Research Portal

Use of Bottom-Mounted Hydro-Acoustic Sonar to Assess Fish Presence and Vertical Distribution at the FORCE In-Stream Tidal Turbine Test Site in Minas Passage

May 2016 – April 2017

To better understand fish use of the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) site and their potential for interaction with in-stream tidal devices, this study examined how fish density and vertical distribution varied with respect to environmental factors, in particular tidal stage and tim

Impact of Channel Blockage on the Performance of Axial and Cross-Flow Hydrokinetic Turbines

April 2017

This work investigates the effect of channel blockage on how axial and cross-flow turbines perform. The objective is to fill a gap in the literature on suitable blockage corrections for cross-flow turbines.

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Sydney Basin and Nova Scotia Forensic Geochemistry

May 2016 – March 2017

Sydney Basin and Nova Scotia Forensic Geochemistry

Advancing Tidal Energy Turbine Operations through High Fidelity Tug Propulsion and Control Simulation Software

November 2016 – March 2017

The project objective was to develop a numerical model of a tug boat and its propulsion system to accurately predict its dynamic behaviour in turbulent tidal flows.

Marine Fish Monitoring Program Tidal Energy Demonstration Site – Minas Passage

May 2016 – March 2017

This is the final report submitted to the Fundy Ocean Research Center on Energy (FORCE) for the Marine Fish Monitoring Program Tidal Energy Demonstration Site – Minas Passage.

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. 

Observations of Marine Mammals in Petit Passage and Grand Passage, Nova Scotia and Adjacent Waters in the Eastern Bay of Fundy to Assess Species Composition, Distribution, Number and Seasonality.

June – December 2014

This research project implemented a common mobile tool, database, and alert system for recording and acting on marine life sightings, while engaging coastal communities in protection of the marine environment and using crowd-sourcing to collect data for scientific research.

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.

Acoustic Tracking of Fish Movements in the Minas Passage and FORCE Crown Lease Area: Pre-Turbine Baseline Studies

June 2011 – July 2013

This project used animal tracking technology developed by VEMCO, a division of AMIRIX Systems of Halifax, NS. The technology allows researchers to track animal movements and behaviour over a scale of kilometers.