Advancements in Sensor Technology for Assessing Hydropower Structures and Predicting Turbine-Related Fish Injuries: Enhancing Fish Monitoring and Understanding Behavior
We will present advancements in sensor technology and metrics for characterizing the physical conditions of hydropower structures and accurately predicting turbine-related fish strike injury rates in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, we will discuss cutting-edge techniques to enhance the monitoring of fish movements and health in aquatic environments. Integrating fish behavior with physical measurements of hydropower structures and studying movements of unstudied fish species and life stages would significantly advance our understanding of fish migration timing, behaviors, habitat utilization, fishway effectiveness, and survival rates at hydropower facilities. This could lead to more informed management decisions for both existing and new hydroelectric facilities, facilitating better designs that minimize environmental impacts.