Author(s): Cody Kupferschmidt; Fred Noddin; David Z. Zhu; Bill Tonn
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Ecohydraulics; Fishways; Habitat compensation; Arctic grayling
Abstract: This study evaluated a habitat compensation project on a lake-outlet stream in the Canadian Barrenlands. West Island Stream (WIS) was modified through the construction of nature-like fishway structures to increase habitat connectivity and allow fish access to productive habitat. The ecohydraulics of five pools were evaluated for resting habitat suitability for arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) .An acoustic doppler velocimeter was used to measure point velocities within each pool on a 0. 1 m x 0. 1 m grid under flow conditions of 1. 0, 9. 9 and 21. 9 l/s. Arctic grayling were placed in WIS under each flow condition and their resting behaviour was observed. Results showed that fish preferred deep pools with large surface areas. Based on the findings of this studies, it is recommended that resting pools be designed to provide a minimum depth of 0. 6 m, a minimum surface area of 1. 4 m2 (1. 4 m length x 1. 0 m width) and horizontal velocities less than 0. 2 m/s under all flow conditions expected during spawning periods.
Year: 2015