News Release: Local Researchers Launch Innovative Project to Protect Fraser River Salmon Using Award-Winning Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST)
********* For Immediate Release**********
FORT LANGLEY, BC – July 15, 2025 — Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), in collaboration with Scottish tech company GenusWave, have launched a groundbreaking field project taking place this July-August deploying Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) to reduce seal predation on salmon in the Fraser River. This marks the first application of TAST in Canada, aiming to safeguard vital salmon stocks and improve fisheries data quality during the critical summer migration season.
The award-winning Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST), originally developed at the University of St. Andrews, effectively mitigates interactions between wildlife and human activities. TAST utilizes brief acoustic signals to trigger a harmless startle reflex in specific taxon, effectively keeping them away from areas of conflict or harm (e.g. seals from fishery operations) (Götz & Janik, 2015; 2016). Key features of TAST include taxon-specific targeting (minimizing impact on non-target species), consistent effectiveness over time (no habituation), and significantly decreased noise doses compared to traditional acoustic deterrents (reduced noise pollution).
“We are excited to bring this innovative, science-based solution to the Fraser River,” said Kylie DaCunha, Director of Special Projects for GenusWave. “TAST has demonstrated remarkable results around the globe, and we look forward to supporting salmon conservation and fisheries management efforts in BC.”
Foundational Research
The benefits of TAST have been documented over many years of research and ten key peer-reviewed studies. Field tests have demonstrated that TAST can lead to:
- A seal predation reduction of 91-97% on salmon farms in Scotland, without impacting non-target species such as harbour porpoise (Götz & Janik, 2015).
- In the UK, a 74% increase in catch due to lower depredation (bottom set gillnets) and a 97% decrease in seal presence under the vessel during mackerel hook & line fishing operations (MMO, 2020; Whyte et al., 2021; Walmsley et al., 2025).
- Up to a 94% reduction in predation events by Steller sea lions in tidal feeding aggregations in Alaska, USA (Jemison et al., in prep).
- In Washington State, USA, a 43.8-80% reduction in the overall foraging success of individual seals predating on salmon migrating through riverine “pinch points” (McKeegan et al., 2024; Williams et al., in prep).
- Consistent effectiveness without habituation by target species (Götz & Janik, 2016).
Though the company is based in Scotland, GenusWave has been active throughout the Pacific Northwest, USA in protecting endangered salmon runs from pinniped over-predation. Projects in partnership with local groups such as Oceans Initiative have resulted in significant decreases in predation of salmonids by seals at pinch points to migration (such as dams). In an example of one such project at Whatcom Creek in Bellingham, WA, collaborators have seen inspiring results.
Brittany Palm-Flawd, Faculty and Hatchery Manager at Bellingham Technical College, remarked, “In partnership with the local tribes and state fisheries, the Bellingham Technical College’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences training program operates a salmon hatchery that supports local fisheries and helps feed an endangered population of orcas. Students graduating through our college program operate a full-scale stock enhancement hatchery and train on all stages of fish culture from broodstocking to release. One of the challenges our program faces is a growing population of pinnipeds that consume the returning adult salmon in our local creek. Working with our co-managers and other research partners, we were fortunate to operate the TAST at our training hatchery for a pilot project. We saw an immediate reduction in pinniped predation on our returning salmon, allowing the students to harvest the fish and fertilize eggs for continued hatchery operations.
We are now looking to expand our use of the TAST to improve salmon returns and train students on emerging technology for aquaculture. The team at Genuswave have been incredibly supportive of our students and our college’s mission to provide workforce development for fisheries and aquaculture industries. We look forward to working more with the TAST and the GenusWave members to continue training students on the latest hatchery technology and culturing salmon to feed our finned and limbed community.“
Just a bit farther North in Alaska, TAST is being used to mitigate interactions between Steller sea lions and salmon fisheries. Kim Raum-Suryan, a Marine Mammal Specialist in the Protected Resources Division (Alaska Region) of the National Marine Fisheries Service; and Lauri Jemison, a Wildlife Biologist with the Gulf and Bering Marine Mammal Program of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game described their experiences with the technology: “We tested the Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) on Steller sea lions in Southeast Alaska as a way to mitigate depredation and harmful interactions with salmon fisheries. Our testing included a new prototype developed by GenusWave designed to be deployed from salmon fishing boats. Our results are preliminary, but so far we’ve found that our tests resulted in a localized movement by Steller sea lions away from our boat during TAST sound exposure. We are very optimistic about the potential for TAST to reduce sea lion – fishery interactions, preserving fishermen’s catch and gear without causing injury to sea lions. The scientists from the University of St. Andrews have been exceptional to work with.”
Environmental and Economic Benefits
By reducing seal predation, TAST not only helps protect threatened salmon runs but also ensures the integrity of critical fisheries data and supports the economic viability of local fishing operations. Its precise, low-noise approach also sets a new standard for environmentally responsible wildlife management. Following the field period for this project, data analysis and reporting will begin in late 2025 and early 2026. Results will inform future conservation strategies and may pave the way for broader adoption of TAST across North America.
The emergence of Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology represents a watershed moment in wildlife management and conservation. By harnessing precise acoustic signals to create taxon-specific deterrence without causing harm or environmental disruption, TAST offers a sustainable solution to longstanding human-wildlife conflicts. From protecting endangered marine species and securing our food supply to enabling renewable energy development, this technology has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness across diverse applications. As we face increasing challenges in balancing human activities with wildlife conservation, TAST stands as a testament to how innovative, science-based approaches can create harmony between human progress and environmental stewardship.
This research is being conducted under authorization from the Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans pursuant to subsection 38(1) of the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR). For more information about the project, or GenusWave and its award-winning technology, contact Kylie DaCunha at kdacunha@genuswave.com or visit genuswave.com.
Contact
Kylie DaCunha
GenusWave – Director of Special Projects
kdacunha@genuswave.com
+1 (360) 362-0227
https://genuswave.com/
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