Hydraulic Engineering Commons^™

Session D5: Efficiency Of Fish Passages Facilities On Nam Kam River, Thailand, Apiradee Hanpongkittikul, Siranee Ngoichansri, Renu Sirimongkonthaworn, Boonsong Sricharoendham, Tiwarat Thalerngkietleela, Paweena Phiwkham, Naruepon Sukumasavin, Wongpathom Kamonrat, Sornchai Kensom, Yongyote Reekanong, Ivan G. Cowx

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Distribution and migration of fishes in Nam Kam River, one of the Mekong tributary in Thailand, were conducted during the migration period in 2013. Nam Kam River consists of four cascade watergates, all of which equipped with fish passage. Migration of fish from the Mekong River into the Nam Kam river system started at the onset of the rainy season around the end of May to early October.

It was found that 92 species from 21 families were observed in the fish passages. The highest number (440,015 fish) was found at the most downstream passage consisting of 83 species. …

Session E5: The Iron Gate Dams In The Danube River And Their Importance For Endangered Sturgeons, Jürg Bloesch

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Danube sturgeons are highly threatened (IUCN Red List) and two out of six native species are already extinct. The Sturgeon Action Plan enforced in 2005 in the framework of the Bern Convention signed by all Danube countries, lists 72 actions for sturgeon conservation. First priority is the reopening of the Iron Gate I and II hydropower dams, as these disrupt sturgeon spawning migration from the Black Sea to the Middle and Upper Danube. The situation in the region of the Iron Gate dams is extremely complex (navigation locks, transboundary between Romania and Serbia, sturgeon fishery bans, habitat degradation), and …

Session C4: Development Of Passive Monitoring Tools Of Silver Eel Migration To Trigger Turbine Management For Fish Protection, Damien Sonny, Richard Brunet

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Reduction of fish mortality at hydropower facilities is an intense field of research for Power Companies. Nowadays, reduction of turbine capacity seems the most efficient methods, but require to be able to restrict the turbine management operations precisely to fish migration peaks to reduce loss of production to its minimum. Based on the IchtyosTM fish counting system that we use regularly to assess fish upstream migration in fish passes with a combination of laser-beams and video records, we recently adapted this technology to a silver eel specific pipe-like bypass installed at two hydropower facilities in Germany. The association of …

Session A4: Monitoring Fish Pass Performance: Towards A European Standard, Emma Washburn, Jon Hateley, Jim Gregory

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

We need more, and better, fish pass performance data in order to inform and improve on our current fish pass designs. Relatively few fish pass construction projects currently budget for accompanying monitoring programmes and those monitoring studies that do take place vary widely in terms of the terminology and methodology used. This variability of data and lack of transferable knowledge is a major constraint on the development of fish pass design internationally. In order to maximise the benefit from expensive monitoring studies, the results need to be pooled and compared, which is not possible when studies measure different efficiency …

Session B4: Movement Patterns Of Several Fish Species Approaching And Passing A Vertical Slot Fishway, Matthias Pitsch, Bernd Mockenhaupt, Marcus Herbst, David Nijssen

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Knowledge of fish behaviour at obstacles is still limited and therefore uncertainties exist regarding measures that have to be taken to ensure fish passage. One question that arises is whether fish, when encountering a barrier, tend to show searching behaviour or literally get trapped in a dead end while following migratory stimuli. To shed some light on this question, migration patterns of fish were investigated by using PIT technology at a vertical slot fishway with two entrances at the river Moselle. Additionally, sonar images were recorded by two DIDSON sonars at the entrances. Tagged fish (roach, nase, brown trout, …

Session B4: Ethohydraulics In Turbulence: Fish Behaviour In Turning Pools, David Nijssen, Matthias Pitsch, Marcus Herbst, Lena Mahl

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Space restrictions often necessitate the incorporation of turning pools in the design of fishways. Several biological studies have identified potential problems fish have with turning pools, varying from disproportionate residence times, flow negotiating difficulties and even fish leaping out of the turning pool. Likewise, our research on fish passage times of a vertical slot fishway on the river Mosel in Germany, detected significant time lags in turning pools. A number of potential explanations have been stated in the literature including confusion associated with large vortices, turbulence and complex flows, flow characteristics exceeding the swimming abilities of the fish, or …

Session C4: Eel Protection Initiative (Epi) Rhineland-Palatinate/Rwe Power Ag On The Moselle River With Special Reference To "Catch & Carry“ Methods, Lothar Kroll

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Since 1995 between state authorities of rhineland-palatinate und RWE Power AG exits the project (EEL PROTECTION INITIATVE RP/RWE) to avoid/minimize the hydropower mortality of migrating silver eels in river Mosel and Saar. The ecology of Mosel (MQ 328 m³/s) and its tributary Saar (MQ 60 m³/s) is characterized by oceanic and rainy-dominated discharge, with high degree of variability. These rivers are regulated for shipping and subsequent hydropower purposes. The overall eel mortality due to hydropower is estimated about 77%. No realistic technical solution (physical barriers, bypass) could be elaborated with theses old hydropower station devices in these streams yet. …

Session B4: Fine-Scale 2d Acoustic Tracking Of The Behaviour Of Salmonids To Investigate Delays And Failures In Fish Passage; Implications For Assessing The Efficiency Of Fish Passes, Richard A. Noble, Jon D. Bolland, Jamie R. Dodd, Sam E. Walton, Terry Coddington, Ian G. Cowx, Jon Hateley, Jim Gregory

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Many studies of fish passage are limited to consideration of coarse scale efficiency metrics; however the level of resolution they have for explaining changes in these metrics is often limited. In many cases assessments of fish pass performance are instigated due to (and complicated by) factors such as changes in fish pass design, construction of hydropower schemes and/or associated changes in hydro-morphology. In such cases finer scale descriptions of passage behaviour and fish pass proximity behaviour may be required to identify changes in passage efficiency and elucidate the factors influencing them. This presentation describes a five year acoustic tracking …

Session D4: Hybrid Model Approach For Designing Fish Ways - Example Fish Lift System At Baldeney/Ruhr And Fish Way At Geesthacht /Elbe, Frank Seidel, Peter Oberle, Mark Musall, Phillip Schultz, Thomas Grafmüller, Franz Nestmann

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Within the context of designing a fish passage, engineers and planers are provided with numerous standardized constructions methods including the respective assessment criteria to ensure that fish are able to migrate at transverse structures. Due to individual spatial conditions and boundaries, there is a need for special constructions at various locations. Because of lack of design specifications or lack of monitoring experience in the planning stage, the functionality of new systems and construction methods is not proven. Comprehensive functionality tests are therefore to be implemented. At the Baldeney weir an innovative fish lift is currently planned. The required system …

Session B4: New Insights Into Schooling Behavior In Response To Flow, Jasper De Bie, Paul S. Kemp, Constantino Manes

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Gregarious behaviour is found throughout the animal kingdom. Although many fish species live in groups during a certain period of their life cycle, rarely has this collective behaviour been incorporated in fish passage studies, which tend to focus on individual behaviour of target species. Near fish passes, local hydrodynamics are highly variable, potentially affecting school cohesion. Since schooling has several drivers, such as antipredatory benefits and energy savings mechanisms, a loss of school integrity might be a reason fish passes act as an ecological trap for fish species that live in schools. An understanding of how hydrodynamics, encountered near …

Plenary Speakers: Downstream Migration Of Fish In Regulated Rivers: Patterns And Mechanisms, Dmitrii Pavlov, Victor Mikheev, Vasilii Kostin

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Dmitrii Pavlov graduated from the Moscow State University, Dept. of Ichthyology, in 1960 where currently he is a Head of the Department. His main study area covers fish behavior and ecology, and the behavior of fishes including orientation, locomotion, and migrations in the water flow. He has been studying patterns and mechanisms of downstream migrations in the field and in laboratory experiments since 1962. His field studies, with the main focus on down-stream migration through dams have been carried out in many rivers of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Field programs were complemented with experimental studies on behavior, morphology, …

Plenary Speaker: The Evolution Of Pro-Active Dam Removal In The Us Over The Last Quarter Century, Laura Wildman

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Ms. Wildman is a practicing fisheries engineer who established and runs the New England Regional Office for Princeton Hydro focusing on ecological restoration consulting for aquatic systems and dam removal. Ms. Wildman received her bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont and her Master of Environmental Management from Yale University, and integrates both engineering and a deep understanding of river science into her restoration work. Her expertise and passion centers on the restoration of rivers through the re-establishment of natural functions and aquatic connectivity. She is considered one of the foremost experts on barrier removal and alternative fish …

Session D3: Net Ecosystem Services Analysis As A Floodplain Restoration And Management Tool, Greg Reub, Dr. Gretchen Greene, Dr. Steve Mathies

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Established ecological fundamentals typically determine design, success and efficiency of restoration and management of floodplain and aquatic resources. Some of the more common criticisms center around the facts that commonly used methods: 1) do not have a quantitative basis for the estimates, 2) are not transparent to allow thorough review and stakeholder input, and 3) do not demonstrate direct and indirect benefits to the affected public. Integrating ecosystem services concepts and approaches and their evaluation for planning and performing ecological restoration is a practical alternative to the traditional restoration approach and can improve the restoration product, provide stakeholder support …

Session A3: Life+ Segura Riverlink, Implementing A Green Infrastructure Approach, Eduardo Lafuente Sacristán, Rosa Olivo Del Amo, Francisco Javier Sanz Ronda, Jorge Sanchez Balibrea, Francisco José Oliva Paterna, Mar Torralba García, Francisco Corbalán Martínez

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

The Segura River, located in southeastern Spain, is one of the most regulated rivers in Europe, creating severe environmental problems and breaking connectivity. The LIFE + SEGURA RIVERLINK project, cofinanced by the LIFE Program, aims to promote and support the environmental recovery of the Segura River Basin by improving and strengthening the connectivity between natural ecosystems, promoting the conservation of an area with an exceptional environmental value and improving its public use.

The main actions include the removal of an unused weir and the construction of eight fish passages, being this a pilot experience in the Segura River Basin …

Session A3: Cipriber Project: Actions For The Protection And Conservation Of Iberian Cyprinids Of Community Interest, Rosa Huertas González, Carlos Marcos

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

In recent years many studies have pointed out a decline in the populations of some threatened fish species in Duero and Tagus basins as well as an increase in distribution of invasive species. Mostly, this is due to river habitat deterioration by existing pressures over the river courses.

In order to protect and provide the basis for the recovery of these populations, the Duero Basin Authority as coordinating partner, and with the collaboration of the Tagus Basin Authority, the Department of Development and Environment of the Junta de Castilla y León (the regional government) and Natural Heritage of Castilla …

Session C3: Policy Shift In Reviving Migratory Fish Stocks - Examples From Restore Life+, Jukka Jormola

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Migratory fish need free passage but also adequate habitats for reproduction. Countless stocks of salmon and other species have vanished in European rivers through dam construction, but there are also encouraging examples of bringing them back. Contrary aims like increasing hydro power as renewable energy is a threat in many pristine rivers. Migratory fish with their several advantages for tourism and other ecosystem services need to be considered in all kind of river projects.

European Centre for River Restoration ECRR initiated the Life+ project RESTORE to encourage best practices of river restoration, including measures for migratory fish. A database …

Session B3: Alden Fish-Friendly Hydropower Turbine: Potential Application, Performance And Economics, Greg Allen, Steve Amaral, George Hecker, Doug Dixon, Brian Murtha, Jeremy Smith

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

The Alden fish friendly turbine is designed to safely pass fish downstream at hydroelectric projects while generating power. The new technology was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Hydro Turbine Systems Program and more recently with funding from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Applications for the new technology include using the turbine as a downstream fish bypass, passing minimum environmental flows, adding new capacity, and new developments at non-powered dams. With further development, this new technology could also be considered to replace existing conventional units. This turbine has been designed and model tested …

Session A3: Think Big: Adding Large Structures To Improve Ecosystem Health, Johanna Gardestrom, Daniel Palm, Daniel Holmqvist, Christer Nilsson

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

The Vindel River is one of the few freeflowing its entire catchment are part of the Natura 2000 network. The river was exploited for timber floating between 1850–1976; rapids in the main channel and tributaries below the alpine tree line were channelized to increase timber transport capacity. Side channels were cut off and the flow was concentrated to a single channel from which boulders and large wood were removed. Hence, previously heterogeneous environments were replaced by more homogeneous systems with limited habitat for riverine species. The Vindel River LIFE project (LIFE08 NAT/S/000266) works with the restoration of 25 tributaries …

Session A3: Ljubljanica Connects - Enabling Fish Migration, Katarina Zabret, Matej Secnik, Andrej Vidmar

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

The heavily degraded area of the Ljubljanica River corridor upstream and downstream of the Ljubljana urban area is an important habitat for the fragmented and heavily endangered populations of Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho), Danube Roach (Rutilus pigus) and Striped Chub (Leuciscus souffia). Nowadays the water level upstream of the weir on the Ljubljanica River is too low therefore during low flow conditions the main Ljubljanica River channel is not connected to its tributaries. This represents a great obstacle for the habitat connectivity along the river reaches which is worsened by the improperly working …

Session B3: Alden Fish-Friendly Hydropower Turbine: History And Development Status, Douglas Dixon, Tim Hogan

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

An innovative technology that has potential to contribute to renewable energy development with reduced impacts on downstream fish passage is the Alden turbine, originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) more recently enhanced by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). This turbine is designed to allow the safe passage of fish through the turbine eliminating the need for expensive screens and bypasses and loss of generation via spillage for fish passage. The turbine features a helical-shaped runner with only three blades. Pilot-scale tests demonstrated that fish survival, when scaled to a full-size field installation, would be in …

Session B3: Replacement Turbine Design For Improved Fish Passage At Ice Harbor, Jason M. Foust, Martin Ahmann, Robert Davidson

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

In the summer of 2014, an extensive hydraulic development was completed for replacement fixed and adjustable blade turbines for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Ice Harbor Lock and Dam. During the hydraulic design phase, fish passage considerations made up the primary evaluation criteria, including minimum pressures, shear, flow quality, and blade strike. Expected fish passage characteristics for each set of proposed geometries were evaluated using both Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) calculations and physical model testing. Turbine performance characteristics, such as power and efficiency, were also considered as secondary evaluation criteria.

For both machine types, several design and …

Session A3: Migratory Fish Recovery And Improved Management In The Final Stretch Of The Ebre River, Jordi Borràs, Marc Ordeix I Rigo, Miquel Rafa, Enric Gisbert, Francesc Vidal, Jesús Gómez

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

The aim of the LIFE MIGRATOEBRE project (LIFE13 NAT/ES/000237) is to promote the recovery of ecological connectivity within 10-20 years in the lower Ebre River and Delta (in a stretch of 115 km from the Mediterranean Sea), and a healthy and sustainable population of migrating fish: European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio), European eel (Anguilla anguilla), twaite shad (Alosa fallax) and sea lamprey (Petromizon marinus), among others native species. It is focused on long-term sustainable investments adapting all present river obstacles to allow fish migration (upstream and downstream); increasing twice the river spawning …

Session B2: An Overview Of The Ice Harbor Turbine Replacement Project, Martin Ahmann, Robert Davidson, Jason Foust, Thomas Freeman, Jon Renholds, Bradly Trumbo, Kevin Crum

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

In March of 2010 the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) awarded a contract to Voith Hydro to design and supply new turbine runners for installation at the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam located on the Lower Snake River within the State of Washington, USA. The contract included design and supply of both a fixed and an adjustable blade turbine runner for replacement of two failing units within the six unit powerhouse. The new turbine runners were to be designed for “safer” fish passage as a primary goal, and increased efficiency as a secondary goal. The hydraulic design of …

Session C2: Eel Recovery – It Is Not Just About Fishing, Andrew Kerr

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

The background to this topic is the most recent report on implementation of the eel management plans from the European Commission to the Parliament 24th October 2014. Whilst there are several messages particularly on the difficulties of stock measurement and incomplete reporting the most powerful in order to achieve and maintain the recovery are on the importance of unblocking the migration pathways both in and out. Here are just three key statements from the report. “Progress was made in implementing management measure related to fisheries but that other management measures, such as improving habitats, combating parasites or predator control …

Session E2: The Rhine Sturgeon Project: A Brief Overview And A Look Into The Future, Bram Houben, Esther Blom

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Once the Rhine was one of the key areas for the European sturgeon. In 2010, WWF the Netherlands and ARK Nature started with the Rhine Sturgeon Project in close cooperation with other organizations. Now, ARK Nature, the Royal Dutch Angling Association, Rotterdam Zoo and WWF the Netherlands would like to make the river Rhine part of the habitat of A. sturio again. A lot of work is done over the last years. The first releases of sturgeons in the Rhine in 2012 generated a lot of positive attention. We were able to inform a large audience and gained support. …

Session B2: Visadvies Protocol For Testing And Evaluating Pumping Station Pumps On Fish Survivability, Hendry Vis, Frank Cooper, Quincy De Bruijn, Jan H. Kemper

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

In the context of fish welfare, pump manufacturers focus on the development of fish friendly pumps. The assessment of fish survivability in a field situation turns out to be difficult. Lack of migration (eels), presence of fish or insufficient species composition with a narrow range in length class at the moment of the research leads to unreliable conclusions. Therefore a guideline is developed, based on forced exposure of fish, to test and evaluate fish friendly pumps with a standardized method: “VisAdvies protocol for testing and evaluating pumping station pumps on fish survivability”. The protocol serves two purposes. First, the …

Session C2: Converting Government Policy Into Practice By Restoring The Connectivity Of English Rivers For The Free Passage Of Fish, Jim Gregory

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

River obstructions are major obstacles to connectivity and have been responsible for the decline of many diadromous fish populations. In the past fish passage solutions were built opportunistically. However with the introduction of various European Directives and recognition of a need to be more strategic in planning solutions the Environment Agency has developed an approach that ensured resources, knowledge and technical capacity were operationally aligned and optimised to get the greatest ecological benefit from re-connecting river systems for the free passage of fish.

This paper will show how we have prioritized obstructions using a digital representation of the river …

Session C2: The Swiss Way To Re-Establish Free Fish Migration, Martin H. Gysi, Lukas Bammatter

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

The Swiss way to re-establish free fish migration as a counter-project to a people initiative by fisheries- and non-governmental organizations several modifications of the water protection act (and associated legislation) were enacted in Switzerland in 2011. The main topics of this revision were “space provided for waters”, structural restoration and the refurbishment of hydropower (including fish migration). Therefore the Cantonal authorities were obligated to do a “strategic planning” until 2014 and the necessary funding mechanisms were established. The operators of hydropower plants are fully compensated for the necessary measurements by a consumer-paid fund which is raised by 0.1 Rp./kWh. …

Session E2: Downstream Migration Of 2+ Salmon Smolts (Salmo Salar) In The River Meuse In The Netherlands, André Breukelaar, Tim Vriese, Harriet Bakker

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

Downstream migration of 2+ salmon smolts (Salmo salar) was studied in the Meuse in the Netherlands, in the period 2009-2013. Smolts (n =897) with implanted NEDAP transponders, were released at different locations in the lower part of the Meuse in Belgium (Berwijn, Moelingen) and the upper part of the Meuse in the Netherlands (Stevensweert, Linne), and tracked by NEDAP trail stations at 41 fixed locations distributed along the Meuse and the Berwijn to the North sea (distance more than 300 km). Over the period 2009-2013 70% (n =628) of the smolts were detected. Numbers of smolts reaching …

Session A2: Fish Migration Facilities On The Salt-Fresh Water Border Of The Wadden Sea, George Wintermans

International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage

Abstract:

From the mid 1980's onwards salt-fresh water transition area's received increasing interest from water management organizations and researchers. In this development salt-fresh water nature values and migratory fishes especially, became goals or targets in water management plans. As for fishes these plans ware based on a catchment basis approach in which the salt-fresh water transition areas were both the entrance and exit of the catchment basin. The first fish migration facilities in the transition area were constructed along the coast of the Wadden Sea and gradually spread out along the Dutch coast.

In this presentation an overview is given …