Abstract: A system and method for guiding fish that migrate is provided. A preferred embodiment is affixed to a dam having intakes that: a) generate hydroelectric power and b) serve as a natural hydraulic cue for fish that, once attracted to the intake, may be injured or killed traversing the intake. A device resembling an oversize kitchen exhaust fan hood, with extension, is affixed adjacent the upstream side of a stream barrier that otherwise precludes fish from safely passing. The device simulates a naturally occurring hydraulic cue that fish use to migrate and may be used to defeat competing detrimental hydraulic cues. Also provided are embodiments to enable adjustment of the device to meet changing hydraulic conditions; to preclude the accidental provision of competing negative cues or stimuli; and to complement the simulated natural hydraulic cue provided by the device through using stimuli such as light, sound or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a device and associated method for simulating natural hydraulic cues received instinctively by waterborne fauna. A preferred embodiment is suitable for modifying existing manmade barriers such as fish diversion screens used at dams. The simulated cues mimic those produced by the flow of water over rough streambeds. Fish detect the cues and avoid contact with the barriers in the same way that they avoid collision with natural features. In one embodiment, a series of rectangular plates are attached to the U-clip connectors on the downstream side of diversion screens. The plates are oriented approximately perpendicular to the flow lines approaching the surface of the screen. The flow contacts the plates and, because the orientation of the plate creates an unstable hydraulic field, the flow alternately slips above and below the plates, creating fluctuating local acceleration zones able to be detected by migrating fish and other waterborne fauna.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding fish that migrate is provided. A preferred embodiment is affixed to a dam having intakes that: a) generate hydroelectric power and b) serve as a natural hydraulic cue for fish that, once attracted to the intake, are converted to pet food. A device resembling an oversize kitchen exhaust fan hood, with extension, is affixed adjacent the upstream side of a stream barrier that otherwise precludes fish from safely passing. The device simulates a naturally occurring hydraulic cue that fish use to migrate and may be used to defeat competing detrimental hydraulic cues. Also provided are embodiments to enable adjustment of the device to meet changing hydraulic conditions; to preclude the accidental provision of competing negative cues or stimuli; and to complement the simulated natural hydraulic cue provided by the device through using stimuli such as light, sound or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a device and associated method for simulating natural hydraulic cues received instinctively by waterborne fauna. A preferred embodiment is suitable for modifying existing manmade barriers such as fish diversion screens used at dams. The simulated cues mimic those produced by the flow of water over rough streambeds. Fish detect the cues and avoid contact with the barriers in the same way that they avoid collision with natural features. In one embodiment, a series of rectangular plates are attached to the U-clip connectors on the downstream side of diversion screens. The plates are oriented approximately perpendicular to the flow lines approaching the surface of the screen. The flow contacts the plates and, because the orientation of the plate creates an unstable hydraulic field, the flow alternately slips above and below the plates, creating fluctuating local acceleration zones able to be detected by migrating fish and other waterborne fauna.

Abstract: The invention is a processor based analysis system with appropriate interface that includes multiple fish surrogates that each have a plurality of piezoelectric and triaxial accelerometer sensors for emulating sensory organs of a particular fish. The multiple fish surrogate array is immersed in flowing water intakes of a hydraulic structures such as intakes, intake bypasses, and diversion structures, and natural geological formation such as riffles, shoal areas, and pools. The invention is an interface system for data acquisition analysis and perspective display of acoustic and fluid dynamic data in or near these hydraulic structures and/or natural formations. To accomplish this, multiple sensors in each of the fish-shaped surrogate physical enclosures that form the array are deployed at the same time to describe a fish's aquatic environment at the hydraulic structure location.

Abstract: Profiles of a river area analyzed by determining a ruler length characterizing the size of topological features of the river. The perimeter of a transect of the river is then determined by integrating the Pythagorean theorem using selected points on the transect. Main voids occurring in the calculation are measured by dividing the main void into triangular areas and accumulating the triangular areas across the main void.

Abstract: A method of producing quantitative criteria for optimizing river water rerces under variable flow conditions is described. The method includes calculating a bivariate frequency distribution from data representing flow conditions of a target reach of river, calculating a bivariate frequency distribution from data representing flow conditions of a standard reach of river, and comparing the target frequency distribution with the standard frequency distribution, thereby to assess the degree of similarity between the target flow conditions and the standard flow conditions. The similarity coefficients serve as the criteria by which water resource decisions are made. Ecosystem level impacts are defensibly assessed while optimizing water resource allocation.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention are multiple fish surrogates that each have plurality of piezoelectric and triaxial accelerometer sensors for emulating sensory organs of a particular fish. The multiple fish surrogates are immersed in flowing water intakes of a hydraulic structure such as: intakes, intake bypasses, and diversion structures; or also natural geological formation such as riffles, shoal areas, and pools. The invention is used for acquisition of acoustic and fluid dynamic data in or near these hydraulic structures and natural formations. To accomplish this, multiple sensors in multiple fish-shaped physical enclosures are deployed at the same time to describe a fish's aquatic environment at locations such as in proximity to a dam's intake. Since such an intake exhibits turbulent and high energy flow fields that cannot be characterized by a single sensor, many sensor bodies are required for a complete characterization of the environment.

Abstract: Acoustic signals and hydraulic pressure variations which influence fish bvior in bodies of water are measured and recorded by apparatus simulating a fish immersed in water, fitted with piezoelectric transducers and connected by wiring to remote amplifying and recording means. Such data are correlated with fish behavior for the purpose of developing methods of diverting fish from such areas of danger as the intake piping of hydroelectric power generating turbines and pumping stations.