How to Remove Abandoned ‘Ghost’ Fishing Gear from the Ocean
of Fundy. The project will also conduct an impact assessment of ghost gear during retrieval to determine impacts on marine life and to estimate economic losses.Sustane Technologies Inc. will recycle retrieved rope into diesel fuel. Innovative mapping technologies will be used in partnership with Dalhousie University and the Ocean Tracking Network. Mapping of ghost gear will improve the retrieval process by using side-scan sonar technology to create detailed maps of the seafloor and identify where lost gear has settled.Fishers do not want to lose gear and they recognize that ghost gear continues to harm
Dalhousie University: Quiet Oceans Speak Volumes During Lockdown
Research at Dalhousie University shows that a quieter ocean—courtesy of the current COVID-19 pandemic lockdown—can benefit marine life, particularly those listed on the endangered species list, like killer whales.David Barclay, an assistant professor in the Department of Oceanography, and researchers in his lab took advantage of the current lockdown to explore how the underwater soundscape has changed during the pandemic. Oceans Network Canada, a University of Victoria initiative that operates ocean observatories in the northeast Pacific Ocean and the Salish Sea, provided hydrophones that
Larger-than-average GoM ‘Dead Zone’ Expected
, using a suite of NOAA-supported hypoxia forecast models jointly developed by the agency and its partners – teams of researchers at the University of Michigan, Louisiana State University, William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science, North Carolina State University, and Dalhousie University and the USGS, who provided the loading data for the models. The NOAA forecast integrates the results of these multiple models into a separate average forecast and is released in coordination with these external groups, some of which are also developing independent forecasts.NOAA and its partners
COVE Internship Project Begins Despite COVID-19 Pandemic
studies are working on projects for DeepSense, Precise Design, Pisces RPM, and IGNITE. With the workforce moving to social distancing norms, the interns are working with these companies across Nova Scotia virtually.The interns are completing, or have completed, their studies at Acadia University, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD). Their backgrounds range from a Senior Ship’s Officer with a diploma in business administration, electronics technician, environmental engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, interdiscip
ASL Environmental Sciences Aids Sea Ice Study
In a collaborative effort with the Nunatsiavut Government and Dalhousie University to measure ice, water current and other physical and biological properties of the marine environment, ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. contributed a prototype Log Ice Profiling Sonar (LogIPS), and on February 15, 2020, the sonar was deployed on a taut-line mooring in the waters off Nain, Nunatsiavut, Labrador. The mooring also contained an acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) as well as data loggers for chlorophyll, turbidity, temperature-salinity and dissolved oxygen. The mooring was deployed through a hole
Environmental DNA Emerging in the Ocean Science Community
of this gathering made it clear: “eDNA works. Get going.”But what does that mean for technologists? How does this scientific method translate into operational ocean observing? Two research labs, The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in California and the Sieben Lab at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. among others, have been working to address the question.A field-deployed microfluidic sensor (credit: Dartmouth Ocean Technologies Inc. and Sieben Laboratory Dalhousie University)MBARI has been working in this domain for decades. Starting about 25 years ago, it conceived
OceanObs’19: Innovation Expanding Ocean Observations
further and designed a simple buoy and timed-release system to simplify deployment in shallow areasThese industry developments were well aligned with remarks in the innovation plenary, which included presentations from Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright of the Ocean Frontier Institute, Dr. Marlon Lewis of Dalhousie University and Dr. Jyotika Virmani of XPRIZE. These last two delivered a strong call for new ways of thinking about ocean observing technology.Through a methodical analysis of changes in technology and scientific understanding Dr. Lewis highlighted the need for a new approach to ocean monitoring tools
COVE Welcomes Aboard IBM Canada
as a significant hub for ocean technology, not just in Nova Scotia, but globally.”IBM is one of Canada’s top 10 private R&D investors and last year contributed more than $478 million to Canadian research activities. In September 2018, it was revealed that IBM, along with COVE, Dalhousie University, the Ocean Frontier Institute, the Government of Canada, local industry and the Province of Nova Scotia, were collaborating on the rollout of DeepSense – a world class big ocean data innovation environment.“IBM is committed to supporting the development and commercialization
IBM Canada Joins COVE
the ocean business park as a tenant, one of 50 currently in residence.IBM is one of Canada’s top 10 private research and development investors and last year contributed more than $478 million to Canadian research activities. In September 2018, it was revealed that IBM, along with COVE, Dalhousie University, the Ocean Frontier Institute, the Government of Canada, local industry and the Province of Nova Scotia, were collaborating on the rollout of DeepSense – a world class big ocean data innovation environment.“IBM is committed to supporting the development and commercialization of
