What Is Whooshh Innovations All About?
Whooshh Innovations is where fisheries management, science, and smart technology come together in perfect harmony… It all started back in 2011 in Washington state agriculture. Vincent Bryan III, the CEO, was testing a fruit harvester when he noticed helicopters flying overhead, moving migratory salmon over a dam. That sparked something. Later, after seeing a once-thriving citrus grove wiped out because irrigation water was diverted to save salmon, Vincent thought, “There’s gotta be a better way to share water resources.” That’s when the idea hit—why not use fruit transport tubes for fish? It worked! That “a-ha” moment made Whooshh pivot from fruit to fish. Since then, they’ve been all in, developing game-changing fish transport solutions that are economical and smart for both users and water resources. Today, Whooshh’s technology is deployed worldwide, helping fish move safely and efficiently over dams, through aquaculture facilities, and beyond.
The Main Benefit: Safe, Efficient Fish Transport
Whooshh Innovations offers a range of solutions that make fish transport safer, smarter, and more efficient. Here are some key highlights:
- Since 2011, technology tested on live fish with numerous independent, peer-reviewed studies backing it up.
- PassagePortal™ Model L and Model F: Fully automated, selective fish passage systems that work regardless of dam height.
- Guardian™: A floating system that identifies and removes invasive species while safely returning native fish.
- HarvestSelect™: Commercial fish harvest system that minimizes bycatch injury and delays by sorting fish on the spot.
- Selector™: Converts weir barriers and fish ladders into smart fish monitoring and sorting devices.
- Fishl™ Recognition: AI-enabled, hands-free, real-time fish imaging and species recognition system.
Innovative Solutions for Fish Passage
Whooshh’s PassagePortal™ systems are the automated successors to the famous Salmon Cannon. The Model L is a land-based, permanent system that lets fish enter voluntarily and get transported safely beyond barriers using differential air pressure. Meanwhile, the Model F is a floating system that uses a misted soft cushion of air inside a protective Migrator tube, allowing fish to pass over dams of any height. Both systems selectively sort most fish species, making sure the right fish get through safely. It’s technology that’s changing the way fish navigate obstacles in their natural migration routes.
Controlling Invasive Species with Guardian™
Invasive species can wreak havoc on native fish populations and ecosystems. That’s where Guardian™ comes in. This floating fisheries control system uses automatic fish recognition and selective sorting to identify native species and instantly return them to the river. Meanwhile, invasive and undesired fish are selectively removed—permanently. It’s a smart, volitional entry system that helps protect native biodiversity without harming the fish that belong.
Revolutionizing Commercial Fish Harvesting
HarvestSelect™ is a cutting-edge commercial fish harvest system designed to reduce bycatch and fish handling injuries. It works alongside pound nets and other targeted harvest traps, automatically sorting fish on the spot. By minimizing handling and migration delays, it helps maintain fish welfare and supports sustainable commercial fishing practices. This floating system is a game-changer for fisheries that want to be both efficient and responsible.
Project Impact: Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by optimizing water use and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through sustainable fish harvesting and bycatch reduction.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – by improving fish passage and controlling invasive species.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – via cutting-edge fish transport and monitoring technologies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fish Transport
Whooshh Innovations continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fish transport and fisheries management. With AI-driven recognition systems like Fishl™, and retrofit devices like Selector™ that transform existing barriers into smart sorting stations, the future looks bright. These technologies not only improve fish welfare but also help balance human needs with environmental stewardship. It’s a dynamic blend of science, technology, and a deep respect for nature—making sure fish can move safely and ecosystems thrive for generations to come.
