New Synthesis Report on Fish and Tidal Energy in Minas Passage
FORCE is pleased to share a recent scientific synthesis led by Dr. Graham Daborn, one of Atlantic Canada’s most respected estuarine and coastal scientists, whose work has shaped understanding of the Bay of Fundy for more than 40 years.
The report, Fish and Tidal Stream Energy Development: An Assessment for Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy brings together more than a decade of research to address Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) questions about fish presence, movements, and potential interactions with tidal turbines in Minas Passage.
“This work aims to summarize what we know today about how fish use Minas Passage – which species are present, when they are there, where they travel, and how they behave,” says Dr. Daborn. “We need to be able to assess their likelihood of avoiding or evading an active tidal turbine. To do this, we need to monitor their various movements when active turbines are in place, and only by answering these questions can we determine the real level of risk and the conditions needed to develop the tidal stream industry with minimal impact on the natural system.”
A clearer picture of fish in Minas Passage
The Bay of Fundy supports more than 100 fish species, and at least 68 are known to transit Minas Passage during their life cycle. Many migrate seasonally between the Atlantic, the Outer Bay and the Minas Basin, while a few reside in the Passage year-round.
Drawing on telemetry studies, hydroacoustics, fisheries knowledge, and academic research, the report highlights that:
- Most migratory fish follow tidal currents through the middle and southern portions of the Passage.
- FORCE’s test site lies north of these main movement routes, suggesting a lower likelihood of turbine encounters for many species.
- Transit times through the Passage are short, reducing the duration of potential encounters with tidal devices.
The report, written with support by Dr. Daniel Hasselman, inventories the scientific progress to date and points toward the critical in situ research still ahead. Dr. Daborn says: “Our knowledge about fish distribution in Minas Passage continues to improve, but we need to deploy and monitor operating turbines to understand, and if necessary, mitigate and minimize any potential risks to fish.”
Species of interest: refreshed insights
The report summarizes new understanding of 10 key species of conservation, cultural, or fisheries significance. Key findings include:
- Atlantic salmon (Inner Bay of Fundy population) migrate mainly in upper layers and often south of the FORCE site.
- Atlantic sturgeon make deeper, mid-channel movements, with limited detections near turbine berths.
- American eels typically migrate at night in shallow, nearshore areas.
- Gaspereau, shad, and herring move rapidly through the Passage during short migration windows.
A foundation for responsible tidal development
The synthesis provides a clear, science-based foundation to support ongoing environmental research and monitoring design, planning and collaboration with Mi’kmaq Rights Holders, fishers, regulators, and researchers.
FORCE commissioned Dr. Daborn to conduct this work and extends sincere thanks for his substantial contribution to advancing knowledge and for supporting environmental monitoring and research priorities in the Minas Passage.
About Dr. Graham Daborn
Graham Daborn, PhD, has been central to advancing ecological knowledge in the region. Professor Emeritus at Acadia University, he served as Professor of Biology at Acadia from 1973 to 2004, the Founding Director of the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research (1984–2004), and the Founding Director of the Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment (2004–2007). His teaching and research have focused on ecology, limnology, estuarine systems, and – with special resonance today – the environmental implications of tidal power in the Bay of Fundy. He also served nationally as Co-Chair of the Research Management Committee of the Canadian Water Network.
Dr. Daborn recently agreed to serve on FORCE’s Environmental Monitoring Advisory Committee (EMAC), continuing his longstanding commitment to evidence-based environmental planning in the Bay of Fundy.
Fish and Tidal Stream Energy Development: An Assessment for Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy
By Graham R. Daborn
With editorial support by Daniel J. Hasselman