Abstract: Kinetic energy contained in oceans, rivers and channels can be converted to power using kinetic hydro turbines. These turbines can be tethered to the ocean floor, riverbed and channel bottom and their vertical position within the water column controlled. A method is disclosed that permits to increase the power extracted by the turbine by modifying the boundary layer using a shaped object located upstream of the turbine to increase the flow velocity through the turbine. The object also provides protection during climatic events like spring ice breakup, logs and storms that could damage the turbine. Additionally the shaped object can allow the turbine to be tethered to it. The shaped object can be made symmetric to allow operating in tidal conditions where the flow direction changes periodically. On site manufacturing can also alleviate overall costs.