The seas, particularly around Britain with their high wind, wave and tidal resources can and must play a significant part in the development of sustainable and renewable energy sources for the future. MCS supports offshore marine renewable development as an ecologically sustainable and renewable form of electricity production, provided it is located appropriately and developed alongside, not instead of, land based renewables.
 
However, the development and operation of offshore wind, wave and tidal renewables are not completely benign. Possible impacts range from habitat disturbance or destruction where the structures are placed and disturbance from piling, to electromagnetic effects of cables and possible barrier effects or even direct strikes from structures.  They could also, if inappropriately placed, impact on some of the UK’s beautiful land and seascapes.
 
MCS therefore aims to ensure that developments are sensitively located, with full regard being given to potential impacts on marine life, natural physical processes, seascape and other users of the sea.
 
MCS informs and influences the development of UK policy and individual marine renewable projects by responding to consultations, issuing press releases and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
 
Copies of consultation responses and statements can be downloaded from the MCS Policy page

MCS Sea View briefing papers on 'Offhsore Wind' and 'Wave & Tidal Power' will be published later in the year