Survival and behavioral effects of exposure to a hydrokinetic turbine on juvenile Atlantic salmon and adult American shad

Estuaries and Coasts
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Abstract

This paper describes a series of experiments designed to measure the effect of exposure to a full-scale, vertical axis hydrokinetic turbine on downstream migrating juvenile Atlantic salmon (N=75) and upstream migrating adult American shad (N=208). Controlled studies were performed in a large-scale, open-channel flume, and all individuals approached the turbine under volitional control. No injuries were observed, and there was no measurable increase in mortality associated with turbine passage. Exposure to the turbine elicited behavioral responses from both species, however, with salmon passing primarily over the downrunning blades. Shad movement was impeded by the device, as indicated by fewer attempts of shorter duration and reduced distance of ascent up the flume. More work should be performed in both laboratory and field conditions to determine to what extent these effects are likely to influence free-swimming fish.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Survival and behavioral effects of exposure to a hydrokinetic turbine on juvenile Atlantic salmon and adult American shad
Series title Estuaries and Coasts
DOI 10.1007/s12237-013-9680-6
Volume 38
Issue 1
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher Estuarine Research Federation
Publisher location Port Republic, MD
Contributing office(s) Leetown Science Center
Description 12 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Estuaries and Coasts
First page 203
Last page 214
Country United States
State Massachusetts
City Turner Falls
Other Geospatial Connecticut River;S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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