Author(s): Paul S. Kemp; Iain J. Russon; Andrew S. Vowles; Adam Piper
Linked Author(s): Paul Kemp
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Engineers face the challenge of meeting conflicting societal needs. A requirement to develop hydroelectric power potential, driven by legislation and government manifesto, can appear contradictory to commitments to preserve biodiversity and maintain ecological status. Thus, the development of sources of renewable energy must be achieved by the most environmentally sensitive means possible. A significant environmental impact associated with the development of hydropower is the negative effects of dams and weirs that fragment aquatic habitat. Fish passes have a long history of use in mitigating for the impacts of barriers to fish movements. Unfortunately, the efficiency of these structures has often fallen below expectation, and for many species simply do not work. This is a result of a lack of consideration of the requirements of multiple, non-salmonid species of low economic significance, and of fish behaviour. The design of fish passes has also tended to focus on sitespecific conditions, hence criteria for generic development is often lacking. Interdisciplinary research must be conducted by engineers and biologists to develop fish passage criteria for multiple species based on both swimming capabilities and behavioural response to provide the information necessary to improve on fish pass design. This paper will provide information on the development of fish passage criteria based on swimming capability and behaviour for less often considered anguilliform species of fish.
Year: 2009