A device called PAMBuoy will be launched this week by a spin-out company SMRU Limited from St Andrews University. PAMBuoy is said to be useful first of all for offshore wind developers, as it allows detecting whales, dolphins and other sea mammals in the project area.
A marine mammal scientist who was involved in the development of PAMBuoy, Gordon Hastie , is quoted on the Scotsman’s news site as saying: “Technology like PAMBuoy is gold dust to offshore wind farm developers, who seek to minimise impacts on marine life during their developments of greener energy production.”
The device is expected to play its most significant role in environmental impact assessments for offshore wind, wave and tidal projects.
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Offshore WIND staff, September 24, 2012; Image: PAMBuoy