Author(s): Elena Carcano; Kathryn Plymesser
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: There are still relatively few examples of eel fishway designs, particularly when considering the coexistence of multiple fish species with varying swimming abilities. Designing effective fishways able to cater eels, with anguilliform morphology and limited swimming capabilities, with different fish species, presents a significant challenge. Moreover, the existing data for eels’ swimming abilities is still limited. Henceforth, practical trials to test eels swimming performance in reference to slow species (e. g. Telestes Muticellus) is highly encouraged. It is customarily accepted, in Italy, that when eels cohabit with other fishes of poor swimming abilities, a specific passage for eels is not required. This perspective is primarily rooted in practical convenience, advocating for a universal fishway that can accomodate all species, rather than being scientifically substantiated. This analysis aims to compare the available data on eels’ swimming capabilities to those of Varions, alternatively named: Telestes muticellus, in the context of multi-species fishways. Telestes Muticellus is a tiny fish specie with limited swimming abilities but very common in: Northern Italy, Switzerland, and France. This work, starting from a real case of a restored mini-hydro, aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations regarding the design of targetted fishways and to underscore the necessity for comprehensive and scientifically informed approaches so to address challenges associated with fish passages’ design.
Year: 2024