Charismatic megafauna species such as marine mammals can delay or complicate
consenting decisions for tidal-stream energy developments:
• High-profile species protected by legislation
• A new industry with the potential for impacts, but many unknowns
• Regulators demand high-quality data on animal distribution, habitat use etc., but marine
mammals are hard to study!
• Animals can be difficult to observe
• Standard survey methods may not work well in fast-flowing waters
• Logistical difficulties
