M.Sc. candidate Daniel Struthers is in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, working on the Winnipeg River with Dr. Ana Silva and Maja Cvetkovic from the Cooke lab. Dan’s thesis is part of a large collaborative project with Manitoba Hydro, University of Manitoba, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Canadian Hydrokinetic Turbine Test Centre. The work is based at the Seven Sisters Dam, which is the largest hydropower station on the Winnipeg River.
The purpose of the project is to assess the effects of Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion Devices, (or simply hydrokinetic turbines), which generate electricity by using the kinetic energy of natural water flow. Unlike most hydropower stations, these turbines minimally alter the natural flow regime in rivers and streams and are designed to provide easy passage for fish migrating up the river.
Dan will be assessing the effect of the new turbines on the movement and behaviour of Lake Sturgeon and Walleye using acoustic telemetry. The team is sampling the river using gillnets, fyke nets and boat electrofishing, then inserting an acoustic transmitter into each one. Receivers are going to be deployed upstream and downstream of the turbine, and will pick up transmissions of each tagged fish whenever they swim by.
It is a large undertaking in a difficult system but the team is excited and enjoying the challenges! They especially appreciate the help of Bill Gardner who has joined them from DFO based in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
The highlight so far has been catching a Lake Sturgeon measuring at 180 cm and weighing 45 kg – put a giant grin on everyone’s face!
The first prize sturgeon – 109 cm.
Daniel Struthers inserting a transmitter into a sturgeon.
Bill Gardner providing boating and sampling help!
