Warning fish: This intake contains flashing images…

Pumping stations and intakes are traditionally an ideal location for fish and eel to take refuge when the intakes are not operating, however just in their nature quickly become lethal as water starts to flow.

ACE and Fish Flow Innovations, based in the Netherlands however provide a range of equipment to prevent injury to fish through structures such as pumping stations, either in the form of Strobe light technology to encourage the fish to move away from the intake before plant is operated, or by using fish friendly pump technology (click here for more information).

As fish and eels take refuge particularly in dark, covered areas, the sudden introduction of bright light acts as a fish deterrent and causes them to leave the area, and with a FFI Strobe system, a wall of bright flashing light is created to do just that. The strobes have been specially designed to be ultra-bright, and using low energy LED’s with lenses to intensify the light, they are both effective and cheap to run.

The systems are designed to remain clean even in river environments, and can be provided with automatic cleaning systems and lifting equipment to allow simple inspection. Even when used in turbid water, this has been found to diffuse the light effectively and provide a suitable fish deterrent. Testing in the Netherlands showed 10x fewer eels approaching Ijmuiden Pumping station following installation in 2011.

To discuss your requirements, please contact us.