Can a Fish Cannon Be Used to Safely Transport Salmon?
For centuries, fish migration has been a natural wondersalmon swimming upstream to spawn, sturgeon navigating vast river systems, and countless other species relying on free-flowing waterways. But with the rise of dams, weirs, and other barriers, these journeys have become increasingly perilous. Traditional solutions like fish ladders and trap-and-haul methods are often slow, labor-intensive, and stressful for fish. However, the emergence of fish cannon promises to revolutionize how we help fish move past obstacles. But can it really be used to safely transport salmon? The answer, backed by science and real-world use, is a resounding yes.
How the Fish Cannon Works
At its core, thefish cannonis a pneumatic tube system designed to move fish quickly and safely over or around barriers. Fish swim voluntarily into an entry chamber, where a gentle flow of water guides them into the tube. Once inside, a small pressure differential propels the fish through a misted, flexible conduit at speeds up to 22 miles per hour. The journey is briefoften just a few secondsand the tube is lined with water to keep the fish moist and comfortable throughout the ride.
The system is equipped with sensors and cameras that capture images of each fish, allowing for real-time identification, sorting, and data collection. This means operators can separate native species from invasives, track migration patterns, and monitor fish healthall without manual handling. Thefish cannon is also highly scalable, capable of moving thousands of fish per day and adaptable to a wide range of site conditions.
Multiple studies and field trials have shown that the system is not only safe but often gentler than traditional methods. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that fish transported by the cannon sustained fewer injuries compared to those using fish ladders, and showed no signs of undue stress?. The flexible tube adjusts to the size of each fish, and the misted environment ensures they can continue breathing during the journey.
The cannon is also remarkably efficient. A fish can pass a dam in as little as 2.5 minutes, compared to several hours for a fish ladder. The system operates autonomously, requiring minimal human intervention, and can move up to 60 fish per minuteor 86,400 in a 24-hour period. This level of efficiency is a game-changer for large-scale migration events and emergency rescues.
Salmon Cannon: A Case Study in Modern Fish Passage
The salmon cannonsometimes called the Whooshh PassagePortalis the flagship application of the fish cannon concept. Developed by Whooshh Innovations, this system has been deployed in some of the most challenging environments, from the Columbia River to the Fraser River in British Columbia. The salmon cannon uses advanced imaging and sorting technology to identify and separate fish by species, origin, and health status. Only native or target salmon are allowed to proceed, while invasive or hatchery fish can be diverted for further management.
The system is modular and portable, making it ideal for remote or hard-to-reach locations. For example, at the Big Bar landslide on the Fraser River, Whooshh deployed two PassagePortal systems to transport hundreds of thousands of salmon past a massive rock blockage in just a few months. The salmon cannon has also been used to sort hatchery and wild salmon at the Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in a variety of settings.
Any Real-World Applications for Reference?
Thefish cannonandsalmon cannonhave been used in a wide range of applications, from large-scale dam bypasses to invasive species management. In Minnesota, the Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center uses the system to remove invasive carp from state lakes, helping to protect native fish populations. The technology has also been adopted by government agencies in the U.S. and Europe, with nearly two dozen systems currently in operation.
One of the most impressive demonstrations of the salmon cannon was at the Big Bar landslide, where the system was installed on a floating barge and used to transport salmon over a 1,700-foot distancemore than a quarter of a mile. The operation was a resounding success, with thousands of salmon safely bypassing the blockage and continuing their migration.
Final Remarks: The Future of Aquatic Mobility
The fish cannon and salmon cannon represent a paradigm shift in how we approach fish passage and transport. By combining automation, real-time data, and gentle pneumatic propulsion, these systems offer a sustainable, scalable solution to one of the most pressing challenges in aquatic management. For salmon and other migratory fish, the cannon means faster, safer journeys and better chances of survival. For operators and regulators, it means lower costs, greater flexibility, and improved compliance with environmental standards.
As we look to the future, the lessons from Whooshh Innovations work suggest that thesalmon cannonis more than just a technological noveltyits a catalyst for reimagining the relationship between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. By prioritizing adaptability, data-driven management, and ecological sensitivity, we can build a future where rivers are truly connected, and every fish has a clear path forward.
