Electrical deterrent barriers for lake sturgeon - proof of concept testing

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As a result of spring water diversion through the Adam Creek Spillway at OPG's Little Long Generating station on the Mattagami River Lake Sturgeon often become entrained on a seasonal and/or periodic bases. OPG has investigated numerous methods for preventing entrainment, including feasibility studies for implementation of physical and behavioral barriers. This study will test proof of concept for the implementation of weak electric field barriers to determine their viability as a deterrent for lake sturgeon. Recent Russian studies have demonstrated the potential for weak electrical fields to serve as a means of deterring lake sturgeon from areas proximate to spillways/generating stations where entrainment might occur. To this end, differences in the biology of the species suggests the need to ensure similar behavioral responses exist for Lake Sturgeon while ensuring no harm to native populations would result from large scale implementation. As such, a species-specific pilot study pertinent to lake sturgeon needs to be completed. This study will use hatchery fish to determine if weak electric fields produce observable effects on the free-swimming behavior of lake sturgeon and if exposure to weak electric fields have any short-term or long-term physiological consequences. As the study does not have a lethal endpoint for either test or control fish, re-integration of the fish used into the hatchery stock and ultimate release to the wild is anticipated.