Video: Bubbles, Lights and Sounds: DWR Uses Bioacoustics to Help Guide Juvenile Salmon
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DWR has recently completed installation of a bioacoustic fish fence at the junction of the Sacramento River and Georgiana Slough.
To assist with young salmon migration through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has recently completed installation of a bioacoustic fish fence at the junction of the Sacramento River and Georgiana Slough. The fence will help endangered winter-run and spring-run Chinook salmon safely navigate the Delta. The bioacoustic fence uses bubbles, flashing lights and sound to discourage young salmon from entering Georgiana Slough and the interior Delta where they have a lower chance of survival due to predation. The advantage of this non-physical barrier is that it will not obstruct boat traffic or flows into Georgiana Slough where unimpeded flow is essential to maintaining water quality in the interior Delta. Installation and operation of the fence is currently planned through 2030. Components will be reinstalled each September/October and removed in May, leaving in place the pilings to which they are attached.