Research Portal

Use of Fish Tracking Data to Model Striped Bass Turbine Encounter Probability in Minas Passage

September 2016

This project used fish tracking datasets and VEMCO detection-range tests to calculate fish-turbine encounter probabilities for striped bass.

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Direct Hydrocarbon Indicator (DHI) Mapping, Offshore Nova Scotia

January – May 2016

This project reviewed existing seismic data to identify and catalogue Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators (DHIs) in offshore Nova Scotia, particularly in the Laurentian and Georges Bank Sub-basins.

Nova Scotia Tidal Research Summary Report – Researching Tidal Energy – Marine Life: The Nova Scotia Experience

October 2015 – May 2016

This report looks at the extensive tidal energy-related research undertaken in the Bay of Fundy over a 10 year period beginning in 2005.

Investigation of the Vertical Distribution, Movement and Abundance of Fish in the Vicinity of Proposed Tidal Power Energy Conversion Devices

March 2010 – December 2014

This project studied active fish avoidance of a turbine using the Coda Octopus Echoscope II 3-D multi-beam sonar mounted on a bottom platform. The objective was to observe and quantify the distribution and abundance of fish in the water column and their ability to detect and avoid turbines. 

Tidal Energy: Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Cape Breton Coastal Region and Bras d’Or Lakes (Phase I) – Community Response Report

January 2014

This report describes and summarizes the outcomes of a stakeholder and community engagement program implemented as the second stage of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) for the Cape Breton Coastal Region and the Bras d'Or Lakes.  It follows and compleme

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

January 2014

This is an update to the Phase 1 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of marine renewable energy in the Bay of Fundy, with an emphasis on tidal in‐stream turbines.

Atlantic Sturgeon Spatial and Temporal Distribution in Minas Passage, Nova Scotia, Canada, a Region of Future Tidal Energy Extraction

January 2010 – January 2014

In the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic sturgeon from endangered and threatened populations in the USA and Canada migrate through Minas Passage to enter and leave Minas Basin.

3-D Acoustic Tracking of Fish, Sediment-Laden Ice and Large Wood Debris in the Minas Passage of the Bay of Fundy

October 2009 – December 2011

Researchers used VEMCO animal tracking technology to complete in-situ testing of the path, depth and velocity of fish and objects passing through the Minas Passage.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Physics of the Interaction between a Crab and a Seismic Test Pulse – Development of a Mathematical Model and Testing of Model via Simulation

June 2009 – September 2011

Experimental attempts to establish whether seismic testing has any impact on crabs and the crab fishery have been hampered by a lack of theoretical work on the subject.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Feasibility of a Marine Vibroseis System to Minimize Potential Impacts of Seismic Surveying on Commercial Marine Invertebrates

May 2010 – May 2011

Marine vibroseis (a sound generating system that uses a large oscillating mass to emit a range of frequencies) offers an alternative to air-gun seismic sources and may have fewer environmental effects on marine biota.