fiskgaller

Fiskgaller is a Swedish term for a screen or grating installed in water systems to prevent fish from passing through while allowing water to flow. The name translates to “fish grate” or “fish screen.” In practice, a fiskgaller is typically a panel or series of panels made from a lattice of bars or mesh, mounted in front of intakes, outlets, or tanks. Materials commonly used include stainless steel, galvanized steel, or durable plastics, chosen for corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning. The size of the grid openings is chosen based on the target species and the required flow rate.

Fiskgaller are used primarily in three contexts: protecting aquatic life at water intakes for hydropower plants and municipal or agricultural irrigation; serving as coarse screens in fish farms and processing facilities; and acting as barriers within aquaculture tanks or transport systems to separate fish from solids. In hydropower and water management, fiskgaller help reduce fish entrainment and mortality by impeding entry into pumps or turbines. In aquaculture settings, they regulate movement and help keep debris from the system.

Maintenance is essential: regular cleaning to remove vegetation, algae, and detritus; inspection for damage or corrosion; and sometimes automated cleaning mechanisms. See also fish screen, intake screen, and fish ladder. The concept is part of broader efforts to balance industrial water use with the protection of aquatic fauna.