Research is being undertaken to explore the potential of a number of behavioural guidance devices at deterring seaward migrating adult European eel (Anguilla anguilla) from entering deleterious routes such as water abstraction and hydropower intakes. A series of field-based studies have employed sub-metre precision acoustic positioning telemetry to investigate the response of downstream migrating adult eels to an infrasound (< 20Hz) source at a redundant hydropower intake. Eel swim path characteristics when approaching the device during both ‘on’ and ‘off’ mode will be compared and analysed in the context of mapped acoustic environments.

The results of this research programme will be used to formulate a behavioural rule-base of values for developing efficient non-mechanical screening devices to prevent ingress of fish into hazardous areas.

Media:

Infrasound device that was installed at a redundant hydropower intake to deter downstream migrating adult eels

Publications:

Piper, A.T., White, P.R., Wright, R.M., Leighton, T.G. & Kemp, P.S. (2019). Response of seaward-migrating European eel (Anguilla anguilla) to an infrasound deterrent. Ecological Engineering, 127: 480-486. (doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.12.001).

People:

Dr Adam Piper

Prof. Paul White

Prof. Paul Kemp