Restoring a Vital Fish Population
In the heart of Concrete, Washington, Pacific Netting Products (PNP) played a vital role in restoring one of the Pacific Northwest’s treasured fish populations. Partnering with Puget Sound Energy (PSE), PNP engineered a full-depth fish exclusion and guidance net at Upper Baker Lake, a key component in PSE’s decades-long effort to revitalize sockeye salmon runs in the Skagit River basin.
A Crisis in the Skagit River
In 1985, annual adult sockeye returns to the Skagit River fell to a shocking low of just 99 fish. Recognizing the urgency, PSE committed to improving fish habitat and passage, investing heavily in long-term, science-based solutions. As part of this broader strategy, PNP was brought in to design and deploy a cutting-edge barrier system to guide downstream-migrating smolts to a floating collection facility.
Engineering a Custom Solution
PNP collaborated closely with PSE engineers, biologists, and regulatory agencies to ensure the system met complex technical and environmental demands. The result: a custom-designed, 2,000-foot-long by 300-foot-deep net—nearly 500,000 square feet—constructed from ultra-strong Dyneema® fiber. Engineered to perform in fluctuating water levels (up to 70 feet) and flow velocities between 0.1–0.5 fps, the net offers year-round operation and reliable fish guidance in highly variable conditions.
Built for Performance and Longevity
Anchored securely to the shoreline and designed for single-direction water flow, the system was completed and operational in time for the critical spring migration season in 2012.
A Model for Sustainable Water Management
This project exemplifies Pacific Netting Products’ commitment to innovative, environmentally responsible solutions that support healthy fish populations while meeting the operational needs of hydropower and water resource managers. The Upper Baker Lake net system stands as a successful model of collaborative environmental stewardship—and a testament to what’s possible when engineering meets ecology.
Key Features
- Full exclusion guide nets
- 2,000 ft long x 300 ft deep, about 500,000 sq ft
- Built with 1/8” x 1/8” and 1/4” x 1/4” Dyneema® netting
- Designed for extreme pool fluctuations (50 to 70 ft)
- Helped PSE improve downstream fish passage
- Designed for single direction water flow velocities 0.1–0.5 fps
- Secured by shore-side embedment anchors
- Deployed year-round
