Swimming performance of upstream migrant fishes in open-channel flow: a new approach to predicting passage through velocity barriers

Abstract

The ability to traverse barriers of high-velocity flow limits the distributions of many diadromous and other migratory fish species, yet very few data exist that quantify this ability. We provide a detailed analysis of sprint swimming ability of six migratory fish species (American shad (Alosa sapidissima), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni)) against controlled water velocities of 1.5–4.5 m·s–1 in a large, open-channel flume. Performance was strictly voluntary: no coercive incentives were used to motivate fish to sprint. We used these data to generate models of maximum distance traversed, taking into account effects of flow velocity, body length, and temperature. Although the maximum distance traversed decreased with increasing velocity, the magnitude of this effect varied among species. Other covariate effects were likewise variable, with divergent effects of temperature and nonuniform length effects. These effects do not account for all of the variability in performance, however, and behavioral traits may account for observed interspecific differences. We propose the models be used to develop criteria for fish passage structures, culverts, and breached dams.

Experimentation at the interface of fluvial geomorphology, stream ecology and hydraulic engineering and the development of an effective, interdisciplinary river science

“…Haro et al, 2004). Flume research has shown that downstream moving adult silver eels are primarily passive migrants at fine-scales, but also exhibit periods of active station maintenance and avoidance (Russon et al, in prep), and this supports field observations using radio-telemetry (Winter et al, 2006).…”

“…Flumes are an important tool for defining fish passage criteria because, unlike swim chambers which generally yield conservative estimates of fish swimming capabilities (Haro et al, 2004;Peake and Farrell, 2005;Castro-Santos, 2004, they do not inhibit performanceenhancing behaviours, such as "burst-glide" swimming (Tudorache et al, 2007) the field), emphasising the need for careful thought about the degree to which flow complexity is simulated. In the UK, there is considerable interest in anguilliform species, primarily eels as a result of declines over recent decades, but also lamprey that are protected under EU legislation.…”

Floodgate Operations and Fish Communities in Tidal Creeks of the Lower Fraser River (British Columbia, Canada)

“…The conditions at individual floodgates can restrict fish passage opportunities to a subset of the time gates remain open (Bass 2010). Fully open floodgates may still share many characteristics of culverts that represent partial barriers to fish passage, such as the potential to produce high water velocities or to become inaccessible to fish if installation heights do not match water levels (Haro et al 2004;Bass 2010). For example, culverts and floodgates might become "perched" at low tide if the gates are installed higher than low tide depth, thereby preventing fish from traveling upstream through an open gate (Bass 2010).…”

Do culverts impact the movements of the endangered white-clawed crayfish?

“…The most common purpose of culverts is for water flow diversion and flood management. Many of the current concerns from fisheries and wildlife service departments revolve around ensuring that water velocities are passable for fish moving upstream, but where possible full stream-width culverts are being recommended, retaining or mimicking natural bed structure (Haro et al, 2004). For benthic animals, including crayfish, such conditions appear important for movement and predator avoidance, so should be encouraged where possible.…”