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

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.

Environmental Effects Monitoring Project

January 2016 – January 2017

FORCE developed an Environmental Effects Monitoring Program (EEMP) to study five major subject areas: fish, marine mammals, lobster, marine noise and seabirds. The EEMP was designed to be adaptive in nature.

Value Proposition for Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and Canada

January 2014 – April 2015

This study shows there is substantial potential economic opportunity in building a tidal energy industry in Canada. It indicates that tidal energy could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create a new industry offering significant socio-economic benefits.

Assessing Marine Mammal Presence in and near the FORCE Crown Lease Area during Winter and Early Spring

October 2013 – February 2015

This study closes the winter/spring baseline data gap via deployments of multiple, calibrated C-PODs and an icListenHF hydrophone, for the deepest sites at the FORCE Lease Area.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Establishment of Baseline Biological Data on Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Offshore Cape Breton for Future Assessment of Potential Impacts of Seismic Noise on Snow Crab

April 2012 – February 2015

The study investigates the impact of sound energy generated by acoustic/seismic arrays on snow crabs.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

SW Nova Scotia Expansion Atlas (2015)

January 2015

This project is an expansion of the 2011 Play Fairway Analysis to the western border of the Nova Scotia marine shelf. This expansion corresponds to the Georges Bank zone and surrounding area extending from the Yarmouth Arch to the Shelburne Sub-basin.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Test Snow Crab Response to Seismic Stress

February 2012 – September 2013

There is concern in Atlantic Canada that there is insufficient information on the potential effects of seismic noise on snow crab.

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.

Community Engagement Strategies & Resource Guide To Support Small-Scale Tidal Power in Nova Scotia

March – July 2013

Community engagement strategies and a resource guide for stakeholders involved in marine renewable energy will support the success of marine renewable energy development in Nova Scotia.