Stoneface, this Wikipedia article refers to the environmental impact of barrage and lagoon type tidal schemes: frankly, that impact is clear to any but the dumbest. But it doesn't suggest that turbines set in tidal streams (such as at Strangford Lough) have any such impact. Indeed, reading the entire article, you'll see that it clearly differentiates between three types of tidal power generation: tidal streams, barrages and lagoons. I would oppose the latter two, but with the strong tidal streams around the Channel Islands - some of the strongest in the world - we would be daft to ignore the possible benefits of power generation from tidal streams.
I am not saying we should "ignore the possible benefits," I am saying we should not ignore the potential costs - which as we have
both pointed out, varies with the type of installation. I am not arguing against tidal stream power generation, just asking that we remember that even though it is called a "green" energy source, that doesn't mean it does no harm to the environment. Just because I point out the pitfalls of a project, doesn't mean I am against it. Please, don't be so keen to jump to conclusions.
