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33The wave energy industry is an emerging sector and a new user of maritime space that has 34 potential to contribute significantly to the EU renewable energy goals. International and 35 national regulatory frameworks necessitate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) that 36 provide important data to inform development consent decisions. Here we have evaluated 37 experience related to the assessment programmes at EU wave energy test centres combined 38 with knowledge gained from EIA produced for other similar renewable energy developments. 39 From this we have identified key receptors of concern, as well as the type and magnitude of 40 impacts which may be expected. The key environmental receptors of concern for wave energy 41 EIA include the physical environment (e.g. morphology, waves and current) and flora and 42 fauna 1 as represented by marine mammals, seabirds, benthos, fish and shellfish. 43From a review of the EIAs performed at wave energy test centres, we identified several lessons 44 regarding the wave energy EIA process. There is clear evidence that the receptors of primary 45

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