ecosystems. Several positive ecological effects are identified such as greater productivity and species diversity within tidal range basins, as well as enhanced seabird foraging hotspots surrounding tidal stream turbines. Maintaining a tidal regime as close as possible to its prior state appears key to minimising adverse ecological effects and has been a major learning point for tidal range Practical implication. This work provides foundations for environmental impact assessments of future tidal projects and may enable more informed choices and facilitate a priori mitigation planning. Résumé L'énergie marémotrice est une source d'énergie propre et fiable, qui constitue une alternative convaincante aux combustibles fossiles. Malgré cette promesse, les projets d'énergie marémotrice se heurtent à des obstacles, et les objections aux projets proposés découlent souvent de la perception d'effets écologiques négatifs. Les premières inquiétudes concernant les effets écologiques des infrastructures d'énergie marémotrice sont nées en grande partie des phases de construction des barrages plutôt que des phases d'exploitation ultérieures à plus long terme. Bien que les recherches sur ce sujet soient rare, il existe maintenant une base documentaire. Nous synthétisons les données disponibles sur les effets des technologies marémotrices, qu'elles soient anciennes ou nouvelles, sur les environnements marins, grâce à des approches documentaires systématiques et exploratoires. Cinquante‐quatre articles ont contribué cette revue et dressent un tableau nuancé, accompagné d'une courbe d'apprentissage abrupte pour la construction et l'exploitation des systèmes marémoteurs. Peu des inquiétudes répandues sont étayées par des données probantes ou par le suivi à long terme des projets existants. Des altérations de l'hydrodynamique et des flux sédimentaires sont observées derierre les barages marémotrices, ainsi que dans le comportement animal autour des hydroliennes. Cependant, de nombreuses appréhensions restent infondées ou ont des effets neutres sur les écosystèmes marins. Plusieurs effets écologiques positifs sont identifiés, tels qu'une productivité et une diversité d'espèces accrues dans les bassins marémoteurs, ainsi qu'une amélioration des zones d'alimentation des oiseaux marins autour des hydroliennes. Le maintien d'un régime de marée aussi proche que possible de son état antérieur semble essentiel pour minimiser les effets écologiques négatifs et constitue un enseignement majeur. Implication pratique ‐ ce travail fourni des bases pour les études d'impact environnemental des futurs projets marémoteurs. Il permettra des choix plus éclairés et facilitera la planification a priori des mesures d'atténuation. Marine energy (tidal range and stream/flow) is a dependable and clean power source that stands out as a compelling alternative to fossil fuels. Despite widespread concerns surrounding the ecological effects of tidal energy infrastructure, we find few of these are substantiated by evidence or long‐term monitoring of existing tidal power projects. With the plausible risks outlined, the focus can shift towards how to effectively balance these with the considerable potential of tidal energy to contribute to sustainable energy production and thus climate change mitigation.

\"A concise yet technically authoritative overview of modern marine energy devices with the goal of sustainable electricity generation With 165 full-colour illustrations and photographs of devices at an advanced stage, the book provides inspiring case studies of today's most promising marine energy devices and developments, including full-scale grid-connected prototypes tested in sea conditions. It also covers the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland, where many of the devices are assessed.Topics discussed: global resources - drawing energy from the World's waves and tides history of wave and tidal stream systems theoretical background to modern developments conversion of marine energy into grid electricity modern wave energy converters and tidal stream energy converters This book is aimed at a wide readership including professionals, policy makers and employees in the energy sector needing an introduction to marine energy. Its descriptive style and technical level will also appeal to students of renewable energy, and the growing number of people who wish to understand how marine devices can contribute to carbon-free electricity generation in the 21st century\"-- Provided by publisher.

Estuaries are ecologically vital yet highly impacted ecosystems that serve as transitional zones between land and sea. Monitoring their biodiversity is essential but challenging due to their dynamic nature and the transient presence of many species. Traditionally, actinopterygian monitoring in these systems still relies on conventional and intrusive methods such as gill nets and trawls. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offers a non‐invasive, multi‐taxa alternative that can complement these traditional approaches. Here, we applied an eDNA‐based metabarcoding approach to characterize vertebrate diversity in the Rance Estuary, located in the Brittany Region of France. Water samples were collected from five stations spanning marine to freshwater environments. Special attention was given to two stations located upstream and downstream of the tidal power plant (TPP) dam to assess its potential impact on ecological continuity. We detected a total of 124 distinct vertebrate MOTUs, comprising actinopterygians, birds, mammals, and amphibians. Taxonomic composition followed the estuarine gradient, with Jaccard dissimilarity increasing with distance from the sea and largely driven by species turnover. While taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity remained relatively stable across the vertebrate community, functional diversity revealed an increasing terrestrial influence. For actinopterygians, taxonomic diversity decreased upstream, whereas phylogenetic and functional diversity indicated fine‐scale structuring, even among nearby stations. This approach enabled the development of biodiversity metrics and facilitated comparisons with previous actinopterygian monitoring surveys in the same area based on conventional methods (scientific fishing using nets and dredges). Our results emphasize the potential of eDNA for holistic estuarine biomonitoring and establish a valuable baseline for future non‐invasive assessments. We applied eDNA metabarcoding to assess vertebrate diversity in the Rance Estuary, France, across five stations spanning marine to freshwater environments, including areas upstream and downstream of a tidal power plant dam. A total of 124 vertebrate MOTUs were detected, with community composition reflecting the estuarine gradient and species turnover driving dissimilarity. Our results demonstrate that eDNA provides a non‐invasive, integrative approach for monitoring estuarine biodiversity and can complement traditional fish surveys.

Several articles discuss the issues and concerns surrounding wave and tidal power generation.

Kim, T.-W.; Kim, Y.-J.; Yoon J.-S., and Kim, M.-K., 2021. Changes in power generation at Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant with the installation of submerged breakwaters. In: Lee, J.L.; Suh, K.-S.; Lee, B.; Shin, S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 146–150. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Tidal power generation uses potential energy generated by vertical movements of the sea level to run a hydro turbine to produce electricity; thus, it is suitable for areas with large differences between tidal waves. The Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant situated on the west coast of South Korea is located at the center of the 11.2-km-long Sihwa Seawall. It generates power by using the increased water level in the outer region during ebb, and it discharges the seawater inflow caused by power generation during flood. In this study, the EFDC (Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code model), which can reproduce the operation patterns of the Sihwa sluice gate and considers permeable structures, was applied to predict the effect of changes in seawater flow resulting from the installation of impact reduction facilities on the nearby offshore of the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant. To calculate the amount of power generated using a numerical model, a year-long daily operation record of the tidal power plant in 2013 was analyzed and used as input conditions (sluice gate operation, runoff) of the numerical model. In addition, a relational expression was derived using the data—inner/outer water-level difference (ΔH), hydro turbine water flowrate (Q), and power generated (W)—and the power output was calculated using the inflow rate calculated by the numerical model.

Background In the recent years, owing to the increasing carbon emissions from anthropogenic activities, the challenges caused by global climate change, including the greenhouse effect, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events, have become increasingly severe. It is also an urgent task for many countries to develop clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and establish a green low-carbon development structure. As a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source, tidal power is abundant in numerous coastal regions. Constructing tidal power plants to harness this renewable energy source not only provides substantial energy benefits but also plays a pivotal role in advancing green and sustainable development. Moreover, tidal energy has profound implications for societal transformation, fostering economic growth, and enhancing stability. Therefore, tidal energy is an indispensable component of clean power generation, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable world. Main text By summarising the ongoing research on tidal energy, this paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the current status of tidal energy development and crucial insights derived from tidal energy applications. The mechanism of tidal energy and the structural design of tidal power stations are systematically explained, and the characteristics of tidal energy use to generate electricity in different regions are introduced. Focussing on China in combination with other countries, the latest technological achievements are summarised, and corresponding improvement measures are proposed for tidal energy development and implementation. Conclusions Tidal energy, characterised by zero-emission attributes, renewability, and operational reliability, offers a vital pathway towards sustainable energy systems. Despite mature technology with decades of commercial operation, its deployment has progressed slowly because of persistent challenges, including high capital costs and ecological impacts on marine ecosystems. Consequently, resolving these constraints necessitates notable advancements in policy frameworks and technological innovation. This paper could provide reference material for the increased popularization and sustainable development of tidal energy power generation technology.

Provides a comprehensive and self-contained review of the developing marine renewable energy sector, drawing from the latest research and from the experience of device testing. The book has a twofold objective: to provide an overview of wave and tidal energy suitable for newcomers to the field and to serve as a reference text for advanced study and practice. Including detail on key issues such as resource characterisation, wave and tidal technology, power systems, numerical and physical modelling, environmental impact and policy.

A considerable body of research is currently being performed to quantify available tidal energy resources and to develop efficient devices with which to harness them. This work is naturally focussed on maximising power generation from the most promising sites, and a review of the literature suggests that the potential for smaller scale, local tidal power generation from shallow near-shore sites has not yet been investigated. If such generation is feasible, it could have the potential to provide sustainable electricity for coastal homes and communities as part of a distributed generation strategy, and would benefit from easier installation and maintenance, lower cabling and infrastructure requirements and reduced capital costs when compared with larger scale projects. This article reviews tidal barrages and lagoons, tidal turbines, oscillating hydrofoils and tidal kites to assess their suitability for smaller scale electricity generation in the shallower waters of coastal areas at the design stage. This is achieved by discussing the power density, scalability, durability, maintainability, economic potential and environmental impacts of each concept. The discussion suggests that tidal kites and range devices are not well suited toward small-scale shallow water applications due to depth and size requirements, respectively. Cross-flow turbines appear to be the most suitable technology, as they have high power densities and a maximum size that is not constrained by water depth. Oscillating hydrofoils would also be appropriate, provided comparable levels of efficiency can be achieved.