Hi We are assessing an application by an energy company that is proposing to install underwater marine tidal turbines over an area of 219 sq kms in the Cook Strait (passage of water between the north and south islands). The region that the turbines are proposed to be located is within an area that humpbacks utilise while on their northern migration to winter breeding grounds, and that southern right whales are likely to use in winter during their breeding season. We are seeking information about the potential and actual effects that these turbines may have on whales, as well as other marine fauna. Could you please contact me if you have any information that may be useful for our assessment. Kind regards Nadine Gibbs Technical Support Officer - Freshwater & Marine Department of Conservation Wellington Conservancy 181 Thorndon Quay PO Box 5086 Wellington, New Zealand ph: ++64 4 472 5821 fax: ++64 4 499 0077 vpn: 8430 ############################################## This e-mail (and attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. ##############################################