Research Portal

Geoscience » Tectonics and Crustal Structure

Prospectivity of the Shelburne Subbasin, Scotian Margin: An Integrated Multidisciplinary and Multiparameter Approach from Plate to Pore Scale (part of the PAGEO research program)

January 2021 – June 2023

This project will significantly increase our understanding of both the reservoir potential of Tertiary sequences within the Shelburne Subbasin, offshore Nova Scotia, and the crustal architecture underlying this critical region located at a proposed transition from a magma-rich to a magma-poor con

Geoscience » Tectonics and Crustal Structure

Geologic Origin of Deep Crustal and Uppermost Mantle Structures at the Continent-Ocean Transition Offshore Nova Scotia from Modeling of Wide-Angle S-Wave Arrivals (part of the PAGEO research program)

January 2021 – June 2023

This work will produce S-wave velocity models for two of the existing refraction profiles from the Scotian margin. The objective is to better constrain the crustal origin of the continent-ocean transition (COT) using both the P and S-wave velocity models.

Real-Time Detection of Marine Mammals in High Flow Environments

May 2019 – September 2021

The project research goal is to design and test an innovative acoustic sensor system that will feature a wireless magneto-inductive (MI) communications link – to alert users in real time of the presence and location of marine mammals in high noise tidal environments.  The research entails a field

Development of Acoustic Doppler Aquatic Animal Monitoring (ADAAM) for application to marine life movement in high-energy tidal channels

March 2018 – February 2021

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) are a standard tool used for measuring ocean currents.

Using Radar to Evaluate Seabird Abundance and Habitat Use at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy Site near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

April – September 2018

Shore-based seabird surveys conducted at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) in Parrsboro, NS, determine abundance, habitat use and potential risk to seabirds at the site.

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).

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