Title
A review of studies relating to the effects of propeller-type turbine passage on fish early life stages
Publication Date
1990
Keywords
turbine passage, mortality, hydroelectric, shear, eggs, larvae, turbines, design, bulb turbines
Journal or Book Title
North American Journal of Fisheries Management
Abstract
Although few studies have been conducted to directly quantify ichthyoplanktonmortality at hydroelectric installations, there is a considerable body of literature on examinationsof the various stresses (i.e., pressure changes, blade contact, shear) that could affect turbineentrainedeggs and larvae. A review of these studies suggests that turbine-passage mortality ofearly life stages of fish normally would be relatively low at the low-head, propeller-type turbineinstallations (e.g., bulb or STRAFLO turbines), for which relevant design information is available.The shear forces and pressure changes in low-head bulb turbines are unlikely to causeichthyoplankton mortality. Probability of contact with turbine blades is related to size of the fish;less than 5% of entrained ichthyoplankton would be affected. Potential additional sources ofmortality related to the design and operation of hydroelectric facilities, and thus mitigable, includewithdrawal of deep water and cavitations.
Pages
418-426
Volume
10