The Sensor Fish is a small autonomous device that uses multiple sensors to measure the physical stressors fish experience when passing through or around dams. The sensors provide accurate, physical measurements for acceleration, pressure, rotational velocity, and orientation, which convey what real fish may experience during downstream passage. Not only can the Sensor Fish provide valuable data but it also results in saved time, cost, and lower ecological impacts than conducting fish tagging studies to measure survival through hydropower structures.

Sensor Fish was designed to have a size and density similar to a yearling salmon smolt and is nearly neutrally-buoyant body in freshwater. A smaller version of the Sensor Fish, known as Sensor Fish Mini, was recently developed for studying small hydropower turbines with a small clearances between the turbine blades. The Sensor Fish Mini (left) and Sensor Fish (right) are pictured at the top of the page. 

Who uses the Sensor Fish?

The Sensor Fish is currently licensed and available commercially through Advanced Telemetry Systems. Many research studies have deployed the Sensor Fish to learn more about hydraulic conditions at hydropower facilities. Visit the Library for more information on these studies.