Triton's Integrated Collision Detection and Mitigation project studies collision risk and mitigation by simulating collisions between marine mammal models and a prototype cross-flow turbine in a controlled environment. (Photograph courtesy of University of Washington)
One of the most commonly searched questions regarding marine energy is: “Does tidal energy harm animals?” The Triton Initiative aims to address concerns for harmful effects on marine life and ecosystems from marine energy devices. Chief among them is collision risk and the latest Triton research being pursued aims to better understand and mitigate potential interactions between tidal energy devices and aquatic animals.
Collison risk is defined as the possibility of animals physically interacting with moving parts of a marine energy device. Uncertainty around this stressor remains high due to the difficulty of effectively monitoring collision events. Triton’s diverse research includes testing and developing technologies for monitoring collision risk, modeling encounter rates of animals at turbine sites, and innovating practical mitigation strategies for the industry. This story dives into the current state of the science around collision risk, research challenges, and Triton’s contributions to advancing current understanding around this important marine energy stressor. Read the story.
News
Report on Collision Risk Data Collection
The BioSonics Sonar Array provides initial detection of animals such as fish moving with tidal or river currents. This instrument is equipped with a Teledyne Blueview Acoustic Camera and Machine Vision Teledyne FLIR Black Fly, described in the report. Watch the video to learn more. (Photo by Tim Acker | BioSonics, Inc.)
In 2022, Triton and BioSonics, Inc partnered to develop a novel sensor system that is capable of underwater monitoring of the potential interactions of marine animals and current energy converters, like tidal turbines. This is part of Triton’s Collision Risk Data Collection research using active acoustics (sonars) to “visualize” how fish behave in the vicinity of underwater turbines. The large volume of data collected creates unique analysis challenges and a recent report details some of the team’s results and recommendations. Read the report and watch the Collision Risk Data Collection video.
Ask Triton: Outreach, Engagement and Communications
Triton’s researchers are passionate about their work and love sharing it! Researchers Cailene Gunn, Lenaïg Hemery, and Alicia Amerson pose for a selfie after fieldwork as part of Triton's changes in habitat research in La Jolla, California. (Photo by Lenaïg Hemery | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
The Triton Communications, Outreach and Engagement task has been a part of the Triton Initiative for the past three years. The team is working to leverage the science of science communication to better share Triton’s results and connect with audiences like you! Effective science communication is a two-way street. We want to hear from you! How do you like to get updates about Triton’s research? Are there content channels we should explore, topics to cover in more depth, or other feedback you want to share with us?
A collection of photos and illustrations from the Tethys Engineering photo library.
Looking for photos of marine energy devices? The Tethys Engineering Photo Library contains over 700 photos and illustrations of marine energy devices, arrays, and facilities that are available for free use with developer attribution. Peruse the library.
OES-E’s Newest Publication is ‘Scaling Up’ Our Understanding of ME Device Deployment
Triton is designed to support the development and testing of more precise and cost-effective environmental monitoring technologies for marine energy. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory leads Triton on behalf of the Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office.
Connect With Us
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd, Richland, WA 99354
