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

Acadia’s tidal energy research gets federal funding boost

September 19, 2025

A federal funding announcement today marks a significant new chapter for tidal energy research at Acadia University.

Acadia’s leadership in tidal energy research goes back decades. It got a boost today with $2.6 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada for a three-year project to better understand the probability of fish interactions with proposed tidal stream energy devices in the Minas Passage.

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

March 17, 2025

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.

Upcoming Events

Pan American Marine Energy Conference (PAMEC)

April 10, 2026–April 15, 2026

📍Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The 4th annual Pan-American Marine Energy Conference (PAMEC) will bring together researchers, governments, and industry leaders. This event will host pre-conference workshops, and sessions ranging from thematic research areas, to global industry perspectives.

Environmental Interactions of Marine Renewables (EIMR)

April 13, 2026–April 17, 2026

📍Oban, Scotland

This event will bring together marine renewable energy experts from across the globe. It will represent all disciplines that form the landscape of marine energy research, a foundation that continues to stimulate new and exciting discoveries.

Marine Energy Wales Conference (MEW)

April 28, 2026–April 29, 2026

📍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.

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