In Grand Rivers, Kentucky, construction has been completed for the design and installation of a bio-acoustic fish fence (BAFF) at the Barkley Lock and Dam. The goal of the project is to study the prevention of Asian carp, an invasive species in the Mississippi River basin, from moving upstream in the Cumberland River. Installed downstream of the lock gates, the BAFF produces a bubble curtain, generates flashes of light, and emits sounds audible to Asian carp, deterring the invasive species from moving farther upstream.
This project represents the collaboration of many stakeholders, including Fish Guidance Systems Ltd., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Barr.
Working closely with all the stakeholders, Barr developed civil plans to identify dredging and rock removal for the BAFF system placement within the tight tolerances required for overhead barge navigation and system efficacy. We prepared electrical plans to distribute power from the nearest grid connection to the system components. To supply the BAFF system with compressed air, Barr also prepared mechanical plans. Structural plans were prepared to protect the BAFF system against debris dragging behind barges on the river bottom.
To better understand how the BAFF deters Asian carp at the Barkley Lock and Dam, check out the animation video from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the right.