Hydroelectric power and fish

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To the editor,

I think Hydroelectric dams can hinder and stop fish populations from growing. That being said, hydroelectric dams should be placed carefully. Hydroelectric dams are a renewable source that uses the motion of water.

Hydroelectric dams should be carefully placed because it can stop fish migration. Fish migration happens when fish go to lay their egg or mate. If the fish eggs are not placed in a safe spot the eggs are easily eaten and new offspring does not survive. If fish cannot mate there is not fertilization.

Fish that had laid eggs

Sir Adam Beck

The Sir Adam Beck (SAB) hydroelectric power plant is located in Queenston Heights, Ontario, Canada (near Niagara falls). SAB 1 was built in 1917 and started producing power in 1922. SAB 2 was built in 1950 and started producing power in 1954. I do think this hydroelectric dam (SAB I and II) should be located here because it has been operational since 1922. SAB also is located near/on a waterfall where fish would not travel over anyways.

Sir Adam Beck

Importance and Evidence

The issue of hydroelectric power dams is important because it can decrease fish survival rate and fish population. Hydroelectric dams affect fish serial rate because the fish cannot pass the dams safely to mate or eat food. Evidence of fish and ecosystems being harmed by hydroelectric power dams is stated by PreScouter: “hydropower plants can harm ecosystems, especially killing fish with their turbines”. Although a small amount of fish pass through the turbines unharmed.

What should be done

I think hydroelectric plants should consider making fish friendly turbines so fish can pass through safely. Also I think hydroelectric dams should be placed where the fish population is low. I think this fish friendly suggestion only needs to be done in heavily fish populated areas where fish need to pass through to mate or lay eggs.

Sources

Info Niagara. HYDRO POWER NIAGARA FALLS. http://www.infoniagara.com/attractions/hydro_power/index.aspx

Power Technology. Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Complex, Niagara Falls. https://www.power-technology.com/projects/sir-adam-beck-hydroelectric-power-complex-niagara-falls/

PreScouter. Can these turbines make hydropower more fish friendly? https://www.prescouter.com/2018/01/turbines-make-hydropower-fish-friendly/

opgvideos. Hydroelectricity – Falling for the power of water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV0yHztgrIs&t=72s