Research Portal

Development of Acoustic Doppler Aquatic Animal Monitoring (ADAAM) for application to marine life movement in high-energy tidal channels

March 2018 – February 2021

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) are a standard tool used for measuring ocean currents.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Shelburne Sub-Basin Play Fairway Analysis Update

November 2018 – June 2019

Shortly after the Scotian Shelf and Slope Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) was released in 2011, Shell Canada acquired six exploration parcels in the Shelburne Subbasin and collected approximately 10,850 square kilometers of wide azimuth 3D seismic data.

Using Radar to Evaluate Seabird Abundance and Habitat Use at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy Site near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

April – September 2018

Shore-based seabird surveys conducted at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) in Parrsboro, NS, determine abundance, habitat use and potential risk to seabirds at the site.

Tidal Energy: Strategic Environmental Assessment – Bay of Fundy (Phase I)

April 2018

This Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) provides advice on whether, when and under what conditions tidal energy demonstration and commercial projects should be allowed in the Bay of Fundy.

Seasonal Erodibility of Sediment in the Upper Bay of Fundy

February 2012 – January 2015

This project developed methods for studying sedimentation to the macro-tidal flats of the upper Bay of Fundy. The researchers looked at seasonal variation in the erodibility of sediments in tidal creeks and flats using a Gust Erosion Chamber and repeated grain size surveys.

Testing of Temporal Monitoring Techniques for Benthic Habitat Impacts of Tidal Energy Developments

September 2011 – November 2014

This project tested and developed monitoring procedures for assessing the impact of the placement of in-stream tidal devices (e.g. turbines, cables and other seafloor hardware) on the seafloor environment.

Implications of Tidal Energy Extraction on Sedimentary Processes within Shallow Intertidal Environments

September 2011 – April 2014

This project assessed the implications of tidal energy extraction on sedimentary processes within shallow inter-tidal ecosystems.

Acoustic Tracking of Fish Movements in the Minas Passage and FORCE Crown Lease Area: Pre-Turbine Baseline Studies

June 2011 – July 2013

This project used animal tracking technology developed by VEMCO, a division of AMIRIX Systems of Halifax, NS. The technology allows researchers to track animal movements and behaviour over a scale of kilometers.

Community and Business Toolkit for Tidal Energy Development

November 2011 – March 2013

This toolkit covers the science, technology, business and community aspects of tidal energy development in Nova Scotia, effectively integrating the applied, natural and social sciences. It can serve as a model for future applied interdisciplinary work on tidal energy and marine renewables.

Marine Renewable Energy: Background Report To Support a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Cape Breton Coastal Region, inclusive of the Bras D’Or Lakes

June – December 2012

In 2011 following a competitive request for proposal process, OERA commissioned AECOM’s Halifax office to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for marine renewable energy in Cape Breton.