LE3 .A278 2015

2015

Redden, Anna

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

Current tidal energy development activities at a test facility, Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), in Minas Passage, a high flow site in the upper Bay of Fundy, include examination of potential effects of tidal turbines on commonly occurring harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758). Prior visual observations and passive acoustic monitoring (using C-PODs) of harbour porpoise were conducted over multiple years in spring, summer and fall. The present study focused on filling the winter and early spring seasonal gap in baseline data. Harbour porpoise presence (detected via echolocation clicks) was assessed at established monitoring sites in and near the FORCE test area during December 2013 – June 2014. Descriptive results indicated that harbour porpoise use Minas Passage year-round but with low presence during the winter months. The full multi-year dataset was used to develop a new statistical model (GAM/GEE) of spatio-temporal trends in harbour porpoise use of the FORCE area. It showed two seasonal peaks in harbour porpoise presence with the largest peak in late spring (June) and a second in the fall (October). It also showed trends with diel cycle (greater activity at night), tidal height (greater presence near high tide), tidal velocity and flow direction. Instrument performance tests were also conducted and included assessments of hydrophone performance using tethered buoys and a stationary instrument platform, tests of hydrophone shrouding, and assessments of hydrophone detection range at FORCE. These studies have implications for both tidal energy development and conservation of harbour porpoises. They will inform best practices in monitoring harbour porpoises at high flow sites and will enhance our ability to detect potential effects on harbour porpoises of turbine installation and operation at FORCE.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:395