On July 2013, Halifax Marine Research Institute (HMRI) had the pleasure of hosting the Honourable Peter MacKay, then Canadian Minister of Defence, and the Honourable Graham Steele, Nova Scotia Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism at the new Dalhousie Ocean Sciences Building, for the announcement of federal and provincial funding of HMRI’s first smart buoy project. HMRI will acquire, deploy and operate a 3 metre inshore weather buoy near Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Canadian Marine Pilots’ Association, Atlantic Pilotage Authority, Halifax Port Authority, Canadian Coast Guard, and the Marine Environment Observation Prediction and Response network (MEOPAR).
Following deployment in Autumn 2013, the buoy’s sensors will generate real time measurements used to create high-resolution weather and wave forecasts for the mouth of Halifax Harbour. Data collected by the buoy’s sensors will assist the Atlantic Pilotage Authority and Halifax Port Authority in improving safety and scheduling in the Port of Halifax. This data will also generate educational and scientific opportunities for ocean science and technology students and researchers in Nova Scotia and beyond.
The SmartATLANTIC Herring Cove Buoy project is the result of a 10-year effort by the Canadian Marine Pilot’s Association, and HMRI’s ability to facilitate multi-party collaboration in Atlantic Canada’s ocean technology sector. The project is made possible by funding of up to $171,000 from Transport Canada, and funding of $150,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia, as well as in-kind and cash contributions totaling $45,000 provided by AMEC Earth & Environmental, the Canadian Coast Guard, and MEOPAR. Operational funding of approximately $1.2 Million will be provided by the Atlantic Pilotage Authority and Halifax Port Authority during the initial 10 years of deployment.
For additional information on this exciting HMRI project, please contact Jim Hanlon, HMRI’s chief executive officer.
