What to use to protect fish from getting into water pump in pond

Heading should be suck out of pond... I have a pump pumping water into an elevated holding tank. The water then runs into a river back into my pond. I am using liberty sump pump to pump water into my holding tank. This is where the gold fish and minnows get sucked into.

Also what is this... it was outside my pond when I moved into my house.

Is there any way you can put some plastic mesh over the intake so they can't get sucked in?

Can the filter be turned down to a lower setting as well?

We had to do this with one of our aquariums... I can't imagine a pond filter being too much different.

I don't know enough about ponds to help you with the photos though sorry!

Looks like a filter of some sort. The round spheres look like Bio-balls here: Marineland Bio-Balls for 160-360 Magnum C-Series Canister Filter

I have made pre filters from small 4" planter baskets sold for ponds ($1 each). You cut a round hole at the base of one and secure the second one on top with small cable ties.
If this don't work, you can place the pump in a 5 gal pale from home depot. First drill small holes all around the pale. Place the pump in snap the lid on and you have a pre filter. Don't forget to cut out for the plug and hoses.

I like Shazzy's idea of covering the filter. I'd use panty hose, keeps the fish from getting sucked in, but lets the water filter through. Also, very cheap, unless you go for the control top satin version. ;)

Had to spread the rep, but I thought panty hose would have been a good idea.

What about a wire mesh of some sort or like a piece of screen?