Tender for Environmental Science Research Project in Ramsey Sound (LCRI at Swansea University)

Descriptions

The Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) Marine Energy is a collaboration of all the leading academic and marine institutions in Wales. The institute aims to enable, support and help build a sustainable marine energy sector in Wales by providing the independent and world-class research essential to move the marine energy industry forward.LCRI Marine wishes to appoint consultancy services to undertake activities contributing to 2 No. ongoing environmental science research projects associated with the deployment of the Tidal Energy Converter (TEC) due to be deployed in 2014 by Tidal Energy Ltd (TEL) in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire.Ramsey Sound has been recognised nationally and internationally as a sensitive area and lies within the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (mSAC) as well as being in close proximity to other designated sites, including Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).The impacts of subsea TEC’s on the marine environment are not documented comprehensively. Uncertainties include direct collision risk, collision avoidance and collision evasion.The deployment will provide an opportunity for the effects of tidal stream energy devices to be measured, monitored and documented. The mSAC provides a unique opportunity for monitoring the interaction of marine mammals with tidal stream devices, as the area is home to approximately 4% of the UK grey seal population, with harbour porpoise present all year round. Ramsey Island is owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and has a number of UK and European designations due to its high conservation value.The LCRI project has acquired grant funding up until 31st December 2014, so the successful contractor will be expected to commence work immediately after contract award.NOTE: The authority is using eTenderwales to carry out this procurement process. Please note this is a separate website and if you are not already registered, registration will be required.To access eTenderwales, express your interest in this notice and access the tender documentation please visit https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml and search for PQQ/ITT code ITT 43401 within the appropriate area.