World class environmental monitoring deployed at Petit Passage

Nova Innovation has successfully deployed an ROP (Remote Observation Platform) on the seabed in Petit Passage, Nova Scotia.

The ROP records live underwater video and sonar footage to gather data on marine wildlife in the area. This is part of the environmental monitoring we are doing for the Nova Tidal Array. The Nova Tidal Array is being developed in three separate 500kW phases, allowing for careful environmental monitoring at each stage.

Thanks to everyone involved!

(Photo courtesy of Greg Trowse)

What does the ROP look like and how big is it?

The ROP is a small steel frame structure with a ballast to hold it in place on the seabed. It does not have any surface markers or buoys. Nova Innovation has previously deployed this frame in Petit Passage and conducted many similar operations at its Shetland Tidal Array in Scotland, UK.

Will the ROP affect fishing or navigation in the area?

The ROP sits on the seabed at a depth of at least 30m, with no surface infrastructure such as buoys or markers. Vessels are able to pass safely through the area and above the ROP. Use of static or mobile benthic fishing gear in the immediate area around the ROP should be avoided to prevent the risk of snagging.

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns about the ROP installation in Petit Passage, please contact the Nova team at canada@novainnovation.com