Research Portal

Innovative Solutions for De-risking Species Detections in Tidal Energy Environmental Effects Monitoring Programs

April 2018 – March 2019

With collaboration from Genome Atlantic, this research project is using a new environmental DNA technology to rapidly identify and determine abundance of different fish species in high-flow marine conditions. Experiments were conducted at Dalhousie University’s Aquatron facility. N

Optimized Combinations of Tidal, Wind and Solar Electricity Generation with Energy Storage to Meet Nova Scotia’s Electrical Demand

August 2018 – March 2019

Wind, solar and tidal-generated electricity each have different, but potentially complimentary, cyclic times.

Quantifying Demographics and Monitoring Movement of American Lobster in the Minas Passage and Basin

October 2017 – March 2019

The project consists of lobster fishing in Minas Passage during the fall lobster season to collect, assess and tag lobsters in this area, then fishing in Minas Basin from April to May to assess the spawning characteristics of lobster tagged the previous fall, then returning to Minas Passage to fi

Real-Time, Targeted Imaging of Turbine-Marine Life Interactions

March 2017 – February 2019

The research goal is to redesign and validate a dynamic mount to improve targeted real-time imaging of marine life in the near-field zone of a tidal turbine. The adjustable mount will enable imaging sensors to be aimed directly facing the tidal turbine.

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.

Funding and Financial Supports for Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia

June – September 2016

To help ensure Nova Scotia and Canada benefit from a sustainable marine renewable energy industry over the longer term, this study identifies the suite of applicable funding and financial support mechanisms used in different jurisdictions around the world, recommends a combination that may be sui

MRE Infrastructure Assessment Update

May – August 2016

This project reviewed the results of a 2011 study to identify where significant changes in infrastructure demands have occurred.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Central Scotian Slope Atlas (2016)

January – August 2016

The objective of this project was to identify and technically evaluate any significant exploration leads and prospects in the area of interest.  The study used integrated 3D basin modelling analysis to assess the timing of maturation of source rocks, transformation ratios, hydrocarbon entrapment,

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. 

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Laurentian Sub-Basin Atlas (2014)

January – December 2014

This project assesses the petroleum system of the Laurentian sub-basin bidding block and surrounding areas.