Analysis of Striped Bass Movement Patterns in a High-Flow Environment

The Bay of Fundy’s high-flow Minas Passage has been selected for in-stream tidal energy turbine testing; the passage, however, is also used by migratory fish, including an endangered striped bass (Morone saxatilis) population. Our project aims to assess the potential risk of striped bass interaction with tidal energy turbines in Minas Passage using acoustic telemetry. Transmitter-tagged striped bass were tracked from May to November 2011, and May 2012 to April 2013 using VEMCO acoustic receivers deployed in Minas Passage, Minas Basin, and Stewiacke River. Of the 85 striped bass tagged, 56 were detected (64%). During the May-November 2011 deployment, there was no clear seasonal pattern of striped bass movement in Minas Passage. During the 2012-2013 deployment, larger individuals were often detected in the passage, especially in the winter months. Striped bass generally occupied the top 40 m of the water column, with some large bass using a wider range of depths. While striped bass move through locations and at depths that could be occupied by turbines, the ability of striped bass to detect and avoid turbines when travelling at high speeds remains unknown. Some limitations and challenges associated with high-flow environments and acoustic telemetry data analysis will be discussed.