Movement and Migration

Jeremy Broome is a Masters student at Acadia University under the supervision of Dr. Anna Redden. Funding for this project is provided by OEER, MITACS, Acadia Estuarine Research Center, Acadia University, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Nova Scotia Power.

This project aims to determine when, where, and how fish species, particularly striped bass, travel through the Open Hydro turbine in the Minas Basin using acoustic tagging equipment. This will help us to understand movement patterns of striped bass in the Minas Basin and Minas Passage, and provide information on population characteristics of the species. Traditional (non-acoustic) dart tags reported by anglers provide insight into large scale movement patterns, growth rates, and population characteristics of striped bass. This study also aims to better understand angling pressures on striped bass.

Objectives

1. Track the migration of striped bass in the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia using acoustic tagging equipment and traditional (non-acoustic) dart tags.

2. Determine depth, speed, and orientation that striped bass move through receivers surrounding the Open Hydro turbine in the Minas Passage.

Methods

1. Catch striped bass using angling techniques

2. Record weight, fork length, and total length of the fish

3. Collect fin clips for DNA analysis

4. Surgically implant acoustic VEMCO transmitters into the fish or apply a uniquely coded external dart tag to the fish

5. Return the fish to water and record the tag ID, date, time, and depth

Results

To date, in the Stewiacke river system 43 large Spawners (22 female, 21 male) have been tracked using acoustic tagging receivers. In the Minas Basin 37 small Schoolies have been detected.

The Future

More data from receivers in the Minas Basin will be obtained and examined in November. Movement patterns of the different size classes and sexes in large spawners will be examined. The study is also a precursor to understanding the long-term environmental effects of the Open Hydro turbine and helping to monitor tidal power testing in the future.