Wave climate assessment in the coast of Merang–energy and Mariculture perspective

Abstract

Ocean waves are a power-dense, predictable source of clean and sustainable energy that has not yet been exploited to any significant extent in Malaysia. The lack of suitable sheltered sites is forcing mariculture farmers to move to more exposed offshore locations in order to provide for continued growth in the industry. However, as farmers move to more exposed sites for on-growing, extreme wave climate conditions must be regarded as a normal environmental condition. The present work aims to evaluate the wave climate condition in Merang, which is traditionally considered as being more energetic. The study was based on data collected during the period of 2008 and 2010. From the analysis following features of the wave climate in the area of study was identified. The months November to January has the highest probability of occurrence of waves with significant wave heights greater than one meter. The frequency of occurrence of wave heights l e s s t h a n 0 . 5 m occurred approximately equally in May, June, July and August. The wave mean periods greater than 5 s were encountered in November, December and January. In general, the wave mean periods were greater than 3s through out the year. The dominant wave direction was from the northern sector accounted more than 64% and the southern sector percentage was around 20%. Therefore, potential wave renewable energy is mainly available during November to January. However, system for mariculture in this location should be designed to take into account these wave climate conditions. This analysis is a prerequisite for further investigations extended in time and area of coverage.