Morcambe Bay Flashcards
(3 cards)
✅ ADVANTAGES of the Morecambe Bay Tidal Barrage
🌊 1. Renewable Energy Supply
Could provide clean, reliable tidal power for over 1 million homes.
Helps the UK meet Net Zero targets by cutting carbon emissions.
Tides are predictable, unlike wind and solar.
🔒 2. Energy Security
Reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and volatile energy markets.
Helps protect the UK from future energy price shocks or supply issues.
💼 3. Economic Development & Jobs
Estimated to create thousands of construction and long-term jobs.
Potential to regenerate nearby towns (e.g., Barrow-in-Furness, Morecambe).
May boost the green economy and attract investment.
🚗 4. Improved Infrastructure
Possibility of including a new road/rail link across the bay.
Could ease congestion and improve transport in NW England.
🐦 5. Eco-tourism Opportunities
With careful design, it could attract visitors (e.g., bird hides, visitor centre).
If tidal lagoons or wetland areas are added, wildlife could still thrive.
❌ DISADVANTAGES of the Morecambe Bay Tidal Barrage
🐬 1. Environmental Damage
Could disrupt a protected estuary ecosystem (SSSI, RAMSAR site).
Might harm important habitats like salt marshes and mudflats.
Risk to birds (e.g., oystercatchers, curlews) and marine life.
💸 2. Very High Costs
Estimated cost is £8–10 billion+ — a massive investment.
Public and private funding needed — some argue money better spent on smaller schemes.
🎣 3. Impact on Local Industries
May disrupt fishing and shellfish farming by altering tidal flows and sediment.
Could hurt local economies reliant on the bay.
🌊 4. Coastal Process Disruption
Changing tidal range may lead to increased erosion or deposition elsewhere.
Long-term impacts on sediment movement not fully known.
🤝 5. Stakeholder Opposition
Environmental groups (e.g., RSPB, Natural England) oppose the plan.
Could create conflict between developers, conservationists, and locals.
⚖️ In Summary
Advantages
-Renewable, reliable energy
-Reduces CO₂ emissions
-Boosts energy security
-Creates jobs + infrastructure
-Tourism and regeneration
Disadvatages
-Damage to protected ecosystems
-High cost (£10bn+)
-Disrupts fishing industry
-Alters tidal flows and sediment balance
-Opposition from environmental groups
