Author(s): Reilly Cox; Jasmin Martino; Stefan Felder
Linked Author(s): Stefan Felder, Reilly Cox
Keywords: Downstream fish passage live fish tests native Australian fish
Abstract: Declining fish populations across Australia are concerning. Migratory freshwater fish face many weirs and dams, which have important functions for society. Stronger river connectivity is required to improve fish movements preventing further population declines. Improved passage systems are needed on existing essential hydraulic structures, as such, a concept of alternative downstream fish passage was developed and tested. The fishway utilized circular tanks to reduce energy dissipation and aeration and has potential for diverting fish around energy dissipation structures. The system successfully passed a total of 147 fish across 3 native Australian fish species: silver perch (Bidynaus bidyanus), spangled perch (Leiopotherapon unicolour) and Agassiz’s glassfish (Ambassis agassizii). Delivery pipes conveyed fish to a circular tank with swirling flows, with fish successfully passing within 5 minutes. Fish showed no signs of significant injury following the passage.
Year: 2025