Effect of Electric Fish Barriers on Corrosion and Cathodic Protection

Project ID: 4805
Principal Investigator: Daryl Little
Research Topic: Fish Passage and Entrainment
Funded Fiscal Years: 2015
Keywords: cathodic protection, corrosion, fish barrier, electric crowder, graduated field, interference

Research Question

Will electric fish barriers have an adverse effect on the corrosion of nearby structures? Can potential interference issues be created between cathodic protection systems and electric fish barriers affecting the operational electrical fields of either?

Need and Benefit

A main goal of Reclamation is the delivery of water and power. However, endangered and protected fish species may be affected by this water delivery system. Electric fish barriers can be used to control the movement of fish, thereby protecting them from adverse outcomes due to Reclamation projects. Corrosion though is also an issue in many of these bodies of water and therefore must be protected, often with some type of cathodic protection system. Interference can be extremely detrimental to both corrosion mitigation and controlling the movement of the fish.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Effect of Electric Fish Barriers on Corrosion and Cathodic Protection (final, PDF, 1.1MB)
By Daryl Little
Publication completed on September 30, 2015

A main goal of Reclamation is the delivery of water and power. However, these water delivery systems could affect endangered and protected fish species. Electric fish barriers could control the movement of fish, thereby protecting them from adverse outcomes. Literature research revealed that electric fish barriers could cause electrical interference on nearby structures and electrical systems. This potential for electrical interference not only could cause corrosion on nearby structures but also create interference issues with cathodic protection systems.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20