Seeking smarter compliance for hydropower
At hydropower facilities, accurately monitoring fish passage is critical to regulatory compliance. Agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and NOAA demand precise fish counts and species identification, as well as region-specific metrics to inform conservation efforts. Meeting these requirements can require endless hours of manual footage review, rewinding and rewatching clips to confirm counts through blurry videos. This tedious process often leads to inconsistencies between reviewers, making standardized reporting challenging.
Spheros Environmental (formerly Four Peaks), a leading environmental consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, sought to automate fish passage monitoring and improve inefficiencies while maintaining regulatory compliance. After an early partnership failed due to a lack of hands-on support, they needed a partner who could offer cutting-edge technology and ongoing service without breaking the bank.
From tedious to turnkey: MarineSitu's AI-driven analysis
When Spheros partnered with MarineSitu, they got more than just advanced monitoring equipment. They found an all-in-one team committed to project success. MarineSitu's AI-driven system, paired with low-cost, long-lasting, high-resolution cameras, delivered fish passage counts with more than 95% accuracy, meeting the strict requirements of USACE and other regulators. Cloud-based data storage and processing then streamlined reporting to those same agencies.
Artificial intelligence is only as good as the data and algorithms it trains on. The initial deployment was dedicated to honing site-specific machine-learning models, making sure AI-generated counts agree with manual counts. MarineSitu worked closely with Spheros during setup, consistently integrating feedback into iterative model refinements and building custom dashboards to provide real-time insights on model performance. The result was a system that met regulatory standards while dramatically reducing the time spent reviewing fish passage footage.
"Using our BlueFish system (which comprises Spheros counting software integrated with MarineSitu's camera) it takes roughly 20 minutes a day to review 16 hours of fish passage. We believe that efficiency will increase with automated species classification."
Samuel Haffey, Principal Engineer, Spheros EnvironmentalIterative improvement and reliable results
Adjusting to AI-powered monitoring across Spheros' range of customers had its hiccups, but it was MarineSitu's continued rapid responsiveness to technical issues that got Spheros through the transition to camera-based counting. Pair that with hardware built for long-term monitoring and software built for real-time data insights, and the results began to flow.
With automation handling the tedious work and producing easy-to-read dashboards, Spheros staff can now focus on analyzing trends and improving internal processes. With improved accuracy in reporting, regulatory agencies are receiving more reliable insights, enhancing conservation efforts and compliance metrics. After successfully installing their product, MarineSitu is still continuously supporting Spheros, making advancements to monitor fish size, injuries, and adipose fin presence on certain species.
"MarineSitu has been a valuable teaming partner in our efforts to advance the techniques used to obtain fish counts at river barriers. They have consistently impressed us with their customer service and willingness to quickly tackle issues as they arise. Their innovative solutions continue to improve the accuracy of fish count data and the efficiency with which this information is obtained."
Samuel Haffey, Principal Engineer, Spheros EnvironmentalThe sustainable future of fish passage monitoring
By eliminating inefficiencies and improving accuracy, MarineSitu is redefining how fish passage can be monitored at hydropower facilities. No longer bogged down by endless footage, Spheros can now deliver faster, more reliable reports to the agencies that rely on them. What's more, this solution is built to evolve. As regulations change, MarineSitu's adaptive technology enables Spheros to stay ahead, with real-time access to the data that matters.
With cost-effective equipment, AI-enhanced software, and dedicated support, fish passage monitoring at hydropower plants is entering a new era: one where better technology informs targeted resource management, and happier teams make for healthier waters.
Automate your monitoring
Whether you're a hydropower facility, environmental consulting firm, or regulatory agency, MarineSitu can design a fish passage monitoring system for your specific passage type, species mix, and reporting requirements.
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