SOAR conducts applied research to fill knowledge gaps and address uncertainties needed to evaluate the environmental, social, and economic viability (sustainability) of potential ocean based climate solutions. Our current focus area is marine energy with application to the sustainability and resilience of coastal communities.
Please contact us to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Marine Energy
Research led by SOAR has been important for advancing tools and methods for characterizing the physical and biological environments in high energy tidal channels, as well as the effects of turbine operation including turbulent wakes and interactions with marine animals.
We have applied approaches based on local and traditional knowledge, as well as state-of-the art technologies with globally leading researchers. Our work has advanced technical approaches and scientific understanding by effectively utilizing resources from several communities and different knowledge systems.
SOAR recently completed several projects supported by Net Zero Atlantic (formerly OERA) and Natural Resources Canada . This work includes a promising component for a solution to regulatory challenges facing the tidal energy industry, through advancement of methods for effective monitoring. This was enabled through collaborations with local and international research organizations, and community support on Brier Island and Long Island, Nova Scotia.
Advancing our understanding of interactions between tidal turbines and marine animals.
Characterizing turbulent tidal flows.
Working with remote and coastal communities to evaluate potential for tidal energy developments.
Recent Reports
OERA Pathway Project - 2022 Imaging Sonar Data Automation Feasibility Study
OERA Pathway Program - 2020 Field Assessment of Multi-beam Sonar Performance in Surface Deployments
OERA Pathway Program - 2020 Field Assessment of Multi-beam Sonar Performance Bottom Mount Deployments