Marine Infrastructure Projects

Alongside bycatch mitigation devices, we also offer technology that is designed to solve undesirable interactions between marine life and infrastructure. Our experienced engineers collaborate with academics, experienced fishermen and marine policy professionals, bringing together a unique knowledge base that enables us to find solutions for marine infrastructure projects that benefit both industry and ocean.

Collaboration is core to our products’ success, consulting with clients to ensure that each technological development integrates seamlessly into operations for maximum productivity.

HIGH VOLUME WATER INTAKE DETERRENTS

THE PROBLEM

The water intakes for the Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor will draw in 132,000 litres of water per second from the Severn Estuary for cooling. The intake units are 3.3 km out into the estuary, and there is a risk to fish species such as sprat, herring, shad, eels, lamprey and salmon. Reports have suggested that 178 tonnes of fish could be sucked into the pipe every year. The designs incorporate a screen that would return some fish to the estuary, but many would still suffer from pressure and temperature impacts. Different options had been discussed to mitigate or offset the scale of the impact, but these all came with significant technical and environmental challenges.

DEVELOPING THE IDEA

In 2024, Fishtek Marine proposed some designs to EDF based on large scale versions of our pingers and electro-magnetic devices. In early 2025 we secured some development funding to undertake a full-scale trial in the Severn Estuary.

RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS

We are working in partnership with Dr David Clarke at the University of Swansea. Dr Clarke is a fisheries scientist with a focus on migration and behaviour.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Our Impact

Fishtek Marine have designed a multi-deterrent system that will be used to cage the intake heads and prevent significant percentage of fish from being drawn into the system in the first place.