Fish passage | Innovative fishway trial


A groundbreaking trial in Menindee, Australia, will test Fishheart’s cutting-edge fish passage technology, aiming to restore native fish migration in the Lower Darling-Baaka River


RIght: Fishheart unit being installed at Lake Wetherell outlet regulator, 8 February 2025. Image credit: NSW DPIRD


THE HEALTH OF AUSTRALIA’S river systems has long been a subject of concern, particularly in regions like the Lower Darling-Baaka, where barriers such as dams and weirs have significantly disrupted native fish migration. In a historic move, Fishheart Ltd., a global leader in fish passage technology, has been awarded more than A$ 5 million to trial its innovative fishway system in New South Wales. This trial is part of a larger $6.52 million commitment by the NSW Government, which forms a key element of the $25 million Restoring the Darling-Baaka River Program.


Restoring vital waterways with


Below: Pipework leading into Lake Wetherell, 8 February 2025. Image credit: NSW DPIRD


innovative technology The Fishheart Fishway trial represents an ambitious step toward addressing the growing crisis of fish migration blockages. By collaborating with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Fishheart Ltd. aims to implement a temporary yet effective solution at Menindee, NSW. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of rehabilitating the river ecosystem, which has suffered immensely in recent years due to environmental pressures. Mika Sohlberg, Sales Director of Fishheart Ltd.,


expressed optimism about the initiative, stating: “We are proud and excited to win the award. I am sure that we will get good results with our technology.” The trial is expected to take place over a three-year period, providing crucial insights into fish migration patterns and the efficacy of temporary fishway solutions.


The urgent need for fish passage solutions


Native fish species in Australia rely on unrestricted movement to breed, feed, and seek new habitats. However, barriers like the weirs and regulators in the Menindee Lakes system have impeded these natural migration routes, resulting in significant accumulations


28 | March 2025 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


of fish below these structures. This has led to increased biomass in the Menindee town weir pool, raising concerns over water quality and the risk of further mass fish deaths. The NSW Government’s response to the 2023 mass fish kills in the Darling-Baaka River was a catalyst for this trial, which aims to address these urgent ecological challenges. DPIRD Deputy Secretary of Fisheries and Forestry, Sean Sloan, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “This will be the first time that this temporary fishway technology will be trialed under Australian conditions and on native inland freshwater fish at this scale. It is an important part of the NSW Government response to the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer.”


The Menindee Tube Fishway Trial The Fishheart system will be installed at the Lake


Wetherell outlet regulator during the 2024/25 summer season. It is expected to significantly improve fish passage between the Northern and Southern Basin, mitigating the negative effects of migration blockages. The NSW Government has engaged NSW Public Works to oversee the construction and procurement process, ensuring the project adheres to established environmental and operational standards. The fishway itself is an advanced, floating hydraulic


system designed to transport fish over barriers. It utilizes artificial intelligence to detect fish and regulate water flow, ensuring efficient and safe passage. Unlike traditional fishways, the Fishheart system is adjustable, allowing researchers to fine-tune its operations based on real-time environmental conditions. A key feature of this technology is its ability to utilize


water from Lake Wetherell while ensuring minimal impact on water levels and quality. By integrating scientific monitoring, the trial will provide valuable data to inform the development of permanent fish passage solutions.


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