by Crystal Dorey, Communications Officer, KMKNO
The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia have major concerns with the development of in-stream tidal in the Bay of Fundy. Through consultation with the Province of Nova Scotia and Government of Canada, Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) has voiced concerns on:
- Loss of use in marine areas;
- Displacement of Mi’kmaq fishing;
- Potential impacts to fish, fish habitat & fish migration;
- Potential impacts to marine mammals;
- Potential effects of noise;
- Potential effects sedimentation;
- Potential effects on water;
- Accuracy of baseline data; and
- Lack of meaningful inclusion of traditional ecological knowledge.
The concerns of the local Mi’kmaw communities continue to grow.
“We are very concerned that FORCE [Fundy Ocean Research for Energy] has been permitted to expand their project from three to five berths,” said Chief Carol Potter, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. “This has the potential to impact Mi’kmaq fishing.”
The Province is looking at the potential for approximately 2,500 megawatts (MW) of tidal power from the Bay of Fundy into the Minas Basin for marine renewable energy development. The Province has identified the Minas Passage, Digby Gut, Petite Passage/Grand Passage, and Brier Island as areas for using in-stream tidal technology.
The power being generated will be connected to the grid and will be used for commercial ...
