The Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research (ACER) was established in 1985 following 70 years of interest and study on the potential and implications of tidal power development in the Bay of Fundy. Initial funds were provided by the Secretary of State under the Centres of Specialization Fund, with additional facility and funding support provided by Acadia University.
The original primary objective of the Centre was to focus research attention on estuaries and nearshore coastal waters. Although the Centre has been involved in research projects in numerous areas of the world and all types of aquatic ecosystems, its main research emphasis was originally on the estuarine systems of the Bay of Fundy and the hydrographically related Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. However, shortly after its establishment it became involved in watershed management issues that necessitated emphasis on upland freshwater systems. This has led to its present expanded mandate which now also includes studies on freshwater wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams.
