Research Portal

Nova Scotia Small Tidal Test Centre: Gap Analysis and Business Case

November 2017 – March 2018

As the tidal energy industry develops, there is increasing interest in the prospects for small-scale tidal energy development. Building small-scale tidal energy installations has promise given the number of locations where they can be used.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marine Renewable Energy Legislation – A Consultative Process

September 2010 – March 2011

This consultation paper focuses on Marine Renewable Energy legislation. It was developed to guide legislation related to the renewable energy resources in the Bay of Fundy before large-scale commercial development takes place.