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Oregon Marine Science Luncheon Series

Wave Energy Development in Oregon: Science, Technology, and Considerations for Maintaining Healthy Ocean Ecosystems

February 22, 2008

Featuring Justin Klure, Interim Director of the Oregon Wave Energy Trust and Dr. George Boehlert, Director of Hatfield Marine Science Center and Professor of Marine Fishes at Oregon State University. Jessica Hamilton, the Governor's Natural Resource Policy Advisor on ocean issues, introduced the speakers and moderated the question and answer period.

Background Information

Developing clean and renewable sources of energy in Oregon is critical to meet increasing energy demands while curbing the state's CO2 emissions. Oregon is poised to lead the way in wave energy development because of its advanced institutional research capacity, continuous high energy coastline, and strong political support from the governor.

Wave energy development is a complex issue, involving many facets. Key among them are potential effects a suite of energy projects can have on Oregon marine ecosystems. In an effort to address this, scientists from around the state and country convened at Hatfield Marine Science Center in October 2007 for a workshop to examine potential ecological effects associated with wave energy.

The luncheon speakers spoke with legislators and staff, addressing the need for wave energy and why Oregon is a logical place for emplacement. They also introduced several types of wave energy technologies, and discussed the workshop findings which examined potential impacts on local ecosystems, studies to help understand such effects, and potential mitigation measures.

Presentations

State of the Wave Energy Industry in Oregon” (Klure)

Presentation

"Ecological Effects of Wave Energy Development" (Boehlert)

Presentation

References

Wave Energy Development—An Opportunity for Oregon

Presentation

Wave Energy Workshop Website
Presentation

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