Over recent years we have worked closely with Tidal Lagoon Power (TLP) on the development of various elements of the Adaptive Environmental Monitoring Plan (AEMP) for the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay (TLSB) project that, when built, will be the world’s first tidal lagoon power plant. Our primary involvement to date has involved conducting an ongoing research programme aimed at determining the optimal methods for the proposed translocation of Annex I biogenic reef formed by the honeycomb worm (Sabellaria alveolata). This has involved the design, set-up and monthly monitoring of field experiments as well as undertaking plankton surveys to gather information on the spawning and settlement periods of S. alveolata.

We have also been commissioned to conduct a series pilot studies to investigate the suitability of data collected by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for accurately monitoring changes to fine sediments (mud) and sand dune habitats within the Zone of Influence (ZoI) of the project. Additionally, we have been commissioned to conduct high-resolution UAV imagery for mapping the numerous honeycomb worm reefs located throughout Swansea Bay.