Author(s): Antonio N. Pinheiro; Teresa Ferreira
Linked Author(s): António Pinheiro
Keywords: Eco-hydraulics; Mini-hydro; Fish-ladder
Abstract: The construction and operation of mini-hydro schemes affects the fish communities inhabiting the streams. One of the main effects is the interruption of these small barriers is the prevention of the free circulation of the fish populations during the different stages of their lives. The ecological effects of the construction of mini-hydro schemes is an issue not yet sufficiently studied, as well as the characterisation of ecological changes displayed by the fish populations and the alterations they suffered due to those works. This paper is based on an extensive work in co-operation with by the National Forestry Services and was performed by the Instituto Superior de Agronomia with the collaboration of the Instituto Superior Tecnico, both of the Lisbon Technical University. An eco-hydraulic overview of Portuguese mini-hydro fish-ladders operation is presented. The different hydraulic parameters used and their qualitative classification are discussed. Finally, some remarks about the overall performance of the fish ladders are presented and the necessity of extensive research on this issue is also discussed.
Year: 2001