Optimizing Flow Conditions and Fish Passage Success in Vertical Slot Fishways: Lessons from Fish Behavior Observations

• Published in: Water (Basel) Vol. 16; no. 12; p. 1718
• Main Authors: Calluaud, Damien, Cornu, Vincent, Baran, Philippe, Pineau, Gérard, Sagnes, Pierre, David, Laurent
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-06-2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Animal behavior; Animal biology; Behavior; Biodiversity and Ecology; Design; Energy; Environmental Sciences; fish trajectories; Fishes; fishway efficiency; Fishways; Habitats; hydraulic parameters; Hydraulics; Life Sciences; Swimming; turbulent kinetic energy reduction; Velocity; Vertebrate Zoology; Water temperature; France; Fish trajectories; Turbulent kinetic energy reduction; Fishway efficiency; Hydraulic parameters
• ISSN: 2073-4441; 2073-4441
• DOI: 10.3390/w16121718

This study investigates the behavior of chubs (Squalius cephalus) of mid-body length (9.7–15.6 cm) with respect to turbulent flow conditions in a pool representing an experimental vertical slot fishway. Velocity and turbulence were characterized using PIV data. The influence of turbulent flow on fish behavior was assessed through the number of successful fish passage attempts, the associated passage times, and the spatial distribution of fish in the pool. Turbulence conditions were modified by the addition of one or three vertical rigid cylinders inside the pool. The results show that these adaptations may facilitate the passage of chubs. Results provide valuable insights and information to understand the relationship between fish behavior and hydraulic conditions, especially in the context of improving the design of fishways.