Daylight Simulation in the KBIC Fish Hatchery Facility

The Keweenaw Bay Tribal Hatchery was established in 1989 and serves as a critical infrastructure for native fish population restoration and stockpiling of at-risk species (lake/brook trout and walleye) within Lake Superior and adjacent streams. an initial attempt to adequately mimic natural lighting found outdoors, a bank of windows was installed to allow for the flow of daylight was installed in the existing structure. While this effort has benefitted spawning, the addition of automated lighting based on the needs of specific species-type would foster optimal growth and decreased mortality. The goal is to automate and install lighting, feeding, and monitoring systems that can narrow the spawning season.

Students will design and implement an automated dynamic lighting system that includes lighting spectrum control to allow caretakers inside the facility to work while not impacting the lighting needs of the specific spawning cycle. Students will be actively engage with environmental specialists and technicians from the hatchery, as well as Michigan Tech faculty and students. This is an engineering and science project that is broad in terms of STEM activities, and has a tangible and immediate impact on a real-life, local issue—the restoration and stockpiling of at-risk species of fish. Students will learn about the importance, especially locally, of reliance on fisheries in terms of subsistence, economic impact, tourism, and the ecosystem. Students will experience the impact of their talents and efforts moving beyond classroom learning activities coupled with cross-cultural exchange and experiences.