Author(s): D. A. Scruton; C. J. Pennell; C. E. Bourgeois; King; R. K. Booth; W. Eddy; L. M. N. Ollerhead; K. D. Clarke
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Keywords: Hydroelectricity; Salmo salar; Smolt; Kelt; Fish passage; Migration; Fish bypasses; Newfoundland; Canad
Abstract: The Canadian government, the hydroelectric industry, and public interest groups have been working cooperatively to protect and enhance wild Atlantic salmon populations on the Exploits River, insular Newfoundland, Canada. Enhancement programs and construction of upstream fish passage facilities at natural barriers and at three hydroelectric dams have expanded the range of the species and increased the returning adult population. Recent attention has focused on improving passage and survival of downstream migrating smolts and kelts at two hydroelectric facilities at Bishops Falls and Grand Falls-Windsor, 10 and 20 km above the estuary, respectively. At Grand Falls-Windsor a floating louver and bypass system was installed in a power canal and extensive biological, hydraulic, and modeling studies have been conducted to assess, modify, and optimize fish passage. At Bishops Falls, a retrofitted surface spill bypass system was installed in an existing spill gate and similar studies have been conducted to improve passage success. Studies have documented the fish guidance efficiency (FGE) of these systems, have provided additional information on diel timing of migrations, and have determined appropriate hydraulic conditions to optimize passage success. This paper compares and contrasts the installation, operations, and effectiveness of these two systems.
Year: 2007