Research Portal

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.

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.

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.

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.

Assessment of Hydrodynamic Impacts throughout the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine due to Tidal Energy Extraction by Tidal Lagoons

January 2010 – December 2011

The researchers extended existing hydrodynamic models of tidal flows in the Bay of Fundy to simulate the presence and operation of a tidal lagoon project located in the Minas Basin.

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.

Assessment of the Potential of Tidal Power from Minas Passage and Minas Basin

October 2009 – September 2011

This project estimated the power potential of the tides and tidal currents in the Minas Basin and Minas Channel regions of the Bay of Fundy.

Nova Scotia Tidal Energy Symposium - Small Tidal Workshop

July 2011

As part of the two-day Nova Scotia Tidal Symposium: Getting Power to Market held on July 7 and 8, 2011, the Province of Nova Scotia hosted a half-day small-scale tidal workshop. This workshop included a gap analysis for small-scale in-stream tidal technology.

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.