Tidal Power: Using specially designed turbines to generate power through the movement and energy of the tides. Tidal power is only viable in coastal perimeter areas where the current speeds exceed 1.2 meters per second, however most current speeds throughout the ocean do not exceed 0.1 meters per second.[1] Viable speeds for turbine energy production occur in few spots around the world. The only areas where high current speeds are possible are areas of turbulent seas where currents are pushed through channels between land masses. Some such places are the Orkney Islands north of Scotland, the northern coast of Australia, and the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. However, there is some controversy over installing tidal farms in these areas because of the rich marine ecosystems that prosper from the high current speeds. Many of these areas are breeding grounds for marine life because the nutrients spread by the high currents strongly benefit oceanic species. If such tidal turbine farms were installed in these areas they have the potential to disrupt marine life by throwing off certain currents and killing fish that pass through them. Turbines kill 80% of fish that come into contact with them. [2]

  1. van Haren, Hans. "Tidal Power? No Thanks." New Scientist 205.2754 (2010): 20-21. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.
  2. van Haren, Hans. "Tidal Power? No Thanks." New Scientist 205.2754 (2010): 20-21. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.
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