2023-2025, The Crown Estate and ABPmer, Evaluating the Transferability of Marine Mammal Data Between Tidal Stream Energy Developments (2025)

The Crown Estate identified a need to ensure that data and evidence from already consented tidal stream projects are readily available, and where possible transferable, to tidal stream projects subject to consenting or to those that have already been consented. This work aims to pinpoint areas where scientific uncertainty can be minimised, allowing research and monitoring efforts to focus on critical evidence gaps. The development of the transferability matrix aims to provide a systematic approach to discussions on the necessary monitoring required for a project. These discussions will not only facilitate the identification of transferable data but also determine which data may require enhancement through additional monitoring. Using expert judgement, the matrix should provide clarity where existing data and evidence can be applied. The matrix does not use a dichotomous approach: it does not aim to divide data into opposite classifications but instead aims to highlight where new scientific evidence can enhance a tidal stream project’s evidence base. The matrix is designed to facilitate discussions between developers and regulators. Therefore, if certain factors score lower on transferability, they could still be evaluated collaboratively to determine how the available data may be utilised. To read the associated Transferability Evaluation please follow: https://www.marinedataexchange.co.uk/details/TCE-4144