Research Portal

FORCE Site Marine Operations – Lessons Learned

November 2017 – April 2018

In recent years, marine operators have completed dozens of operations in the Minas Passage, from research surveys to instrument deployment, to the installation of electrical infrastructure to turbine deployment.

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.

Measuring the Acoustic Detection Range of Large Whales from an Ocean Glider to Improve an Acoustic Whale Alert System for use by the Offshore Marine Industry in Atlantic Canada

April 2017 – January 2018

Researchers investigated a novel and in-development passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) system for use as a marine mammal detection technique. The work builds on a current research initiative between Dalhousie University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI).

In Situ Turbulence Replication and Measurement (InSTREAM)

October 2015 – January 2018

The In Situ Turbulence Replication and Measurement (InSTREAM) project was conceived to address some fundamental questions about the turbulence physics in tidal energy sites and laboratory tanks used to simulate these sites.

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.

Cape Breton Tidal Energy Resource Assessment

November 2011 – October 2012

In support of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Cape Breton Region, inclusive of the Bras d’Or Lakes, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) units were deployed at Barra Strait, Seal Island Bridge and Carey Point to collect tidal flow information.  Potential sites for tidal e

A Framework for Environmental Risk Assessment and Decision-Making for Tidal Energy Development in Canada

March – May 2012

There is still a high degree of uncertainty regarding the environmental implications of in-stream tidal energy initiatives. This report outlines a science-based environmental risk assessment and decision-making framework for the emergent in-stream tidal energy industry.

Renewable Generation Supply Chain Opportunities in Atlantic Canada

January 2012

This report explores the following questions in relation to onshore wind, offshore wind, tidal energy, biomass energy and systems to power remote on- and off-grid communities:

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.