Paddlewheel fish deterrent and guide

Abstract

A method of deterring fish from an underwater area includes creating a zone of turbulence along the underwater area, providing a visual deterrence to the fish within the zone, and producing a predefined level of frequency sounds along the zone of turbulence.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of deterring and guiding fish from an underwater area, said method comprising: 
 creating a zone of turbulence along said underwater area; and    providing a visual deterrence within said zone to said fish.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of creating said zone of turbulence further comprising using a paddlewheel-shaped device to create said zone of turbulence.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising selecting a size and shape of said paddlewheel-shaped device capable of producing sufficient turbulence within said water area to deter said fish.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising creating said zone of turbulence along a surface of said underwater area.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising determining the length of a plurality of paddles of said paddlewheel-shaped device sufficient to create turbulence at about a depth wherein a target species of fish are known to migrate.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising positioning said paddlewheel-shaped device at about a depth wherein a target species of fish are known to migrate.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising producing a predefined level of frequency sounds along said zone.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said step of producing said predefined level of frequency sounds further comprising selecting a size and rotation speed of a paddlewheel-shaped device to produce said predefined level of frequency sounds.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of providing a visual deterrence further comprising rotating a paddlewheel-shaped device through said water.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising selecting a size and shape of said paddlewheel-shaped device to provide a visual deterrence sufficient to deter a target species of fish.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of creating said zone further includes creating a directional water current.  
     
     
         12 . A method of deterring and guiding fish from an underwater area, said method comprising: 
 positioning an elongated paddlewheel across a surface of said underwater area wherein a central elongated shaft of said paddlewheel is positioned at substantially the water surface of said underwater area; and    operating said elongated paddlewheel at a predetermined rotational speed creating a zone of turbulence and providing a visual cue for said fish within said zone.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising operating said elongated paddlewheel at a rotational speed producing a predefined level of frequency sounds along said zone selected for a target species of fish.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising gathering baseline data about a specific site for said paddlewheel prior to installation.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising selecting a size of said paddlewheel sufficient to provide turbulence and a directional current within said underwater area to be effective as a fish deterrent for a target species of fish.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further includes selecting said size sufficient to produce a predefined level of frequency sounds sufficient to create a low-frequency sound deterring barrier for said target species of fish.  
     
     
         17 . A method of deterring and guiding fish from an underwater area, said method comprising: 
 positioning an elongated paddlewheel within said underwater area wherein a central elongated shaft of said paddlewheel is positioned below the water surface of said underwater area; and    operating said elongated paddlewheel at a predetermined rotational speed creating a zone of turbulence and providing a visual cue for said fish within said zone.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said elongated paddlewheel is positioned at about a depth wherein a target species of fish are known to migrate.