Canada's Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has unveiled a pioneering initiative known as the HydroAware Project, backed by $10.5 million in funding. This visionary project is dedicated to advancing hydropower capabilities while simultaneously prioritizing the preservation of aquatic habitats through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in fish monitoring. The endeavor is poised to elevate fish tracking technology in challenging marine environments and enhance the accessibility of fish tracking insights in remote locations.
Led by Innovasea, based in Bedford, Nova Scotia, the HydroAware Project represents a significant leap forward in fish tracking technology. Its objectives are to address prevalent challenges faced by hydropower companies, including streamlining approval processes for tidal stream and hydropower projects, reducing regulatory complexities, and unlocking new revenue opportunities within the renewable energy sector.
This collaborative initiative boasts a total investment nearing $10.5 million, with Canada's Ocean Supercluster contributing $5 million through the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS) Program. Additional financial support is being provided by esteemed project partners, including the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), BigMoon Power, Nova Scotia Power Inc., New Brunswick Power Corporation, and DeepSense.
Hydropower companies occupy a unique intersection of energy production and environmental stewardship, grappling with the challenge of minimizing their infrastructure's impact on fish populations while adhering to stringent regulations. Fish tracking solutions play a pivotal role in monitoring fish behavior in and around these facilities.
The HydroAware Project ushers in a transformative era for fish tracking technology by harnessing the power of AI. This innovation enables hydropower companies to collect comprehensive data on fish behavior, expedite regulatory approvals, and bolster Canada's pursuit of renewable hydropower generation. The AI-powered system contributes to gathering concrete evidence of safe fish passage, thereby streamlining the regulatory approval process.
Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster, emphasized the project's potential impact: “AI in the ocean has the potential to revolutionize our approach to ocean-related industries. Today, Canada's Ocean Supercluster announces the $10.5 million HydroAware Project, a collaborative effort across diverse ocean sectors aimed at advancing AI in fish tracking technology. This initiative will manage fish movement around hydropower infrastructure, support sustainable industry growth, and generate economic benefits and jobs.”
Mark Jollymore, President of Innovasea, highlighted the significance of incorporating AI capabilities into fish tracking technology: “By integrating artificial intelligence into our existing fish tracking technology, we can ensure that hydropower producers in Canada and beyond can achieve their green energy objectives while safeguarding habitats and minimizing impacts on marine life. AI empowers us to monitor fish activity in previously remote or challenging environments, serving as a catalyst for the next generation of hydro and tidal power facilities.”
The HydroAware Project builds upon Innovasea's pioneering work in tagless fish detection technology, providing real-time data on fish activity in and around hydropower infrastructure. This technology is instrumental in achieving the dual goals of wildlife protection and operational enhancement.
FORCE, a proponent of tidal energy's role in achieving clean energy targets, underscored the project's importance: “Tidal energy can help us meet our clean energy targets, contribute to our economy, and reduce reliance on imported energy. HydroAware will help us unlock that potential by improving our understanding of how fish and tidal devices interact with each other, ensuring the safeguarding of our marine ecosystems.”
