The Risk Assessment Program (RAP) for Tidal Stream Energy is designed to create a detailed, credible assessment of the probability that fish will encounter a tidal device using encounter rate models (ERMs). Encounter rate modelling has become a standardized permitting tool for offshore wind projects.

Specifically, RAP will assess the co-occurrence of fish and tidal turbines in the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Passage, where the probability will be determined by combining two data sets: physical (ocean movements) and biological (fish movements).

This project is a collaborative effort between Acadia University, the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), Marine Renewables Canada (MRC), the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq / Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG), the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) at Dalhousie University, and a number of Mi’kmaq and local fishers.

The RAP project is entering its second year. This report provides an update of the outcomes accomplished to date in each of the pillars of the program, and the next steps for each pillar.