The scope of this contract is to develop and implement a demonstration project to assess the potential to deter upstream movement and predation by marine mammals on Columbia Basin fish resources.  The objective is to deploy and evaluate a passive, integrated electric barrier and sonar array that selectively inhibits upstream marine mammal movements and predation, without injuring pinnipeds or affecting anadromous fish migrations.   A combined split-beam, broadband sonar system will be integrated with an electric grid using protocols that detect, classify and track marine mammals, and activate an electrical field only when pinnipeds are present.  In collaboration with agencies, state, federal, and tribal co-managers and partners, the envisioned final product is an electric grid array and sonar deterrence system that activates the electric field only when marine mammals are attempting to move upstream of the array.  This will be accomplished in a series of four tasks: (1) develop library of sonar images of pinnipeds, Pacific salmon and sturgeon; (2) develop and integrate sonar with artificial intelligence software to cue operation of the passive electric array; (3) ascertain whether the field causes any behavioral effects on anadromous fish migrations; and (4) demonstrate the deterrence potential of an integrated electric array at an in-situ test location, where substantial marine mammal predation occurs.  Based on an extensive review of available literature on fish injury potential, this passive, low-level electric field will not injure fish, and it does not affect boat traffic.  An over-arching goal is to collaborate with agency partners, involve their scientists and managers, and solicit their active assistance in properly monitoring and evaluating the daily performance of this integrated deterrence system, to ultimately make this technology available for their use to supplement future selective management efforts.

Issues ancillary to the original proposal were raised regarding possible effects on migratory behavior of sturgeon and lamprey, as well as questions as to whether the tests of an electrical field on seals in Canada were applicable to California sea lions.  Testing was conducted on seals in British Columbia, Canada (both captive animals and in-situ river tests) in March and April 2007, demonstrating a high level of sensitivity to underwater electric fields at levels far lower than those known to harm or injure fish.  The scope of the proposal has been broadened to include additional pre-project tests on sea lions.  Specifically the third task will encompass testing of sensitivity of California and Stellar sea lions to a mild electric field and an evaluation of possible migrational effects of a mild electric field on lamprey and sturgeon, per the request of Columbia Basin co-managers on 9/28/2007.