Abstract
In November 2018, the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) convened a workshop of regional experts (i.e., industry partners, academics, stakeholders) in Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) data collection and analyses. FORCE’s Environmental Effects Monitoring Program (EEMP) utilizes PAM equipment as its primary means of monitoring marine mammals and for understanding the effects of sound generated by turbines deployed at the FORCE test site, located in the Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy. The FORCE test site is exposed to tidal flows that may restrict the utility of particular types of PAM equipment that are suitable for environmental monitoring elsewhere. Further, regulators have requested clarification regarding the ability of different PAM technologies to detect harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) echolocations at the FORCE site, including rates of false-positive detections. Therefore, the purpose of the PAM workshop was to discuss the inherent challenges and operational limitations associated with PAM technologies and methodologies in high-flow environments, and to identify future projects that could facilitate the deployment of PAM technologies best suited for marine mammal and sound monitoring in the Minas Passage. Participants discussed previous and ongoing PAM projects in the Bay of Fundy including challenges, methodologies for overcoming the difficult conditions presented by high-flow environments and initial findings. Importantly, the group discussed opportunities for improvements to PAM technologies, and potential projects and collaborations for the near-future. It is anticipated that members of this group will continue to meet on a semi-regular basis to pursue collaborations and opportunities to improve the utility of PAM technologies in the challenging conditions of the Bay of Fundy.