Green Marine UK is ramping up its environmental monitoring (EM) services to meet the growing demand for offshore wind energy projects in Scotland. With a surge in contracts from the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, the company is set to provide comprehensive environmental solutions, including monitoring marine ecosystems, migratory species, and the broader impact of offshore wind farms.
Scaling Up to Meet Demand
Green Marine’s decision to expand its environmental monitoring operations follows a successful 18-month period during which the company conducted continuous work involving passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). The company has retrieved approximately 40 devices, spanning nearly 250 nautical miles in some instances.
The PAM technology involves the use of underwater microphones, or hydrophones, to track and record the movements of marine life, such as migratory fish and other sea animals, around offshore wind farm sites. This monitoring helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations and supports the protection of marine ecosystems, which are vital to both conservation and the success of offshore wind projects.
Enhanced Expertise and New Services
Historically, Green Marine UK has provided vessel charter services for EM projects, but its growing expertise in environmental monitoring has led to expanded operations. The company is now involved in more comprehensive projects, which include the deployment, collection, and processing of data from EM devices.
Additionally, Green Marine has entered the “catch and tag” field, tracking fish movement to better understand the impact of offshore activities on marine species. This new direction highlights the company’s growing role in safeguarding marine life while supporting the energy sector’s move towards sustainable offshore wind solutions.
- Key Highlights:
- Over 18 months of continuous work monitoring marine life.
- 40 PAM devices retrieved across vast distances.
- Expanded services, including fish tagging and data processing.
Growing Demand from Windfarm Operators
The expansion of Green Marine’s services comes at a time when windfarm operators are increasingly turning to specialized companies for their environmental monitoring needs. After securing a significant share of contracts through Scotland’s Marine Directorate, Green Marine is now seeing direct inquiries from windfarm operators, signaling a growing trust in the company’s capabilities.
New contracts are set to commence later this month, marking an important milestone for the company as it strengthens its position as a key player in the offshore wind industry.
Navigating Challenges in Marine Monitoring
The process of retrieving PAM devices, while routine, is not without its challenges. Usually, the retrieval involves activating a release mechanism that allows the buoys to float to the surface, where the crew can easily bring the devices aboard. However, in cases where the acoustic releases fail, Green Marine must rely on grapnel equipment to snag the mooring on the seabed. In more sensitive areas, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are deployed to aid in the process, ensuring minimal disruption to the marine environment.
The guidelines set by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) for using PAM technology are crucial in reducing the risk of harm to marine mammals from offshore activities. Green Marine’s commitment to adhering to these guidelines reinforces its reputation as a leader in both environmental monitoring and marine conservation.
