A detection system for vertical slot fishways using laser technology and computer vision techniques

Abstract

Vertical slot fishways are structures that are placed in rivers to allow fish to avoid obstacles such as dams, hydroelectric plants. Knowing the frequency with which fish go through this type of structures can help to determine their efficiency, as well as know migratory features from species, determine if the fluvial course is healthy or if it is possible to fish with fauna preservation guarantees. A non-invasive method for fish detection, without the need of direct observation, which uses a laser sensor and computer vision techniques to detect fish, is proposed in this work.