DESCRIPTION
Construct a more natural, fairly wide and long channel at the Locks facility that would allow both adult and juvenile fish to move back and forth between warmer lake outflow and cooler tidal water, and allow tidal change to inundate areas designed into the channel where both adults and juveniles could find refuge to hold and choose their preferred salinity.
NOTES
While envisioned for the south side, to replace the function of the existing fish ladder and perhaps some portion of the existing spillway dam, locating a channel somewhat inland on the north side of the Locks may also be a possibility. In principle the project would create a longer estuary environment with more mixing. Some design challenges exist, particularly related to mixing as fresh water sits on top of the salt water, and it is difficult to encourage mixing. There may be mechanical means to cool/mix water in the Ship Canal above the Locks. Could also investigate feasibility of artificially cooled water or use of aerators to increase DO levels. There may be a similar project being designed in BC that could serve as a model.
