Monitoring buoy concludes landmark wildlife research off Holyhead coast
North Wales tidal energy scheme, Morlais marks a significant milestone as it bids farewell to the Marinus buoy this week. The specialist monitoring platform has been central to marine wildlife research off the coast of Ynys Môn (Anglesey) for over two years.
The buoy’s removal signals the end of the of data gathering phase before tidal turbines are deployed in the Morlais zone over the next few years. Launched in 2024 as part of the Marine Characterisation Research Project (MCRP) led by Menter Môn, the Marinus has been central to tracking marine mammals and birds in the area. Equipped with cutting edge monitoring technology, the information and data it has gathered will be vital to safeguarding wildlife as the Morlais tidal energy scheme progresses.
The Marinus recorded the first confirmed dolphin encounter using a combination of innovative monitoring sensors, including machine-learning technology that can classifying observations. This has been recognised as a significant achievement for the project and has enabled discussions regarding the future of consenting and monitoring with regulators.
All the data collected by the MCRP is shared and has contributed significantly to the Crown Estate’s Marine Data Exchange, which adds to the growing evidence base and enables discussions on transferability of data in the UK.
Helen Roberts, Environment and Compliance Project Manager at Menter Môn said: “We are proud that we have been able to bring the Marinus to north Wales and work with respected partners to deliver world leading monitoring technology that may be able to accelerate consenting across the industry in the UK and Globally.
“The data we have gathered will help ensure that tidal energy devices within the Morlais zone can be deployed safely. From sonar and acoustic sensors to video and AI-driven monitoring, we have used technology not trialled elsewhere – and all as part of our commitment to protecting local marine wildlife.
“We’re now focused on the next phase and hope the tools and methodologies used at our site can be adapted for wider use, including in offshore wind and other industries looking to understand and reduce their impact on marine wildlife. We’re looking forward to building on the legacy of this research stage and the work we have done so far.”
Project partners have included marine technology specialists – Seiche and MarineSitu, alongside marine contractors Leask, and Francis Marine, who have supported the vessel’s operations.
Protecting the environment and marine wildlife have been priorities for Menter Môn Morlais from the beginning. Insights from the MCRP will form a crucial part of this, ensuring tidal energy installations can operate safely within sensitive marine habitats. As research continues, the first tidal devices are expected to be deployed from 2027, when they will begin generating clean electricity from tidal energy off the Ynys Môn coast.