Downstream Passage of Fish Larvae at the Salto Grande Dam on the Uruguay River

We evaluated the passage of early‐stage fishes through the Salto Grande Dam using high‐frequency downstream ichthyoplankton monitoring and five surveys involving samples taken upstream and downstream of the dam. Eggs and larvae of migratory fishes were captured downstream of the dam, usually during high discharges. Upstream and downstream larvae were frequently unyolked, which corresponds to individuals aged 4+ days, and represents a time significantly longer than that required for the displacement of the water mass from the dam to the sampling location. In low flow rate surveys, fish larvae of the same species and degree of development were captured immediately upstream and at 1, 10, 24 and 40 km downstream of the dam. The densities and percentage of Pimelodinae larvae captured alive by short time and low speed tows were similar upstream and downstream of the dam, indicating that larval mortality was a result of sampling and not to the passage through the turbines. The results show that the larvae of fish that spawn in the middle section are partly transported to the lower section, and suggest that both spillway and turbine discharge should be considered part of the passage. We also found evidence that the passage of small and fragile Pimelodinae larvae through the Salto Grande Kaplan turbines does not significantly affect survival rates. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Monitoring upstream fish passage through a Mississippi River lock and dam reveals species differences in lock chamber usage and supports a fish passage model which describes velocity‐dependent passage through spillway gates

Nearly 200 fish were released below Lock and Dam 2 (LD2) in the Upper Mississippi River and tracked to determine both whether and how they passed through this structure, and if passage could be explained using a computational fish passage model (FPM) which combines hydraulics with fish swimming performance. Fish were either captured and released downstream of LD2 in Pool 3 or captured in Pool 2 (upstream of LD2) and displaced below LD2. Tagged fish were tracked using 13 archival receivers located across LD2. Approximately 90% of all fish approached LD2 many times with the displaced species likely attempting to home. Of 112 common carp, 26% passed through LD2 with 15% (most) going through the lock and 6% through the spillway gates. Similar values were seen for bigmouth buffalo. In contrast, although 42% of 31 channel catfish passed through the lock, only 3% went through the gates. Finally, of 22 walleye, only 14% passed through the lock and none through the gates. Ninety percent of all documented passages through the spillway gates occurred when the gates were out of the water and water velocities through these gates were at their lowest levels, an attribute described and predicted by the FPM at LD2. This study strongly suggests that fish passage through spillway gates of LDs is determined by water velocity and can be predicted with a FPM, whereas passage through locks is determined by species‐specific behavioural preferences. Both attributes could be exploited to reduce passage of invasive carp at certain locations.     

Investigation of turbulent flows using spillway models aiming to aid downstream migration of fish

Dams and other flow control structures constitute obstacles to upstream and downstream aquatic habitats, reducing life-cycle success and even eliminating diadromous and potamodromous fish species from river basins. Providing effective passage past hydroelectric dams is critical for restoring habitat connectivity and sustaining populations of fish species. Surface water release over spillways is effective in diverting fish from turbines and establishing a safe bypass for downstream migrants. Developing an effective passage system over spillways requires both biological knowledge of fish behavior and abilities, as well as hydraulic knowledge of spillway flows to provide hydrodynamic conditions that fish may exploit. The present study experimentally investigates several depths, velocity, and turbulence fields intended to promote the downstream migration of fish over spillways. Instantaneous velocity fields were measured in an open recirculating rectangular water channel. A 90° standard spillway model, as well as a spillway model with a modified upstream face slope of 45°, were tested for two water depths. The results show the presence of a distinct recirculation bubble at the heel of the 90° standard spillway with the shallower water depth. It was concluded that the upstream recirculation bubble may be suppressed by either increasing the water depth or decreasing the upstream face slope. Decreasing the upstream face slope also resulted in a more uniform distribution of acceleration and lower turbulence along the upstream face of the spillway. The modified spillways provide more suitable hydrodynamic conditions for downstream migrants.     

Implications of an invasive fish barrier for the long‐term recovery of native fish assemblages in a previously degraded northeastern Illinois River system

Barriers to fish movement have been used to prevent the spread of invasive fishes but may also limit the movements of native fishes. We evaluated the potential consequences of a proposed barrier on the Illinois River Waterway, meant to inhibit the spread of silver and bighead carps, to the continued recovery of native fishes in the Des Plaines River following water quality improvements. We compared changes in upstream cumulative species richness and community structure from 1983 to 2013 in the DuPage River, an adjacent tributary with an impassable dam, to the area upstream of a newly proposed barrier on the Des Plaines River where fish can currently pass through a navigational lock. Fewer species displayed truncated distributions upstream of the passable lock and dam (n = 18) compared with the impassable dam (n = 23). Due to water quality improvements in the Illinois River as a whole, cumulative species richness downstream of both dams steadily increased over time. Richness also increased upstream of the passable dam but plateaued upstream of the impassable dam. Fifteen to 18 species accounted for differences in community structure between areas downstream and upstream of either dam. Most species (78–100%) were found in greater relative abundance downstream of the impassable dam, and only 53% were found in greater relative abundance downstream of the passable dam. The truncation in species richness and abundance at the impassable dam foreshadows the potential consequences of an indiscriminate barrier on native fishes and the continued recovery of native assemblages.     

Ascent of neotropical migratory fish in the Itaipu Reservoir fish pass

The Piracema Canal is a complex 10‐km fish pass system that climbs 120 m to connect the Paraná River to the Itaipu Reservoir along the Brazil–Paraguay border. The canal was constructed to allow migratory fishes to reach suitable habitats for reproduction and feeding in tributaries upstream from the reservoir. The Piracema Canal attracted 17 of the 19 long‐distance migratory species that have been recorded in the Paraná River Basin and Paraguay–Paraná Basin. However, the incidence of migratory fish decreased from downstream to upstream, with the pattern of decrease depending on species. Overall, 0.5% of the migratory fish that entered the Piracema Canal and segment 1, eventually were able to reach segment 5 and potentially Itaipu Reservoir. Ascension rate was examined relative to various physical attributes of canal segments; maximum water velocity emerged as the most influential variable affecting fish passage. Water velocity may be manipulated by controlling water discharge, and by re‐engineering critical sections of the canal. Because the Itaipu Reservoir flooded a set of falls that separated two distinct biogeographical regions, facilitating fish movements through the Piracema Canal into the Itaipu Reservoir presents a management dilemma that requires deliberation in the context of the fish assemblages rather than on selected migratory species. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Changes in fish communities of the Shoalhaven River 20 years after construction of Tallowa Dam,Australia

This study was undertaken as part of a long‐term investigation of the ability of high‐level fishways to rehabilitate fish communities upstream of high dams. Effects of Tallowa Dam on fish of the Shoalhaven River system were studied by comparing species abundances, population size‐structures and the structure of fish communities above and below the dam. Fish were sampled twice yearly for two years at 12 sites throughout the catchment. Species richness was greater downstream of the dam, with 21 species, compared to 16 species upstream of the dam. Ten diadromous species are believed to be extinct above the dam because of obstructed fish passage. Another four migratory species capable of climbing the wall have reduced abundances upstream. Accumulations of fish, particularly juveniles, directly below the dam were evident for nine species. Fish communities upstream and downstream of the dam differed significantly, identifying the dam as a significant discontinuity in the available fish habitats within the system. Historical evidence suggests that before the dam was built, fish communities from the tidal limit to at least 130 m elevation were largely continuous. This study has demonstrated that Tallowa Dam is a major barrier to fish migration and has had adverse effects on the biodiversity of the system. The creation of Lake Yarrunga by Tallowa Dam has resulted in distinctive fish communities in riverine and lacustrine habitats. Populations of five species that occur both upstream and downstream of the dam have developed differences in their size structures. The fish community downstream of the dam also differs from its historical condition because of the virtual disappearance of Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) and the establishment of non‐native species. A high‐level fishway is now being designed for the dam to restore fish passage. Data from this study will serve as a baseline against which to assess the effectiveness of the fishway in rehabilitating fish communities of the river system. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bidirectional connectivity via fish ladders in a large Neotropical river

The conservation of migratory fish species worldwide has been threatened by the loss of longitudinal connectivity caused by dams intercepting large rivers. One environmental management strategy for reestablishing connectivity is providing passage through fish ladders. However, ladders in Neotropical rivers have been described as ascending one‐way routes. We analysed the movements of Prochilodus lineatus through a fish ladder at a large dam—Porto Primavera—in the heavily impounded Upper Paraná River, Brazil, to determine whether the ladder connected habitats downstream and upstream of the dam, in both directions. A total of 1,419 specimens of P. lineatus were PIT‐tagged above and below the dam, and continuously monitored for 4 years. We documented bidirectional movements of P. lineatus through the fish ladder. Many individuals repeated these movements annually; one individual as many as six times. It was estimated that the cumulative probability that P. lineatus would return from downstream after descending through the ladder was 0.38, 0.50, and 0.56 in 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Correspondingly, return probabilities from upstream were 0.15, 0.22, and 0.26 in 1–3 years, respectively. Although return probabilities from upstream were roughly half, our results suggest the Porto Primavera fish ladder contributes to habitat connectivity, bidirectional passage, and preservation of P. lineatus. These results deviate from the perception that fishways are ineffective in Neotropical rivers. We suggest that fishways can restore the bidirectional connectivity denied to some Neotropical species, and until the services of dams are no longer needed, environmental management through fish ladders could continue to be considered as an integral part of broader conservation strategy designed to preserve native fauna.     

Turbulent flow field comparison and related suitability for fish passage of a standard and a simplified low‐gradient vertical slot fishway

Fishways are hydraulic structures that allow passage of fish across obstructions in rivers. Vertical slot fishways—VSFs—are considered the most efficient and least selective type of technical fishway solutions, especially due to their ability to remain effective even when significant upstream and/or downstream water level fluctuations occur. The scope of the present study is to perform numerical simulations in order to investigate and compare the hydraulic turbulent flow field in a standard and a simplified version of the most common VSF design. Implications in relation to fish swimming behaviour and fish passage performance are discussed. Different water depths (as well as discharges) were investigated, using a bed slope of 5%, as a reference for low‐gradient VSFs with a very limited selectivity that can be used in multispecies rivers in grayling‐barbel regions. Results show that maximum values of velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and Reynolds stresses are higher in the standard design. However, corresponding to slot geometry and orientation, the direction of the main jet in the simplified design is more inclined towards the left side of the pool. This causes the eddy to split into 2 smaller ones; the minimum eddy dimension is reduced from 0.4–0.5 to 0.2–0.3 m. These dimensions are detrimental for fish passage efficiency, being more comparable with fish length (0.15–0.40 m), thus affecting migrating fish stability and orientation. Furthermore, the standard design provides a more straightforward upstream path and wider areas of low flow velocities and turbulence, useful for fish resting. Therefore, it is recommended that the standard design should be preferred over its simplified version, even if its construction costs are around 10–15% higher than the simplified one.     

EFFECTS OF GRADE CONTROL STRUCTURES ON FISH PASSAGE,BIOLOGICAL ASSEMBLAGES AND HYDRAULIC ENVIRONMENTS IN WESTERN IOWA STREAMS: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY REVIEW

Land use changes and channelization of streams in the deep loess region of western Iowa have led to stream channel incision, altered flow regimes, increased sediment inputs, decreased habitat diversity and reduced lateral connectivity of streams and floodplains. Grade control structures (GCSs) are built in streams to prevent further erosion, protect infrastructure and reduce sediment loads. However, GCS can have a detrimental impact on fisheries and biological communities. We review three complementary biological and hydraulic studies on the effects of GCS in these streams. GCS with steep (≥1:4 rise : run) downstream slopes severely limited fish passage, but GCS with gentle slopes (≤1:15) allowed greater passage. Fish assemblages were dominated by species tolerant of degradation, and Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores were indicative of fair or poor biotic integrity. More than 50% of fish species had truncated distributions. After modification of GCS to reduce slopes and permit increased passage, IBI scores increased and several species were detected further upstream than before modification. Total macroinvertebrate density, biomass and taxonomic diversity and abundance of ecologically sensitive taxa were greater at GCS than in reaches immediately upstream, downstream or ≥1 km from GCS. A hydraulic study confirmed results from fish passage studies; minimum depths and maximum current velocities at GCS with gentle slopes (≤1:15) were more likely to meet minimum criteria for catfish passage than GCS with steeper slopes. Multidisciplinary approaches such as ours will increase understanding of GCS‐associated factors influencing fish passage, biological assemblage structure and other ecological relationships in streams. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Downstream Swimming Behaviour of Catadromous and Potamodromous Fish Over Spillways

Flow characteristics associated with spillways are important to restore ecological connectivity because spillways can either constrain or offer safe routes for downstream passage of fish. We studied the hydrodynamics of flow and downstream movement behaviour of the catadromous European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and the potamodromous Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) in spillways with upstream face inclinations of θ = 90° (standard) 45° and 30° (modified). The standard spillway was tested for two water depths (H = 32 and 42 cm). Modified spillways facilitated downstream passage and reduced delay times of passage of the European eel. Upstream of the 90° spillway, distinct recirculation areas were observed, and associated turbulence strongly hampered downstream passage of fish. Both species were found to avoid turbulence, but barbel displayed stronger avoidance for areas of rapid changes in flow velocity when comparing to eels. Overall, eels were faster in passing the spillway and had a higher downstream passage success (80%) than barbel (32%). Eels were predominantly thigmotactic in contrast to barbel, which showed limited contact with structures. The results suggest that modified spillways may enhance passage survival. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Migratory fishes of Brazil: Life history and fish passage needs

Many of the most important commercial and recreational species of the megadiverse Brazilian freshwater fishes migrate in rivers among essential habitats during all life stages. These movements, however, have been severely blocked by hundreds of hydroelectric dams and reservoirs and they will be even more obstructed due to hundreds of new developments. Fishways have been used in many countries to allow fish to pass around dams. Fishway construction is booming in Brazil, but poor understanding of migrations by Brazilian fishes has led legislators, scientists, and the public to several misconceptions about the rules of fishways in fisheries conservation. First, is a belief that fishways are only needed to facilitate upstream spawning migrations. Also, it has been suggested that upstream passage for Neotropical migrant fishes is not useful if there is no large free‐flowing stretch upstream of a dam that contains spawning habitat and has a large natural floodplain (nursery habitat). In this paper, we discuss that, in addition to providing passage for pre‐spawning migrants, upstream fishways also provide passage for other fish migrations (e.g. foraging), and that all up‐ and downstream migrations during life history need to be addressed at dams to conserve fish resources. We also argue that an upstream fishway is important even if the upstream reach does not have spawning or nursery habitats. In addition, we discuss the need for protection of downstream migrant fish, and the importance of fish behaviourists and engineers working together on fishway design and operation to solve fish passage issues. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fishway passage and post‐passage mortality of up‐river migrating sockeye salmon in the Seton River,British Columbia

Adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) were studied to assess the consequences of a dam and vertical‐slot fishway on mortality during their spawning migration in the Seton–Anderson watershed, British Columbia, Canada. Since previous research suggests fishway passage may be difficult, our main hypothesis was that the dam and fishway have post‐passage consequences that affect subsequent behaviour and survival. Eighty‐seven sockeye were caught at the top of the fishway, implanted with an acoustic telemetry transmitter, non‐lethally biopsied to obtain a small blood sample and released either upstream or downstream of the dam. Indices of physiological stress (i.e. plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate and ions) indicated that fish were not stressed or exhausted after capture from the fishway, and were not unduly stressed by transportation to release sites or net‐pen holding. Of 59 fish released downstream of the dam, 14% did not reach the dam tailrace. Overall passage efficiency at the fishway was 80%. Mortality in two lakes upstream of the dam was greater in fish released downstream of the dam (27%) compared to fish released upstream of the dam (7%; p = 0.04) suggesting that dam passage has consequences that reduce subsequent survival. Cumulative mortality of fish released downstream of the dam (n = 55) resulted in only 49% survival to spawning areas, compared to 93% of fish released upstream of the dam (n = 28). Survival was significantly lower for females (40%) than for males (71%; p = 0.03), a finding that has implications for conservation because spawning success of sockeye salmon populations is governed primarily by females. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use of Electric or Bubble Barriers to Limit the Movement of Eurasian Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)

Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) is an aquatic invasive species accidentally introduced via ballast water to the Great Lakes in the mid-1980s. Fish barrier technology is being studied to stop the spread of invasive fish species such as ruffe. Electrical barriers have been constructed, most notably in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, to prevent non-indigenous species such as ruffe from spreading into areas where they are currently absent. Information on the response of an invasive fish to barriers can help managers determine strategies to prevent the spread of these species via artificial waterways. In this laboratory study electrical barriers were set up to determine effectiveness of four electrical settings for repelling Eurasian ruffe measuring 10 cm or more in length. In separate tests, airbubble curtains with two bubble sizes and densities were created to test this type of barrier in blocking movement of ruffe less than 10 cm in length. The most effective electrical settings found (5 ms, 6 Hz) repelled only about half of the attempted passes. When ruffe were offered food or shelter on the opposite side of the electrical barrier, neither food-starved nor shelter-deprived ruffe made significantly more attempts to cross the barrier. Ruffe were significantly repelled by all air-bubble curtains, but a large proportion of passes (4.5 passes per fish on average in the treatments) were still observed. Electrical barrier settings and air-bubble curtains used in this study were found ineffective at completely blocking the movement, but somewhat effective at inhibiting the passage of ruffe.     

MULTIPLICATIVE LOSS OF LANDLOCKED ATLANTIC SALMON Salmo salar L. SMOLTS DURING DOWNSTREAM MIGRATION TROUGH MULTIPLE DAMS

Relatively little is known about the downstream migration of landlocked stocks of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. smolts, as earlier migration studies have generally focused on upstream migration. However, in watersheds with many hydroelectric plants (HEPs), multiplicative loss of downstream‐migrating salmon smolts can be high, contributing to population declines or extirpations. Here we report the results from a study of wild landlocked Atlantic salmon smolts in the River Klarälven. Salmon smolts, tagged with acoustic transmitters, were released at different locations and followed as they passed 37 receivers along a 180‐km‐long river segment, including eight dams as well as free‐flowing control stretches. We found that 16% of the smolts successfully migrated along the entire river segment. Most losses occurred during HEP passages, with 76% of the smolts being lost during these passages, which contrasts with the 8% smolt loss along unregulated control stretches. Migration speed was 83% slower along regulated stretches than along unregulated stretches. The observed lower migration speed at regulated stretches was dependent on fish size, with large fish moving slower than small fish. Discharge affected migration speed but not losses. As previously shown for anadromous populations, our study of landlocked salmon demonstrates similar negative effects of multiple passages of HEPs by downstream‐migrating smolts. On the basis of this and previous migration studies, we advocate using a holistic approach in the management and conservation of migratory fish in regulated rivers, which includes safe passage for both upstream‐ and downstream‐migrating fish. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Computational fluid dynamics modelling of forebay hydrodynamics created by a floating juvenile fish collection facility at the Upper Baker River Dam,Washington

The Upper Baker River Dam utilizes a combination of a floating surface collector (FSC) and a guide net to facilitate the downstream migration of anadromous juvenile fish. The FSC generates attraction currents by withdrawing water from the forebay, upstream of the guide net. The withdrawn water is discharged at the rear of the FSC by two pumps. A three‐dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the forebay of the dam is presented in this paper. The objective was to investigate forebay hydrodynamics generated by the FSC and operation of the powerhouse. The CFD model, consisting of approximately one million computational cells, was validated against field data. Model results were analyzed, using a recently proposed strain–velocity–pressure (SVP) hypothesis, to identify hydrodynamic cues responsible for attracting juvenile fish to the FSC. The CFD model indicates that the FSC pumps generated high velocity jets dominate the circulation pattern downstream of the guide net. Upstream of the guide net, the velocities are weak, except in the region impacted by attraction currents. The sweeping and normal velocities on the guide net are smaller than those suggested by regulatory agencies for designing screens at juvenile fish collection facilities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

丰满水电站重建工程升鱼机进鱼口水流条件优化措施研究

为了恢复丰满水电站鱼类洄游通道,在丰满水电站重建工程坝址处设置升鱼机和鱼道。丰满重建工程升鱼机具有所处河道宽,发电机组运行工况复杂、下游水深浅等特点,鱼类寻找升鱼机入口具有较大的难度。为提高升鱼机运行效率,通过数值模拟开展了升鱼机进鱼口水流条件改善措施的专项研究。模拟结果表明,在机组流量1 170 m3/s、围堰上游主要开挖至187 m、局部区域开挖至186m、围堰及下游区域局部开挖至187 m的条件下,三台及三台以下机组同时运行时,河道大部分区域流速均小于1.2 m/s,鱼类能进入集鱼系统进鱼口。成果显示,文中提出的电站运行方式及下游河道开挖方案能为电站鱼类上溯提供顺畅的洄游通道。     

异齿裂腹鱼通过鱼道内流速障碍能力及行为

鱼类通过流速障碍能力是鱼道设计的主要生态指标,目前国内外主要使用封闭游泳水槽进行鱼类各种游泳速度指标及游泳行为研究,其水流流态及鱼类游泳行为与鱼类通过鱼道的实际状态有较大的差距,有必要结合鱼类游泳速度指标来探索能够更加准确量化鱼类通过鱼道流场的游泳能力测试方法。首先,在封闭游泳水槽中通过速度递增法测得异齿裂腹鱼临界游泳速度(101.01±20.86 cm/s)和突进游泳速度(196.94±21.80 cm/s);然后,以临界游泳速度和藏木水电站鱼道竖缝流速(110.00 cm/s)为参考,通过在开放游泳水槽内加不同束窄梯形体,形成类竖缝式鱼道的鱼类自主游泳能力测试水槽,开展两种底坡条件下4级短竖缝(工况1和工况2竖缝流速为101.55±14.87 cm/s、114.63±24.28 cm/s,竖缝顺水流长度均为40 cm)和单级长竖缝(工况3竖缝流速为137.45±17.63 cm/s、竖缝顺水流长度为160 cm)下试验鱼通过流速障碍能力和行为研究。试验结果表明:工况1、工况2下试验鱼通过4级竖缝成功率分别为82.05%、84.62%,通过流速大于临界游泳速度的竖缝时,持续爆发游泳时间为0.52±0.34 s;工况3下93.33%试验鱼以209.43±21.76 cm/s游泳速度成功通过单级长竖缝;3种工况下试验鱼通过流速大于临界游泳速度的竖缝时,以与突进游泳速度无显著性差异(P0.05)的恒定游泳速度(214.01±30.64 cm/s)上溯。鱼类游泳轨迹与流场耦合分析表明:鱼类上溯所需时间及路径长度与其选择的游泳路径密切相关,试验鱼通过借助回流区同向水流推动,增加上溯效率。本文研究方法及研究结论可为鱼道设计、改造、评价提供依据。     

Three‐dimensional numerical simulations of smooth,asymmetrically roughened,and baffled culverts for upstream passage of small‐bodied fish

Traditional box culvert designs lead to development of high velocity zones in the culvert barrel that often impede upstream migration of fish. Herein, three‐dimensional Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS)‐ and Large eddy simulation (LES)‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) simulations were performed to compare the effectiveness of smooth, asymmetrically roughened, and corner‐baffled barrels, in creating low‐velocity zones (LVZs) and providing opportunity for upstream passage of small‐bodied fish. The results revealed distinctive benefits provided by the asymmetrically roughened and corner‐baffled barrels relative to the smooth barrel. Cross‐sectional asymmetry, corners, and obstructions are important factors that contribute to the generation of LVZs conducive to fish passage, albeit contiguity of LVZs is required, particularly for weak swimmers. The study demonstrates the adequacy and effectiveness of CFD models to complement traditional laboratory studies in understanding basic mechanisms beneficial to fish passage and to provide insights into future designs.     

基于鱼类集群及上溯通道分析的鱼道进口位置论证

为确保大渡河龚嘴水电站鱼道能够成功过鱼,基于龚嘴水电站坝下河段鱼类集群分布的水声学观测结果,结合研究河段水流条件,分析鱼类集群分布特征,并根据主要过鱼对象关于水力学因子的适宜性特征,提取坝下河段鱼类主要上溯通道,论证龚嘴水电站鱼道进口布置方案。结果表明:坝下河段鱼类垂向分布范围为1.15~11.62 m,主要分布在中下层水域;鱼群主要集中在河段中上游区域;鱼类上溯通道分布于靠近两侧河岸的水域,流速为0.1~1.2 m/s;在北纬29.290°~29.292°范围内,存在横跨整个河宽的鱼类集中分布区域,说明该区域内流场条件能够较好地满足河段过鱼对象的上溯需求。本研究从鱼类集群及上溯通道分布两个方面对鱼道进口布置进行论证,提出较合理的鱼道进鱼口位置,研究结果可为其他水电站鱼道进口布置提供参考。     

The impact of small physical obstacles on the structure of freshwater fish assemblages

Many studies have assessed the effects of large dams on fishes but few have examined the effects of small obstacles. Fishes were sampled and environmental variables were characterized at 28 sites in two Iberian streams, 14 located immediately downstream, upstream and between five small obstacles at river Muge and 14 at river Erra, considered as the reference stream. Multivariate analysis indicated that habitat variables like current velocity and depth, but not physicochemistry, were mainly responsible for site groups' discrimination in both streams. The reference stream exhibited a longitudinal gradient of current velocity that, however, was not strong enough to cause significant changes in the fish assemblage's composition and structure. By successive and drastically repeating this gradient near each structure, the obstacles stream presented differences in fish fauna between the three site types. Lentic upstream sites presented higher density of limnophilic, omnivorous and exotic species, like gudgeon Gobio lozanoi, which are well adapted to this type of habitat. Downstream and between obstacles sites were characterized by the dominance of rheophilic and invertivorous taxa, especially barbel Luciobarbus bocagei. Richness metrics did not differ among site types, but diversity was higher in sites located between the obstacles away from its direct influence, where the habitat diversity was higher. Contrarily to upstream sites, downstream and between obstacles sites were similar in many of the studied features to the reference stream, implying that this type of structures cause a higher modification in the upstream fish community. This study suggests that the effects of small obstacles on habitat and fishes are similar, in some extent, to those reported for larger dams, providing important considerations for riverine ecosystem conservation efforts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.