Tidal power generation has a "very small ecological impact", according to Renewable UK – the industry body for the marine and wind power industry.
RWE npower renewables recently outlined plans on display for a commercial scale tidal stream development off the coast of Anglesey, north Wales, which is being developed in partnership with Marine Current Turbines.
The tidal farm will be capable of generating 10.5 megawatts, which is sufficient to power 10,000 local homes, and could be commissioned as early as 2013. A planning application is due to be released to the Welsh Assembly government next month.
Adam Bell, national campaigns coordinator at Renewable UK, said that, in comparison to wind, tidal power is very unobtrusive and has a "very small ecological impact".
"Of course every one put in the sea has to go through an environmental assessment in order to make sure it doesn't have an adverse impact on local marine life," Mr Bell added.
He added that there are a number of tests being carried out around Orkney to establish the area's suitability for tidal power generation. 
