Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Fish Diversion System Barrier Net

AbstractBarrier nets can be an effective alternative for reducing impingement mortality of fish at power plant intakes. In 2010, a paired, split-beam hydroacoustic method was used as the primary assessment tool for comparing relative fish density between the lake (“outside”) and station (“inside”) side of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station fish diversion system (FDS) barrier net while it was in place. Behavioral information was also collected using a DIDSON acoustic camera and underwater video camera to determine fish responses to the FDS. Verification monitoring was completed using conventional gill netting. The DIDSON provided useful and valuable information on relative fish densities, relative school sizes, and behavior of fish as individuals, small groups, or schools on both the outside and inside of the FDS, as well as general behavior of fish approaching the FDS. There was no evidence of passage through the net based on DIDSON evaluation; however, fish passage occurred when the FDS net was con...