The influence of discharge and temperature on the ability of upstream migrant adult river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) to pass experimental overshot and undershot weirs

• DOI: 10.1002/rra.1364
• Publication Date: 2010-03-04T00:24:48Z
• Authors: Paul S. Kemp; Iain J. Russon; Andrew S. Vowles; Martyn C. Lucas
• Keywords: Weir; Flume; Lampetra

Abstract The efficiencies of fish passes specifically designed and constructed to facilitate the movement a limited number species life‐stages past structural barriers are likely decline as site‐specific conditions shift with changing climate. There is need develop realistic passage criteria based on understanding swimming capability behaviour multiple in relation temperature flow. influence discharge ability groups migrating adult river lamprey ( Lampetra fluviatilis ), threatened species, pass small overshot or undershot weir at night was investigated using large experimental flume. Lamprey approached weirs less, more often maintained station by oral disk attach structure, under high flows. Oral attachment commonly observed during tests employing weir. Upstream tended be close proximity channel walls floor where, compared mid‐channel, velocities were generally lower velocity vectors direction other than bulk positively related temperature, higher for Weir rate weirs, negatively maximum Passage low when exceeded 1.5 m s −1 , although some passed c . 1.7 efficiency, percentage approaches, also weir, but not affected because less frequently This study provides an infrequently studied anguilliform conservation concern methodological perspective which improve fishway suitability wider range subject Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. article published online March 3, 2010. An error subsequently identified Article title. notice included print versions indicate that both have been corrected [April 12, 2010].