A data-gathering buoy linked to a tidal energy scheme has been relaunched.

The Marinus LiDAR buoy will be used to ensure that marine mammals and birds are safeguarded as Morlais becomes operational from 2026.

The unmanned buoy was initially deployed at the site in 2023 by the Menter Môn-led, Marine Characterisation and Research Project (MCRP).

Menter Môn, a social enterprise based on Anglesey, operates across Wales to implement a variety of regeneration, environmental, and cultural initiatives aimed at benefiting local communities.

After extensive testing and refurbishment, Marinus is back in operation and equipped with the latest technologies to resume its data collection work.

This advanced system now includes integrated monitoring and analysis equipment on the buoy, featuring sonar imaging, acoustic monitoring, and video imaging.

All are calibrated to local conditions and will monitor wildlife behaviours in the area planned for Morlais tidal energy devices.

Helen Roberts, MCRP project manager, said: "This is another important milestone for us and the tidal energy sector.

"The operational trial of the technology over the next 12 months is a significant step forward in our delivery of an effective and transferable monitoring and mitigation system to safeguard marine mammals and diving seabirds in developments like Morlais.

"We look forward to analysing the findings and sharing our learning with colleagues across the tidal energy sector."

The Marinus buoy is also outfitted with equipment to gather environmental data from the site, which will be incorporated into future updates of the Morlais Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP).

The current mission will contribute to the refinement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) monitoring devices designed to keep monitoring systems up-to-date and aligned with the evolving requirements of the Morlais project and the broader tidal energy sector.

Environmental monitoring will be conducted throughout the duration of the Morlais project.

The next phase of development is planned for 2025.

During this phase, the SIMA system will be adapted for deployment on a seabed-mounted turbine within the Morlais zone.

The buoy will remain at sea for 12 months, and the information gathered will be shared with Morlais turbine developers and the broader tidal energy industry to support and drive sector growth.

The aim of Morlais is to support local communities, boost the economy, and combat climate change by producing clean, low-carbon electricity from tidal power.

The project is being developed in phases to safeguard wildlife and habitats, with a gradual approach toward achieving a potential maximum generating capacity of 240MW.