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Multi-scale temporal patterns in fish presence in a high-velocity tidal channel
Haley A Viehman1, Gayle Barbin Zydlewski1
1School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America.
Plos One
|May 12, 2017
Summary
Fish presence in tidal channels varies seasonally and with tidal cycles, impacting potential interactions with marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices. Understanding these patterns is crucial for assessing environmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Renewable energy
- Hydrodynamics
Background:
- Understanding fish presence in high-velocity tidal channels is limited.
- This knowledge gap hinders prediction of fish interactions with marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices.
- MHK device effects on fish are uncertain and a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize fish presence patterns at a tidal energy site in Cobscook Bay, Maine.
- To analyze fish activity relative to tidal and diel cycles.
- To assess fish encounter rates with potential MHK devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two years of continuous hydroacoustic data.
- Collected data at the proposed depth of an MHK turbine.
- Employed a bottom-mounted, side-looking echosounder for continuous monitoring.
Main Results:
- Fish counts varied seasonally, from hundreds in spring to over 1,000 in fall.
- Counts showed strong, seasonally dependent relationships with tidal and diel cycles.
- Fish counts were not correlated with current speed, unlike findings at other sites.
Conclusions:
- Fish presence and potential MHK encounter risks are highly variable.
- Observed patterns in fish presence are likely applicable to other tidal energy sites globally.
- This research aids in predicting fish interactions with tidal energy infrastructure worldwide.
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