Considering fish biology in hydroelectric operations: A case study of the Black River Hydro System in Nova Scotia

Issues surrounding water management are prevalent in Nova Scotia where the resource is naturally limited due to its small size and low relief. Two conflicts centre around the competing use of water for hydroelectric generation versus fish conservation requirements. The hypothesis is that hydro operations surrounding fish management practices could be improved by integrating the biology of fish species. A case study of the Black River Hydro System in Nova Scotia, representing one of the more complex systems, was chosen for this purpose. This necessitated a review of the operational data and fish biology at the Black River Hydro System. Operational data was used to establish operational patterns, both for generation and water storage. A biological review of target species, specifically the life history stages and subsequent habitat requirements, demonstrated critical fish management periods in relation to hydro operations. Different scenarios were then evaluated to demonstrate how this information could be applied. The objective is to continue to generate electricity in a economically viable manner while sustaining the requirements for fish conservation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).