scholarly journals Swimming performance traits of twenty-one Australian fish species: a fish passage management tool for use in modified freshwater systems

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabin R. Watson ◽  
Harriet R. Goodrich ◽  
Rebecca L. Cramp ◽  
Matthew A. Gordos ◽  
Yulian Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Freshwater Systems ◽  
Australian Fish ◽  
The Impact

AbstractFreshwater ecosystems have been severely fragmented by artificial in-stream structures designed to manage water for human use. Significant efforts have been made to reconnect freshwater systems for fish movement, through the design and installation of dedicated fish passage structures (fishways) and by incorporating fish-sensitive design features into conventional infrastructure (e.g. culverts). Key to the success of these structures is making sure that the water velocities within them do not exceed the swimming capacities of the local fish species. Swimming performance data is scarce for Australian fish, which have a reduced swimming capacity when compared to many North American and European species. To help close this knowledge gap and assist fisheries management and civil engineering, we report the swimming performance capacities of twenty-one small-bodied fish and juveniles (< 10 cm) of large bodied species native to Australia as measured by critical swimming speed (Ucrit) and burst swimming speed (Usprint) in a recirculating flume. This data is complemented by endurance swim trials in a 12-meter hydraulic flume channel, and by measures of flume traverse success. Building on the utility of this dataset, we used a panel of morphological, behavioural and ecological traits to first assess their relative contributions to the observed swimming performance data, and second, to determine if they could be used to predict swimming performance capacity – a useful tool to assist in the management of species of conservation concern where access to swimming performance data may be limited. We found that body length combined with depth station (benthic, pelagic or surface) explained most of the interspecific variation in observed swimming performance data, followed by body shape and tail shape. These three traits were the most effective at predicting swimming performance in a model/unknown fish. This data will assist civil engineers and fisheries managers in Australia to mitigate the impact of in-stream structures on local fish populations.

Design of Microplastics Citizen Science Kit

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael Hughson-Gill
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Freshwater Systems ◽  
The Public ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
The Impact

&lt;p&gt;Microplastics are an ever-increasing problem. Every river that was tested in a recent study found the presence of microplastics, with 80% of all plastic in the ocean coming from upstream. Despite this, there is little understanding into the abundance of plastic, its characteristics and the full impact that is it having on marine, freshwater ecosystems and wider ecological systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Current fresh water monitoring does not consider the fluid dynamics of rivers, is difficult to use and is inaccessible to the wider public. My project will focus on creating a product that allows for the large-scale data collection of microplastic through citizen science. Allowing groups of people to analyse their local natural environment for the presence and abundance of microplastics within the water. This method of data collection could provide information on a scale that is not possible with traditional methods and would allow for the comparison between freshwater systems. This comparison is fundamental to begin to fill the knowledge gaps around the understanding of microplastics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Inaccessibility of monitoring to the public is not just through tools but also through the current communication of data with research rarely breaking into the public domain. Citizen science offers not just an improvement in understanding but also offers an opportunity for engagement with the public body. Increasing awareness of the impact of habits round plastic through the sharing of monitoring data can generate the much-needed change on both an individual and policy level to address the problem from the source. This method of change through public opinion can be seen to have an effect on freshwater systems through microbeads ban, plastic bags, plastic straws and industrial pollution regulation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Through the creation of this product a multidisciplinary approach that blends engineering and design practices is implemented. The wholistic approach to creation is something that is fundamental in the success of tools and therefore the success of the research that is implemented through them. A tool such as this whose function is within the public engagement of its use - increased awareness, as well as the outcome of its use - microplastics data, is required to have an engaging user experience as well as data integrity implemented through engineering design.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This project offers an opportunity to show the importance of the design process within research tools to aid the research process and the positive impact that can come from it.&lt;/p&gt;

Swimming performance of upstream migrant fishes in open-channel flow: a new approach to predicting passage through velocity barriers

2004 ◽  
Vol 61 (9) ◽  
pp. 1590-1601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Haro ◽  
Theodore Castro-Santos ◽  
John Noreika ◽  
Mufeed Odeh
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Open Channel ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
Maximum Distance ◽  
Migratory Fish ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Alosa Aestivalis ◽  
Few Data

The ability to traverse barriers of high-velocity flow limits the distributions of many diadromous and other migratory fish species, yet very few data exist that quantify this ability. We provide a detailed analysis of sprint swimming ability of six migratory fish species (American shad (Alosa sapidissima), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni)) against controlled water velocities of 1.5–4.5 m·s–1 in a large, open-channel flume. Performance was strictly voluntary: no coercive incentives were used to motivate fish to sprint. We used these data to generate models of maximum distance traversed, taking into account effects of flow velocity, body length, and temperature. Although the maximum distance traversed decreased with increasing velocity, the magnitude of this effect varied among species. Other covariate effects were likewise variable, with divergent effects of temperature and nonuniform length effects. These effects do not account for all of the variability in performance, however, and behavioral traits may account for observed interspecific differences. We propose the models be used to develop criteria for fish passage structures, culverts, and breached dams.

scholarly journals Utilising the boundary layer to help restore the connectivity of fish habitats and populations

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabin R. Watson ◽  
Harriet R. Goodrich ◽  
Rebecca L. Cramp ◽  
Matthew A. Gordos ◽  
Craig E. Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Juvenile Fish ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Water Velocity ◽  
Fish Movement ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Significant Contributor ◽  
Remediation Design

SignificanceHabitat fragmentation is a significant contributor to the worldwide decline of freshwater ecosystem health, the most pervasive cause of which is culverts. Culverts act as a barrier to fish movement, impacting feeding, predator avoidance, spawning, and community structures. Here we show that a common remediation strategy that involves baffles, is detrimental to the successful passage of small bodied and juvenile fish at high velocities. To remedy this widespread problem, we present a novel remediation design that benefits a range of small-bodied species and juvenile fish at the same high velocities, regardless of morphology or ecological niche. The application of this remediation design may be expanded to any smooth surfaced anthropogenic structure, to improve fish passage and restore ecosystem functionality.AbstractCulverts are a major cause of habitat fragmentation in freshwater ecosystems, are a barrier to fish movement, and are regarded as a significant contributor in the decline of freshwater fish populations globally. To try to address this, various culvert remediation designs have been implemented, including the installation of vertical baffles and the provision of naturalistic (rock) substrates. While remediation strategies generally aim to reduce the velocity of water flowing through the structure, there is often resistance to their use because the resultant reduction in culvert discharge can negatively impact upstream flooding while also resulting in debris clogging and increased culvert maintenance costs. In addition, baffles markedly increase water turbulence that may be detrimental to passage by some fish species or size classes. Here we present some novel remediation designs that exploit the reduced water velocity in boundary layers along the culvert wall to enhance fish passage without significantly compromising discharge capacity. These longitudinal designs produce an expanded reduced velocity zone along the culvert margins that generate minimal turbulence. We show that these novel designs are significantly advantageous to the swimming endurance and traversability for six small-bodied Australian fish species. We also provide data on how and why some culvert baffle designs may impede small-bodied fish passage. This data scales with increasing water velocity, encompassing inter-specific differences in swimming capacity. These results have broad implications for fish community structure and the requirement of juvenile cohort of large-bodied commercially important species where baffles have been implemented to facilitate fish passage.

scholarly journals Fish ladders: safe fish passage or hotspot for predation?

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 687-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Antonio Agostinho ◽  
Carlos Sergio Agostinho ◽  
Fernando Mayer Pelicice ◽  
Elineide Eugênio Marques
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
High Density ◽  
Predatory Fish ◽  
Abundance Distribution ◽  
Neotropical Fish ◽  
Fragmented Habitats ◽  
Downstream Region ◽  
Large Predators ◽  
The Impact

Fish ladders are a strategy for conserving biodiversity, as they can provide connectivity between fragmented habitats and reduce predation on shoals that accumulate immediately below dams. Although the impact of predation downstream of reservoirs has been investigated, especially in juvenile salmonids during their downstream movements, nothing is known about predation on Neotropical fish in the attraction and containment areas commonly found in translocation facilities. This study analysed predation in a fish passage system at the Lajeado Dam on the Tocantins River in Brazil. The abundance, distribution, and the permanence (time spent) of large predatory fish along the ladder, the injuries imposed by piranhas during passage and the presence of other vertebrate predators were investigated. From December 2002 to October 2003, sampling was conducted in four regions (downstream, along the ladder, in the forebay, and upstream of the reservoir) using gillnets, cast nets and counts or visual observations. The captured fish were tagged with thread and beads, and any mutilations were registered. Fish, birds and dolphins were the main predator groups observed, with a predominance of the first two groups. The entrance to the ladder, in the downstream region, was the area with the highest number of large predators and was the only region with relevant non-fish vertebrates. The main predatory fish species were Rhaphiodon vulpinus, Hydrolycus armatus, and Serrasalmus rhombeus. Tagged individuals were detected predating along the ladder for up to 90 days. Mutilations caused by Serrasalmus attacks were noted in 36% of species and 4% of individuals at the top of the ladder. Our results suggested that the high density of fish in the restricted ladder environment, which is associated with injuries suffered along the ladder course and the presence of multiple predator groups with different predation strategies, transformed the fish corridor into a hotspot for predation.

scholarly journals The impact of endurance training on arterial plasma K+ levels and swimming performance of rainbow trout

1998 ◽  
Vol 201 (9) ◽  
pp. 1373-1380 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Holk ◽  
G Lykkeboe
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Total Body Length ◽  
Blood Oxygenation ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Arterial Plasma ◽  
Speed Training ◽  
The Impact

Arterial plasma K+ and lactate concentrations ([K+]a and [lactate]a), as well as blood oxygenation status, were measured in relation to increasing swimming speeds in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Neither [K+]a nor [lactate]a changed at swimming speeds below 1.5 BL s-1, where BL is total body length. Between 1.5 and 2.0 BL s-1, [K+]a started to increase, and above 2.0 BL s-1 both [K+]a and [lactate]a increased with swimming speed. Training shifted the onset of these increases to higher swimming speeds and increased the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) from 2.4 to 3.0 BL s-1. Blood oxygen content showed no changes in control fish, whereas in trained fish it increased by 22 % at the final swimming speed. From the [K+]a data, we suggest that no loss of K+ occurred from the working muscle at low swimming speeds, allowing an unlimited endurance, whereas moderate and higher speeds were probably associated with a loss of K+ from the working muscles, indicating a limited endurance. &lt;P&gt;

scholarly journals Swimming Performance of Four Carps on the Yangtze River for Fish Passage Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1575
Author(s):  
Junjun Tan ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Wentao Guo ◽  
Honglin Tan ◽  
Senfan Ke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Length ◽  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Silver Carp ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
The Body ◽  
Bighead Carp ◽  
Black Carp ◽  
Burst Swimming

Anthropogenic engineered structures alter the local ecological connectivity of river and survival habitat of native fishes. The swimming performance is critical for establishing fish passage or fish habitat. This study evaluated the swimming performance of four carps (black carp, grass carp, silver carp and bighead carp) with smaller body lengths (1.0–9.0 cm) in a swimming flume. The results showed that the critical and burst swimming speed (m/s) of the four carps increased with the increased body length, and the relative (critical and burst) swimming speed (the critical and burst swimming speed divided by the body length, BL/s) decreases with body length. The critical and burst swimming speed of each species at two individual length groups (1.0–5.0 cm, 5.1–9.0 cm) was significantly different (p < 0.05), and the water velocities in fish passage should be less than the fish burst swimming speed. The results further provided the swimming performance data of juvenile carps and provided technical reference for the construction of fish passage and the restoration of ecological habitat.

scholarly journals One size does not fit all: inter- and intraspecific variation in the swimming performance of contrasting freshwater fish

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter E Jones ◽  
Jon C Svendsen ◽  
Luca Börger ◽  
Toby Champneys ◽  
Sofia Consuegra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Fish ◽  
Brown Trout ◽  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
Swimming Ability ◽  
Stone Loach ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Topmouth Gudgeon ◽  
European Minnow

Abstract Artificial barriers cause widespread impacts on freshwater fish. Swimming performance is often used as the key metric in assessing fishes’ responses to river barriers. However, barrier mitigation is generally based on the swimming ability of salmonids and other strong swimmers because knowledge of swimming ability for most other freshwater fish is poor. Also, fish pass designs tend to adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach because little is known about population or individual variability in swimming performance. Here, we assessed interspecific and intraspecific differences in the sustained swimming speed (Usus) of five freshwater fish with contrasting body sizes, morphologies and swimming modes: topmouth gudgeon, European minnow, stone loach, bullhead and brown trout. Significant Usus variation was identified at three organizational levels: species, populations and individual. Interspecific differences in Usus were as large as 64 cm s−1, upstream populations of brown trout showed mean Usus 27 cm s−1 higher than downstream populations, and species exhibited high individual variation (e.g. cv = 62% in European minnow). Sustained swimming speed (Usus) increased significantly with body size in topmouth gudgeon, European minnow and brown trout, but not in the two benthic species, bullhead and stone loach. Aerobic scope had a significant positive effect on Usus in European minnow, stone loach and brown trout. Sustained swimming speed (Usus) decreased with relative pectoral fin length in European minnow and brown trout, whereas body fineness was the best predictor in stone loach and bullhead. Hence, swimming performance correlated with a diverse range of traits that are rarely considered when predicting fish passage. Our study highlights the dangers of using species’ average swimming speeds and illustrates why a ‘one size fits all’ approach often fails to mitigate for barrier effects. We call for an evidence-based approach to barrier mitigation, one that recognizes natural variability at multiple hierarchical levels.

scholarly journals Low light levels increase avoidance behaviour of diurnal fish species: Implications for road culverts

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Keep ◽  
Jabin R. Watson ◽  
Rebecca L. Cramp ◽  
Matthew J. Jones ◽  
Matthew A. Gordos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Diel Activity Patterns ◽  
Australian Fish ◽  
Diurnal Species

AbstractInadequately designed culverts are known to pose hydraulic barriers to fish passage, but they may also be behavioural barriers if they adversely affect light levels within them. To test this, we performed a choice experiment and quantified the amount of time individuals of four Australian fish species spent in darkened and illuminated areas of an experimental swimming fume. Behavioural responses were reflective of the species’ diel activity patterns; diurnal species preferred illuminated regions, while nocturnal species preferred the darkened region. We then determined a threshold light level of only ~100-200 lux (c.f. midday sunlight ~100,000 lux) was required to overcome the behavioural barrier in ~ 70% of the diurnal fish tested. Placing these threshold values into field context, 100% of culverts sampled recorded inadequate light levels. Attention is required to better understand the impacts of low light levels in culverts on fish passage and to prioritise restoration.

scholarly journals Fish passage post-construction issues: analysis of distribution, attraction and passage efficiency metrics at the Baguari Dam fish ladder to approach the problem

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 751-762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Gustavo Martins da Silva ◽  
Lorena Bettinelli Nogueira ◽  
Bruno Pereira Maia ◽  
Lucas Borges de Resende
Keyword(s):  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Fish Passage ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Similar Distribution ◽  
Migratory Species ◽  
Fish Ladder ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Attraction System ◽  
The Impact

Fish passages are considered the oldest management tool used to minimize the impact of blocking fish migratory routes by hydroelectric power plants. However, fish passages are being installed without specific criteria in Brazil, with severe consequences to the conservation of the local fish fauna. Therefore, basic data gathered for fish passages already constructed could contribute to define operational rules, in addition to offer subsidies to decision-making and design of future facilities. Thus, the fish ladder of Baguari Dam was evaluated regarding temporal distribution, attraction, and ascension of the local fish fauna. A total of 20 fish samples were conducted immediately downstream of the dam and inside the fish ladder, from January 2010 to June 2011. Seasonal variation in fish abundance and richness was registered below the dam and inside the passage, with higher number of migratory fish in the reproductive season (Kruskall-Wallis, p = 0.04 and p = 0.05). Furthermore, higher concentration of migratory allochthonous and non-migratory species was registered for the spill bay (Wilcoxon, p = 0.009 and p = 0.006) compared to the tailrace, where the fish ladder entrance is located. This result suggests low efficiency of the attraction system of the mechanism during the reproductive period. Once entering the fish ladder, migratory species apparently ascend the facility due to the similar distribution throughout different stretches. Generally, the results showed that an operational rule for the Baguari Dam fish ladder should consider running the facility only during the reproductive period, unless the objectives of the passage are well defined. The attraction system must be more precisely evaluated, using technologies such as radiotelemetry. Similarly, fish ascension also should be better analyzed to evaluate the time spent to ascend and its influence in the reproductive biology of the species using the ladder. Pit-tag system could be used to approach this analysis. It is expected that the discussion of these results would be useful for companies of the energy sector and for environmental agencies in Brazil, subsidizing decisions related to the management of fish passages already installed and to the construction of new facilities in the country.

Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of a construction company

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Roberth Frias ◽  
Maria Medina
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
The Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Construction Company ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
The Impact

This research focused on the strategic management tool Balanced Scorecard and strategic planning, as a guide to guide the management of companies, allowing communication and the functionality of the strategy using KPIs that allow to identify, maintain control and increase efficiency and the achievement of optimal results. For the deductive hypothetical analysis, the specific factors that affect business management performance were grouped into two variables: Balanced Scorecard and Strategic Planning. The objective of the work was to demonstrate the impact of the Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of a construction company. In order to support the research, the following theories were approached: the Financial Theory, the Economic Theory of the Company, the Transaction Costs, the Network Theory, the Organization Theory, the Dependence on Resources, the Strategic Management Theory and the Business Diagnosis Theory. The result obtained confirms the hypothesis that there is a significant incidence of the Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of construction companies. In conclusion, the construction company has obtained significant improvements in the results in each of the indicators evaluated with the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard, demonstrating improvements in their management results, affirming that there is better performance and management control allowing them to achieve the organizational objectives set.

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