Author(s): Philip H. Burgi
Linked Author(s): Philip H. Burgi
Keywords: Fish protection; Fish screens; Fish screen design; Water diversion; Regulatory responsibilities; Fishery criteri
Abstract: This paper serves to provide a synopsis of a new technical manual soon to be available that summarizes planning and design guidance for fish protection at small dams and water diversion structures using exclusion screens and/or behavioral barriers. Although water resource planners, fishery biologists and engineers have been aware of the need for fish protection, there has been inconsistent application of criteria and technology, or more importantly, a lack of consensus among fishery resource agencies as to the scientific basis of past and present criteria. More recently, there have been advancements in the understanding of fish behavior and exclusion methods across a greater number of species and locations in the Western United States. These recent advancements are the result of cooperative efforts among engineers and fishery biologists in various government agencies and universities to bring consensus to the planning and design of fish exclusion facilities. It is evident that there is need for an application-based manual for fish exclusion facilities at water diversions. The manual to be published in early 2006, will include recent advancements in fish exclusion concepts and applications to both warm and cold water fish species at water diversions.
Year: 2005