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Safe passage of American Eels through a novel hydropower turbine

Journal Article · · Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/tafs.10385· OSTI ID:1901483
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  1. Natel Energy, Inc. Alameda California 94501 USA
  2. Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland Washington 99354 USA
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Abstract Objective

Study the effects of downstream passage through a novel turbine designed for fish safety, the Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT), on American Eels Anguilla rostrata in a recirculating turbine test facility.

Methods

A 55‐cm‐diameter RHT was operated under 10 m of hydraulic head and 667 revolutions/min. In total, 131 eels were passed through the turbine and 43 eels were used as experimental controls (length = 33.9–65.5 cm). High‐speed video of passage through the runner region was captured for 89% of turbine‐passed eels, and injury and behavioral effects were recorded immediately before and after passage, as well as after a 48‐h holding period. A subset of 37 eels was additionally examined with X‐ray imaging for internal injuries.

Result

The 48‐h survival rate for both treatment and control groups was 100%, with no major internal or external injuries present after the holding period.

Conclusion

This is a substantial improvement over eel survival rates through conventional Kaplan and Francis turbines, which may range from 40% to 95%, and suggests that hydropower turbines designed for safe downstream fish passage could be implemented without major impacts to eels.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Water Power Technologies Office
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830; EE0008946
OSTI ID:
1901483
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1901486
OSTI ID: 1902106
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-171960
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 151; ISSN 0002-8487
Publisher:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
American Eel
downstream fish passage
fish-friendly
fish-safe
hydraulic turbine
low-head hydropower