All FERN News

VIDEO: Tom Knox, Founder of Halifax-based company, EMO Marine Technologies Ltd., talks about their unique multiplexer system and their work with FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy) to help monitor the tides in the Bay of Fundy (the highest tides in the world).

 

Traditional knowledge is passed on from one generation to the next and from one fishing community to the next. Today, fishermen and aboriginal peoples are aware we must integrate our traditional knowledge into the institutions that serve us. It is essential to our survival and the ecosystem’s. As scientists attempt to manage and or exploit the environment and renewable resources, this is a must.

Traditional knowledge is accumulated knowledge and understanding of the place in which we survive, in relation to the world, in both an ecological and a deeply spiritual sense. Scientists must never forget traditional knowledge is science and its sound and must not be ignored. 

Gerry catches mainly herring in his weir, but also mackerel, gaspereau and shad. Mark Taylor fishes lobster all around the Bay of Fundy in areas such as Halls Harbour, Parrsboro and Digby.

Both are concerned with the possibility of fish being killed by the turbines, and with the loss of real estate on the ocean floor if the site is ever developed into a commercial operation.

The last regulatory hurdle for the province’s first tidal energy developers was cleared last week when the department of environment authorized a monitoring plan to track the effects of two tidal-powered turbines in the Minas Passage.

They’re not rushing them into the water just yet, but some scientists and observers are questioning whether enough research has been done before turbines are deployed.

One of the giant turbines destined for the Bay of Fundy will be hauled by barge to Halifax for final preparations in the coming days, however, exactly when it will be installed is still unknown.

In a statement, Sarah Dawson of Cape Sharp Tidal said the plan to install two 1,000-tonne turbines in the Minas Passage remains on hold indefinitely after getting the go-ahead from Nova Scotia's environment minister.

The turbine will be moved to Halifax for ballasting work and final inspections, she said. The operation will create more room at the shipyard in Pictou, N.S., to finish assembling the second turbine.