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Canada: Humpback Whale Shuts Down Power Plant |
| August 25, 2004 |
 | The tail flukes of the humpback are visible here as it dives beneath the surface of the Annapolis River.
Photo: Nova Scotia Power |
Whale watchers are lining the banks of Nova Scotia's Annapolis River again today, watching for a young humpback whale that has entered the river above the Annapolis Tidal Power Plant.
Visitors, townsfolk and Annapolis Tidal Power staff sighted the 6-metre (20-foot) humpback whale yesterday. The whale apparently entered the plant’s head pond late Monday, swimming through two 10-metre-wide underwater gates that connect the tidal plant to the Bay of Fundy.
Plant operations have temporarily ceased to prevent the whale from becoming trapped in the turbines. It is not believed to be in immediate danger.
Annapolis Tidal officials believe the whale entered the gates while chasing a school of small fish, possibly herring or mackerel. The whale has made several attempts to exit through the gates, but was distracted by curious boaters who ventured too close.
One of only three tidal plants in the world, Annapolis Tidal generates hydroelectricity using seawater from the Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides. Incoming tides fill the plant’s head pond, which then drains past the turbines as the tide ebbs. The turbines turn twice a day with the tides, generating enough electricity to power 4,000 homes.
Nova Scotia Power and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) are encouraging the whale to return to its natural habitat in the Bay of Fundy. The public is asked to refrain from approaching the whale, and boaters are reminded that a close approach could be dangerous to small craft, as the whale is very active.
Source: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
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