Research Portal

Geoscience » Spill Preparedness

Advanced Coastal Mapping to Support Hydrodynamic Modelling

April 2016 – June 2018

Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast exhibits a variety of shorelines that may be vulnerable to contamination in the event of an offshore oil spill. In turn, variable currents, changing water levels, shoals, and exposed seaside conditions make effective spill response difficult for tidal inlets.

Using Dry Ports to Support Nova Scotia’s Tidal Industry

March – June 2018

This study investigates two Nova Scotia “dry ports” and their potential in supporting the Bay of Fundy region’s emergent tidal energy industry. The term ‘dry port’ refers to a port where the harbour bottom is mainly exposed at low tide.

FORCE Site Marine Operations – Lessons Learned

November 2017 – April 2018

In recent years, marine operators have completed dozens of operations in the Minas Passage, from research surveys to instrument deployment, to the installation of electrical infrastructure to turbine deployment.

Nova Scotia Energy Sector – Targeted Export Market Analysis

February – October 2017

As part of Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines’ (NSDEM) mandate to investigate economic opportunities for Nova Scotia technology developers and supply chain service providers, a global energy market analysis was commissioned.

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.

Funding and Financial Supports for Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia

June – September 2016

To help ensure Nova Scotia and Canada benefit from a sustainable marine renewable energy industry over the longer term, this study identifies the suite of applicable funding and financial support mechanisms used in different jurisdictions around the world, recommends a combination that may be sui

MRE Infrastructure Assessment Update

May – August 2016

This project reviewed the results of a 2011 study to identify where significant changes in infrastructure demands have occurred.

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.

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 » 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.