San Diego, CA
The Birch Aquarium, the public outreach center for the Scripps Institute of Oceanography associated with UC San Diego, has a mission for restoration of California’s Coastlines. A large portion of the natural ecosystem along the coastline has been taken over by invasive, non-native species. One species critically effected by this invasion is the Sunflower Starfish. Researcher at Birch Aquarium are working diligently to restore their population back to safe numbers, but first they must determine how to remove these invasive species without harming the Sunflower Starfish.
Robert Satchell, founding member of Satchell Engineering & Associates, worked alongside researchers at Birch aquarium to design a Pilot Drumscreen testing mechanism. This design is worked into a preexisting settling basin and open channel flume that connects to the pier, acting as a controlled exhibit for the testing be performed. With the addition of the pilot drumscreen and equalizer basin, this acted as the perfect testing region for the removal of the non-native species. All of the testing and design of the equipment was in compliance with the Fish & Game Wild Life, the San Diego County Wild Authority, and the California Coastal Commission Regulation.
