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Fishermen raise concerns over tidal turbines in Bay of Fundy
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.
Fundy tidal project: Do we know enough for green light?
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.
Bay of Fundy turbines face further delays despite getting go-ahead from environment minister
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.
New Brunswick sets eyes on ‘mountainous’ potential of tidal power
The Bay of Fundy, known for its immense tidal range, is being called the Mount Everest of tidal power.
Port of Saint John CEO Jim Quinn made the comparison on Monday at New Brunswick’s first Tidal Power Summit being held in Saint John.
Recently, a lot of tidal power focus has been on Nova Scotia, but officials say more needs to be done on the New Brunswick side of the bay.
“Maybe we’re a little bit down the road before we’ll see actual tidal generation taking place in the Bay of Fundy, but we’ve got an opportunity right here on our doorstep to do some of the work to support it,” Natural Resources Minister Rick Doucet said.
Tidal power could be game changer, fishery concerns to be addressed, Hanf says
YARMOUTH -- The head of Nova Scotia Power says he is confident that tidal energy developers will be able to address concerns raised by the fishing industry.
Speaking to the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce, Bob Hanf, Nova Scotia Power’s president and CEO, said the energy potential of the Bay of Fundy could make it a “game-changing resource.”
He acknowledged too the importance of the fisheries, “so it’s important that all stakeholders have the opportunity to be fully consulted and heard, which is why Emera (which owns Nova Scotia Power) has slowed things down a bit to have conversations with fishermen.”