New research to keep Scotland on track to meet ambitious renewables targets without damaging its unique marine environment will get underway this year.

It reflects Ministers commitment to promoting the development of the marine renewables energy sector in Scottish waters. At the same time, they recognise the need to protect Scotland's unique marine ecosystem and the many habitats and species which are found there.

Marine Scotland, the new marine management organisation, has announced three projects looking at the potential impact of marine renewables on Scotland's biodiversity. They include a review of the potential impacts of renewable energy on Scotland's marine environment, estimates of collision risk of harbour porpoises and marine renewable devices at sites of high tidal stream energy and the use of acoustic devices to warn marine mammals of tidal-stream energy renewable devices

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Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in the development of marine renewable energy technologies. As a nation we are home to some of the best wave and tidal resources in the world, which could harness over a gigawatt of electricity generating capacity.

"These projects aim to ensure that the marine renewable energy sector is developed sustainably while at the same time protecting the many species and habitats which Scotland's seas are famous for."

(GK/JM)