The objective of this project 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.  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.

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. The scope of the proposal has been broadened to include additional pre-project tests on sea lions, sturgeon, and lamprey, as well as anadromous fish as originally proposed.  Specifically the third task encompassed testing sensitivity of California 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.  Hatchery steelhead were tested in a captive setting as a surrogate for possible effects on migrational behavior of anadromous fishes in a riverine setting.

To date, Smith-Root has completed five research elements desired by partner permitting agencies to address critical decision points in the Non-Lethal Sea Lion Abatement Project.  These newly completed research elements include:

(1) a successful demonstration that hydroacoustics (sonar) can indeed separate marine mammals from other targets (i.e. fish) in aquatic environments (there were no misclassifications of sea lions);

(2) a successful proof-of-concept trial on California sea lions at Moss Landing Marine Labs (sea lions were extremely sensitive to the electric array and deterrence was demonstrated even with food present);

(3) research on the movements and swimming behavior of salmonid fishes (i.e. adult steelhead) showing that behavior was not altered or deterred by the same voltage gradient used to successfully deter California sea lion movements in Moss Landing studies;

(4) research demonstrating that adult sturgeon behavior can be altered by using gradual, "soft-start" technology when the electric array turns on, thus moving bottom-oriented sturgeon safely away from the array's electrodes (the desired outcome); and

(5) research on the movements and swimming behavior of Pacific lampreys showing that movements of test fish were not altered by the same voltage gradient used to deter California sea lions.

These research results were disseminated to interested parties via a Partner's Forum held in late January 2009.  In accordance with the results of that Forum and the desires of Columbia Basin fisheries managers, the next steps in this project will focus on testing the sea lion deterrence array in-situ at Bonneville Dam in 2010, assessing whether the array affects the movements of spring Chinook, steelhead, sockeye and lamprey under real-time flow conditions during active upstream spawning migrations.  The outcome may lead to additional in-situ testing and research on large sturgeon and sea lions at Bonneville Dam's Fishway Entrance in 2011.

There are three main tasks under this contract:
1. Work with Matt Mesa of USGS on a study design for using the array in the UMT (Upstream Migrant Transportation) channel;
2. Work with Shane Scott on coordination with the US Corps of Engineers and others for needed approvals for the study; and
3. Work with Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley on a study design for the next phase, which would be using the array in the fishway ladder, and preparing a permit application under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).