From the Editor’s Desk |


Pushing the boundaries of fish passage


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s the hydropower industry evolves, so too does its responsibility to mitigate the environmental impacts of its infrastructure. Among the most critical issues facing hydropower operations today


is the need for effective fish passage solutions – particularly in the face of growing environmental regulations and the increasing demand for renewable energy. While the industry has long recognised the challenge of facilitating the safe migration of fish around dams, recent advancements in fish passage technologies are setting new standards for both ecological preservation and operational efficiency. The conversation around fish passage has shifted


from basic solutions like fish ladders to more complex, tailored systems that reflect the diversity of species, environmental conditions, and specific hydropower sites. As the industry innovates, fish passage technologies are becoming more sophisticated, with a particular focus on enhancing the survival rates of migrating fish while ensuring minimal disruption to energy production. But how exactly are these technologies evolving, and what role do they play in the future of hydropower? One of the most promising developments is


the refinement of fish-friendly turbines. Traditional turbine designs, while efficient for power generation, have long been a major cause of fish mortality due to the high shear forces and pressure changes fish experience when passing through them. Innovations such as the development of “fish-safe” turbines are making a notable impact. These turbines feature optimised blade designs, slower rotational speeds, and smoother surfaces, all of which reduce the likelihood of injury or death. While these technologies are still evolving, they present a viable solution to the challenge of integrating hydropower with aquatic life, especially in regions where retrofitting existing facilities is more cost-effective than full-scale modifications. Equally interesting is the rise of automated fish tracking systems, which allow operators to monitor fish movements in real-time, offering valuable data that can guide operational decisions. These systems use a combination of acoustic telemetry, RFID tags, and underwater cameras to track fish behaviour as they approach, enter, and pass through hydropower plants.


4 | March 2025 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


By gaining a better understanding of fish migration patterns, operators can adjust flow conditions, optimise fish passage routes, and even predict when fish are likely to be present, improving the overall efficiency and safety of passage systems. Another noteworthy area of innovation is the


increased use of behavioural guidance systems. These systems, which use physical barriers, sound, light, or even electrical fields, direct fish away from turbines and toward safe passage routes. Unlike traditional fish ladders, these technologies focus on preventing fish from entering hazardous zones in the first place. Some systems are already in operation in larger hydropower plants, where they have demonstrated success in guiding fish around facilities without the need for direct interaction with human operators or more labour- intensive infrastructure. Furthermore, research into biological and ecological


factors is also playing a pivotal role in advancing fish passage strategies. New data on the swimming behaviour and preferences of specific species, including how they respond to flow velocities, water temperature, and even sound, is guiding the design of passage systems that are more attuned to the needs of individual species. The industry is beginning to recognize that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is no longer sufficient, and that customised, data-driven solutions are the future. Despite these advancements, the path forward is not without challenges. Integrating fish passage technologies with existing infrastructure, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and navigating regulatory landscapes remain ongoing hurdles. However, the growing collaboration between engineers, ecologists, and regulators is fostering a more holistic approach to fish passage that can ensure both operational viability and environmental responsibility.


Carrieann Stocks


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