Welcome to FERN

The Fundy Energy Research Network (FERN), is a collaborative hub dedicated to advancing the sustainable development of tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy. FERN brings together academics, researchers, industry leaders, government, and communities to support interdisciplinary research spanning resource assessment, technology development, environmental monitoring, and socioeconomic impact. Through knowledge sharing, partnerships, and evidence-based inquiry, the network fosters innovation and informed decision-making to responsibly unlock the Bay’s immense tidal potential and contribute to a sustainable energy future in the region and beyond.

Latest News

Canada Invests in Environmental Monitoring to Advance Tidal Energy in the Bay of Fundy

The Government of Canada has announced over $10 million in federal funding to advance tidal energy research in the Bay of Fundy. Through Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program, the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) and Acadia University will lead projects focused on environmental monitoring and reducing uncertainty around fish-turbine interactions in the Minas Passage. The initiatives aim to strengthen scientific understanding, support responsible tidal energy development, and build confidence among regulators, investors, and communities as Canada works to unlock the Bay of Fundy’s vast renewable energy potential.

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Release of the 2024 State of the Science Report on Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy Development Around the World and Next Steps for OES-Environmental

The report brings together the most up-to-date information on the potential environmental effects of marine renewable energy development, shares helpful resources, and identifies a path forward to advance the marine renewable energy industry in a responsible manner. This report is a culmination of OES-Environmental Phase 4, a four-year effort spanning 2020-2024. OES-Environmental is an international initiative dedicated to understanding the environmental effects of marine renewable energy that includes representation from 16 nations. The 2024 report builds upon the 2020 State of the Science Report, the 2016 State of the Science Report, and the 2013 Final Report for Phase 1 of OES-Environmental.

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Upcoming Events

Marine Energy Wales Conference (MEW)

📍Llandudno, Wales

Wales’ leading marine energy conference brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and supply chain businesses to explore the latest developments in tidal, wave, and floating offshore wind. The 8th annual conference is the UK's largest dedicated marine renewable energy conference.

FERN Webinar Series - The Power of Environmental Data: Advancing Tidal Energy Responsibly

📍Online - ZOOM

As tidal energy reaches commercial scale across Europe and advances in North America, there is an increasing demand for environmental data to help tackle uncertainties in collision risk, effects of turbine noise, changes to habitat, etc. Join us as we learn from Dr Andrea Copping, Senior Advisor and Researcher at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), on how structured approaches and internationally developed tools from Ocean Energy Systems-Environmental (OES-E) can help streamline data and support more efficient and responsible growth of the tidal energy sector.

This webinar is in partnership with Acadia University, Marine Renewables Canada (MRC), Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), and the Government of Canada

Ocean Renewable Energy Conference (OREC)

📍Portland, Oregon

The Pacific Ocean Energy Trust (POET) is hosting their annual marine energy event, in partnership with the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC).

Important Dates

  • April 1, 2026 - Early Bird Registration Closes

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