The EelStream

This eel lift uses pneumatically pressurized water to raise eels, in a gentle stream of water, through a hose over dams or other obstructions.

When the lift is fishing, eels climb a short section of eel ramp and are sluiced with water into the lift chamber. When the chamber is full it is subjected to a low pressure. Pinch valves are manipulated such that the eels are transferred into the eel transport hose with a stream of water, and over the dam. When the lift chamber is empty the cycle automatically repeats. A small continuous flow of screened water is supplied from the eel transport hose to the top of the eel ramp. This is used as transport water in the ramp and flushing water to the lift chamber. The constant flow of water in the transport hose maintains the oxygen level and creates a guiding flow for eels in the hose when the lift is fishing.

EelStream Operation

EelStream Advantages

EelStream advantages over ramps and traditional lifts.

Small Compact Size

-Flexible in positioning and easy to install / remove

-Small footprint means less impact from high river flows or ice and flow

-Reduced visual and structural impact at the dam site

Biologically Friendly and Flexible

-No high temperatures as sometimes experienced in long ramps

-Continuous fresh water in transport hose

-Rapid (and adjustable) time between cycles reduces passage delays

-Can pass multiple size classes simultaneously

Adaptable to the Site


-Can be used with either high or low head dams


-Can lift horizontally and / or vertically

Safety

-No lifting or need to access ramps or lifts that are difficult to reach

EelStream Evaluations

Summer 2021: Prototype Testing at Lakeside Engineering Shop and Field

Summer 2022: Field Evaluation at Cocheco Upper Falls, Dover, NH

July 2023: Lab Evaluation at USGS Conte Lab