Evaluation of Various Non-Permanent Barrier Technologies to Prevent Fish Movements: A Mesocosm Study

Increasingly, the number and type of aquatic invasive species are on the rise worldwide. When dealing with invasive species, preventing transport and introduction is considered one of most effective management options. While permanent barriers may be best in deterring fish movements, in many instances, they may not be feasible due to various logistical constraints and/or costs. Alternatively, various non-permanent barriers using electricity, light, sound, pressure, and bubbles are being developed and deployed in efforts to limit the spread of aquatic invasive species or to achieve fish guidance and conservation. However, effectiveness of these barriers is quite variable, and testing is often lacking or limited to small-scale lab settings. To evaluate the effectiveness of non-permanent barriers in preventing fish movement, we conducted a mesocosm study in a boat slip near Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, Canada. In 2013, we will deploy 10 acoustic receivers and track 100 tagged fishes in the boat slip that is divided in half by non-permanent barriers. The results of 2013 field season will be discussed. Our results will be critical to the evaluation of management options to prevent the spread of invasive species.