Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/K007920/1
[ENERGY] Biogenic structures and their interactions with marine renewable energy developments and climate (sponsored by SNH)
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr W G Sanderson, Heriot-Watt University, Sch of Energy, Geosci, Infrast & Society
- Grant held at:
- Heriot-Watt University, Sch of Energy, Geosci, Infrast & Society
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Biogenic structures are species-rich benthic habitats of high nature conservation importance and possibly also of high functional and societal importance. The horse mussel, Modiolus modiolus, and the calcareous alga maerl both build biogenic structures that are features of Marine Protected Areas (eg Mair et al. 2000; Rees et al. 2008; Sanderson et al. 2008) and they are priorities for further conservation measures (eg Howson et al. 2009). Biogenic structures are prominent in a wide range of statutory and policy drivers such as OSPAR, the Habitats and Species Directive, the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS) and the Marine Biodiversity Implementation Plan. Despite these high priorities, it remains largely unknown what the ecological requirements and constraints are for Modiolus and maerl habitats. Both habitat types exist in wave-exposed near-shore coastal environments and both can also exist in moderately strong tidal flows (Hirst et al. 2012a, b). The renewable energy industry are currently testing devices in high flow and high wave-exposure environments, and research is ongoing into the potential for upscaled energy extraction to affect hydrodynamics at scales ranging from metres to tens of kilometres and more. Large scale changes in circulation patterns and wave climates potentially affect the availability and distribution of benthic habitats for biogenic reef builders, and the presence of devices and associated infrastructure could also provide new niches for biogenic structures. Currently, Marine Spatial Planning initiatives (eg Marine (Scotland) Act 2010) and marine renewable energy developments are undergoing unprecedented growth. Yet the medium to long-term value of understanding the spatial management measures for benthic habitats cannot be underestimated in a changing climate. Furthermore, the consequences of extracting energy and introducing built structures cannot be anticipated without predictive modelling capacity built upon a detailed quantitative understanding of hydrodynamic responses and the links between habitat and environment. Given national obligations to implement the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, defining and monitoring indicators of Good Environmental Status under a range of descriptors, it is timely for such modeling capacity to be developed. In an era of rapidly developing and widespread marine engineering, the project seeks opportunities for marine biodiversity management whilst reducing the impact of legislation and policy on the developer. The project aims to do this by understanding the environmental niche occupied by two habitats created by bioengineers and examining whether these niches will become available within and amongst marine engineered structures, and tidal systems where arrays of these structures will be built. Proof of concept in this area could shift the traditional discussion between developer and statutory government agency away from the impacts of structures to the potential benefits of structures with consequential benefits for consenting efficiency and biodiversity. Hirst, N. et al. 2012a The distribution of PMFs and MPA search features in Orkney Wyre Sound to Copinsay. Report to SNH by HWU. Hirst, N. et al. 2012b The distribution of PMFs and MPA search features in the Southern Trench and Noss Head areas. Report to SNH by HWU. Howson et al. 2009 Identification of priority marine features in Scottish territorial waters. SNH Report 388. Mair, J. M. et al. 2000 A review of the status, ecology and conservation of horse mussel Modiolus modiolus beds in Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F99PA08. Rees, E.I.S. et al. 2008 Small-scale variation within a Modiolus modiolus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) reef in the Irish Sea. III. JMBA UK 88(1), 151-156 Sanderson, W.G. et al. 2008 Small-scale variation within a Modiolus modiolus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) reef in the Irish Sea. II. JMBA UK 88(1), 143-150
- NERC Reference:
- NE/K007920/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £74,869
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - Student Stipend | Total - RTSG |
|---|---|---|
| £13,978 | £49,194 | £11,697 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.