Fish monitoring plans for hydrokinetic projects: An overview of results, associated challenges, and role of adaptive management

One of the most important concerns raised during permitting of hydrokinetic projects is how the placement and operation of these technologies might affect fish populations.  There are no standard study methodologies available for these new types of hydropower projects.  Monitoring studies will require an innovative design as well as a flexible approach with the ability to adapt the plans as new information is obtained.  This can be challenging in our current regulatory framework.  As this is a nascent industry primarily consisting of small demonstration projects, it can be extremely burdensome for developers to fund extensive studies before their technology has even been proven.  This presentation will provide a review of some past and present studies and proposed monitoring plans for hydrokinetic projects, the challenges that exist, and how adaptive management can provide stakeholders the ability to periodically review collected data and make course corrections in study methodology and duration, allowing parties a mechanism to move forward through the permitting process in the face of uncertainty.