Scientists found that a new underwater sound system, nicknamed the "fish disco," can save 90% of fish from being sucked into Hinkley Point C's nuclear plant water intake pipes. EDF Energy is building the plant in Somerset and will spend about £700m on this system, about 1.5% of the £46bn project cost. The system uses over 300 underwater speakers that send sound pulses to scare fish away from the pipes. This will protect about 44 tonnes of fish every year, similar to a small fishing boat's catch. The noise system will also include special pipe mouths to slow water suction and help fish escape, plus a way to return trapped fish safely. Tests by Swansea University scientists showed almost all tagged twaite shad fish avoided the intake area with the sound on. Only one fish came close compared to 14 without it. Salmon seem less affected, as they usually swim in the main river channel far from the pipes. Dr David Clarke from Swansea University said, "These early results are very encouraging with the system clearly working." Chris Fayers of Hinkley Point C added, "Because the system works even better than we had hoped, we can meet all our planning obligations without needing to create 900 acres of salt marsh." The research results will be sent to the Marine Management Organisation for approval later this year. EDF will absorb the system's cost, so it won't raise electricity bills.