R-12-04 Fish distribution in relation to tidal hydropower in Downeast Maine

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

November 8, 2018

Gayle Zydlewski
School of Marine Sciences
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469

James McCleave
School of Marine Sciences
University of Maine

Haley Viehman
School of Marine Sciences
University of Maine

Tidal hydroelectric development is a new technology being introduced to Maine waters. The potential effects on the marine environment, including commercially important fish species, are different than those resulting from traditional river-based hydropower. As a result, federal and state officials are taking a cautious approach to permitting, requiring rigorous environmental research and monitoring. Local communities are concerned about how the new installations and facilities might impact or interfere with other uses of the marine environment.

Zydlewski’s team will look at fish distribution and behavior in proximity to a cross-flow turbine device currently installed in Cobscook Bay. Automation of large acoustic datasets, integration with species identification from trawling, and data interpretation will enable a comprehensive picture of tidal device effects. The results will be shared with private power development companies, regulatory authorities, and local communities.

Two-year project; total Sea Grant funds $73,204