Fish passage refers to the process of helping fish migrate through or around obstacles like dams and barriers. As fish, such as salmon and steelhead trout, make their way upstream to spawn, their migration is becoming increasingly difficult due to obstacles, environmental changes and habitat loss. Ensuring safe and effective fish passage is critical to protect these species and to maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems. At Whooshh Innovations, we focus on providing advanced solutions that meet the unique challenges of today.
Whooshh Innovations has developed fish passage systems designed to help fish overcome obstacles efficiently and safely. Our solutions offer an alternative to traditional fish ladders, which often require large amounts of water and do not always account for the swim abilities of different species or environmental conditions. The keyword fish passage is the focus of our technology, which is designed to provide fish with volitional, selective passage. This means fish can choose to enter the system themselves, wherein the technology will recognize, sort and transport the fish safely. Our systems also help prevent invasive species from moving through, protecting native fish populations from further competition or harm.
Since 2013, Whooshh Innovations has been developing fish passage systems that solve many of the challenges faced when using traditional methods. Our Whooshh Passage Portal Model L (WPP-L) is a land-based system that uses air pressure to transport fish over dams and other barriers. It allows fish to volitionally swim into the system at their own pace while maintaining safety and minimizing stress. Additionally, our system can handle varying water levels and geographical conditions, making it adaptable to different environments.
. It uses water-misted air to transport fish through flexible Migrator tubes at speeds of 8-12 meters per second, slowing them down to below 8 m/s wen exiting the tube. The system enables the fish to pass over or around obstacles quickly without injury. This system can transport fish over great distances, even over dams as high as 300 meters. By prioritizing fish safety, we ensure that fish continue their migration without harm.
Our systems go beyond just moving fish. They are designed to improve the entire migration process by integrating imaging, sorting, and invasive species removal features. This allows us to selectively transport native species while preventing harmful non-indigenous fish species from entering ecosystems where they don’t belong. Our technology collects data and imagery on fish species, providing valuable monitoring insights into the condition of local migrating fish populations. These features are designed to make our solutions versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable, ensuring long-term benefits for fish and the environment.
When it comes to upstream fish passage, Whooshh Innovations offers unique solutions that stand out. Traditional methods can be inefficient and can cause fish harm, but our systems are designed to prioritize fish safety. By allowing fish to swim into our systems voluntarily, with no direct fish handling, we reduce stress and injury during the transport process. Our ability to move fish over large distances and heights makes us the ideal choice for hydropower dams and other barriers. We also focus on invasive species control, making sure only the right species move through our systems.
At Whooshh Innovations, we believe that protecting fish populations while supporting renewable energy is crucial. Our fish passage technologies provide safe, efficient, and environmentally conscious solutions to help fish migrate over or around obstacles. By integrating fish monitoring and sorting technologies, we also enhance our understanding of fish species and their migration habits. If you are looking for advanced, cost-effective solutions for fish passage, Whooshh Innovations is here to help.
