Scientists from the Pacific Northwest National Labs at Sequim Bay will try to shed some light on tidal energy when they speak to the Island County Marine Resources Committee this week in Coupeville.

Snohomish Public Utility District is preparing to test several tidal-energy generators in deep water about half a mile offshore from Fort Casey within the next two years. Though tidal energy might one day provide an important part of the Northwest’s portfolio of clean, renewable energy, questions remain about the potential effects on marine mammals, salmon and fragile ecosystems. The PNNL is engaged in research to avoid and mitigate environmental effects in Puget Sound and the outer coast.

Speaking at the meeting will be Dr. Andrea Copping and Simon Geerlofs.

The committee will meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 in the commissioners’ hearing room in the basement of the County Annex Building in Coupeville.