ONC Ocean Observing System for FORCE Project

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), an initiative of the University of Victoria, has expanded its footprint across Canada with the launch of a new collaboration with the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) on the Atlantic coast.

The collaboration, initiated by ONC’s Innovation Centre, will provide FORCE with a sophisticated data acquisition, archiving and visualization system that supports the Province of Nova Scotia’s leading-edge research and development of in-stream tidal technology.

ONC already has advanced observatories on the Pacific coast and in the Canadian Arctic. This launch on the Atlantic coast establishes its operations from sea to sea to sea.

In 2012, ONC was a major contributor to FORCE’s original design and installation of the world’s first cabled underwater monitoring tidal demonstration platform specifically for extreme tide conditions. Today, Ocean Networks Canada continues this commitment by giving FORCE users enhanced access to environmental sensor data over the Internet in real-time from the Bay of Fundy. A range of instrument data are provided, from current weather conditions to wave and tidal information, as well as a daily time-lapse video from the weather station at the tidal energy test site. Oceans 2.0 also streams this information live for the benefit of guests to the FORCE visitor centre at its spectacular location overlooking Minas Passage in the Bay of Fundy.

FORCE will take advantage of all existing Oceans 2.0 functionalities, including:

- data search and data product downloads;
- video archive and device control;
- robust system security, plus established data backup and redundancy processes;
- scalability that can support instruments deployed in the future;
- private data hosting for commercial clients (such as turbine vendors) as well as open data sharing for researchers and the public;
- a dedicated development team to provide new and improved functionality and tools;
- exposure to a worldwide audience through ONC’s data portal.

Tony Wright, General Manager of FORCE: “FORCE is building an underwater sensor platform that will soon be able to deliver real-time data from the Minas Passage. Understanding this powerful environment is critical to successful turbine design, environmental effects monitoring, and ultimately unlocking Fundy’s enormous energy potential. We are pleased to work with Ocean Networks Canada to enhance the accessibility of that data to scientists and developers around the world.”

Dr. Kate Moran, president and CEO, Ocean Networks Canada: “With the integration of Oceans 2.0 to manage data from the Bay of Fundy, Ocean Networks Canada further cements its leadership as an ocean observing system with a strong national presence in the Atlantic, the Arctic and the Pacific. We’re proud to be working with dynamic partners such as FORCE and the Province of Nova Scotia.”

Scott McLean, director, ONC Innovation Centre: “With Oceans 2.0, ONC looks forward to supporting FORCE in developing a new world standard in ocean observing systems applied to challenging extreme tide environments. This novel test site will provide opportunities for the Canadian ocean tech industry to develop new technologies and services to meet the growing global demands for tidal energy systems.”