Acoustic fish deterrents (AFDs) are often discussed in the context of operational efficiency. If power plants such as Hinkley Point C and other large industrial facilities do not take steps to deter fish, intakes can become blocked with large fish inundations and cause disruption.
But this is not the only concern. The damage done to these fish can have a major impact on the ecosystem, particularly for critically endangered species. Even in sustainable populations, there are major ethical concerns with allowing large numbers of fish to be harmed and die when an alternative is available.
An AFD can save billions of fish over the course of Hinkley Point C’s 60-year lifespan and before the decision by the Secretary of State had been recommended to remain by the Hinkley Point C Stakeholder Reference Group to the Welsh Government.
What are the environmental implications of AFD at Hinkley Point C?
Without a sound-based behavioural system in place to provide an effective deterrent, a fish recovery and return (FRR) system would be the main means of protection.
The FRR system would only protect robust demersal fish, leaving fragile species and those in early life stages vulnerable. Environmental groups believe up to half a million fish could be sucked into the intake at Hinkley Point C each day, many of which would not survive being returned to the Estuary.
Arguments against this level of damage were based in part on incomplete data. The twaite shad, for example, is currently present in low numbers. But analysis of historical data reveals a much greater presence in warmer years such as in the early 1990s.
As climate change contributes to warmer waters and ongoing habitat restoration measures bear fruit, biologists expect shad levels to rise. And this is just one example.
Over the lifetime of the Hinkley Point C Station, fish communities in the Estuary may change dramatically and impact assessments based on recent data cannot be assumed to adequately characterise the risks.
The requirement under the DCO to install AFD technology is in part an insurance policy to future-proof environmental protection at the site and we are glad the Government has upheld this opinion. Visit Fish Guidance Systems for more information about AFDs.
Preserving the Development Consent Order
The Hinkley Point C fish protection strategy is based in part on scientific reports and advice prepared by Dr Andrew Turnpenny, an internationally recognised specialist in the field who has been involved in the Hinkley Point C project since its very beginning.
The fish protection strategy recognises the particular risks associated with direct seawater cooling, through which large volumes of water will be drawn from the Estuary and passed through plant cooling condensers. Direct seawater cooling is considered the Best Available Technology (BAT) across Europe, a view challenged by environmentalists but confirmed in an Environment Agency report. That report recommended that the continued BAT status of direct cooling can only be defended if advantage is taken of new environmental protection measures such as acoustic fish deterrents (AFD) and fish recovery and return (FRR) technology.
Our Latest Acoustic Fish Deterrent News
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The latest consultation on the development of Hinkley Point C, the nuclear power station project in Somerset, has notably excluded several Welsh Councils from its list of consultees. This comes despite Cardiff’s proximity to the site, which is less than 20 miles away. EDF, the French owned company behind Hinkley
ROV improvements and innovative thinking the key to Acoustic Fish Deterrent
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FGS response to EDF’s Noise Claims
Fish Guidance Systems has refuted claims by EDF that its acoustic fish deterrent (AFD) would create a noise “louder than a jumbo jet” at Hinkley Point C when it comes on line. EDF has instead suggested creating a salt marsh as a “natural” alternative to installing the AFD, which would
Environment Agency Hinkley Point C Consultations Closes With Campaigners Furious At Continued Need Fight Over Environmental Protections.
As the Environment Agency’s Consultation on EDF’s latest attempt to remove the AFD mandated by best practice and expert option closes, they have have faced strong criticism for allowing EDF to continue their campaign to remove environmental protections at Hinkley Point C, a nuclear power plant being built by French