The paper examines the expected regional employment returns connected to the development of tidal stream and wave-based electricity generation in a UK region - Wales. New employment provides economic development opportunities and the paper demonstrates that there is a need to develop the evidence base on these regional employment impacts. It addresses how far a region which is adjacent to significant marine resources is likely to benefit from a change in the energy generation mix which could feature more wave and tidal stream technologies. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.