Successful Behavioral Devices for Fish Protection

by E. P. Taft, Stone & Webster Environmental, Services, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '89

Abstract:

Since 1987, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has been sponsoring studies of behavioral barrier devices for protecting fish at hydroelectric facilities. Primary emphasis has been on the testing of strobe lights and sound for repelling fish and mercury light for attracting fish. The studies have been conducted at laboratory and field sites throughout the United States. Primary species evaluated to date include chinook, coho and Atlantic salmon, steelhead trout, kokenee, alewife, smelt, yellow perch, walleye, bluegill, several bass, channel catfish, and American shad and gizzard shad. The behavioral devices have been tested alone and in conjunction with other devices (bar racks, drum screens, bypasses and spillways). Results to date indicate that the response of fishes to the test devices is species- and device-dependent. In 1988, the most promising results of behavioral barrier testing to date were obtained with strobe lights at the York Haven Hydroelectric Plant on the Susquehanna River.

Subject Headings: Fish and fishery management | Hydro power | Electric power | Power plants | Electrical equipment | Light (artificial) | Laboratory tests

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