OSU Research

Wave Energy Environmental Impact Study

According to a new report, wave energy facilities may have significant impacts on the ocean ecosystem off the Oregon coast.  The report, put together by Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, was a compilation of findings from a workshop back in October 2007 in which scientists gathered to explore environmental concerns over wave energy. 

1. It should not be placed in sensitive areas, including anywhere closer to shore than a depth of 40 meters.
   
2. It may result in wave reduction, which impacts movement of sand along the coast.
   
3. Conversely, it could also lead to a channeling effect of waves that potentially could create rip currents on nearby beaches
   
4. It could attract forage fish species and thereby attract larger fish.  It could also attract sea birds & cause collisions, as well as interfere with marine mammels from mooring cables. 

Due to wave energy technology being ahead of the related environmental research, impact will be forecasted and determined by the size and placement of a given project.  Projects will then be designed to minimize environmental impact.

Download the full report: