The effects of horizontally and vertically oriented baffles on flow structure andascent performance of upstream-migrating fish

Journal of Ecohydraulics
DFO Canada; University of Sherbrooke
By: , and 

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Abstract

Considerable effort has been expended to construct culverts and fishways that allow for fish passage. However, the designs have seldom considered behaviour, energetics, and biomechanics of fish. In this study, we performed controlled experiments, in which upstreammigrating Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were allowed to volitionally enter either one of two open channels. These channels were outfitted with horizontally and vertically oriented baffles. The flow structure was characterized using acoustic Doppler velocimeter measurements. The added baffles had a marked influence on the flow field, which was distinct between horizontal and vertical baffles, indicative of horizontally and vertically orientated vortices, respectively. Passage success was measured, both in terms of attraction and ascent performance under each flow condition. The results indicated that Alewife and Brook Trout staged significantly more attempts into the vertical baffled channel compared to the horizontal baffled channel. However, Alewife traversed greater distances swimming in the channel with the horizontal baffles at the lower flow condition. Brook Trout also swam further under low flow but traversed similar dtistances in both channels. This information furthers our understanding of both ascent performance and behavioural responses of fish in relation to turbulent flow and roughness orientation.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The effects of horizontally and vertically oriented baffles on flow structure andascent performance of upstream-migrating fish
Series title Journal of Ecohydraulics
DOI 10.1080/24705357.2017.1288555
Volume 2
Issue 1
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Contributing office(s) Leetown Science Center
Description 15 p.
First page 38
Last page 52
Country United States
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