Determining Hydraulic Conditions for Holding Areas of Large Predatory Fish within the Tracy Fish Collection Facility

Hydraulic conditions within Reclamation's Tracy Fish Collection Facility (TFCF) were measured using a Nortek BoogieDopp acoustic Doppler current profiler. This instrument is essentially a modified AquaDopp profiler, mounted on the underside of a boogie board, using wireless modem communication with a Pocket PC for control and data collection. These data were collected to support on-going research to track and locate holding areas for large predatory fish (striped bass) within the confines of the facility. The velocity profile data at and near these locations help biologists and engineers better understand the types of flow fields that should be avoided within structures if the goal is to pass fish most expeditiously into a holding facility. The BoogieDopp collects velocity profiles in-line with the axis of the profiler through the depth of the water column. When measured simultaneously with sonic locating of tagged fish, the researchers are given a clearer picture of the types of flow conditions that allow predatory species to hold and feed on other unsuspecting fish passing through the facility. The BoogieDopp's remote operation and ability to collect a velocity profile rather than just a point velocity promotes a much better understanding into the behavior of these predatory fish.