Title
Salmon and migration barriers: Problems and solutions
Date
2009
Keywords
salmon, migration, barriers, Atlantic salmon, dams, Hydropower, juvenile, juvenile salmon, ocean, upstream, spawning, structures, fish movement, fish mortality, mortality, downstream fish passage, fish passage, intake, turbines, fish ladder, fish lifts, guidance, mechanisms
Summary
This position paper expresses the concerns that the European Anglers Alliance (EAA)has for the health of Atlantic salmon populations with regards to migration barriers. A briefdescription of the lifecycle of a salmon is provided. Barriers such as dams and hydropowerfacilities block the downstream movement of juvenile salmon who are attempting to reach theocean to feed while they also present upstream barriers to spawning salmon. Structuresinhibiting migration are thought to be the most significant causes for decline in the Atlantic salmonpopulation throughout Europe. The harm caused by hydropower facilities is two-fold. Not only dothey block fish movement and passage but they also cause serious harm to fish and often resultin fish mortality. Suggestions are made regarding additions that should be incorporated intodams and hydropower facilities that could both, enhance upstream and downstream fish passageand divert fish away from harmful water intakes and turbines. Some examples include: fishladders, fish lifts, light, etc. The use of passage facilities are primarily for the benefit of upstreamtravelling fish while guidance mechanisms would be primarily used by downstream travelling fish.Other recommendations for future hydropower developments are made by the EAA.