Use of experimental models for testing new solutions for fish migration through small instream obstacles

The National Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LNEC) has an experimental full-scale channel for fish passage that was designed, built and used by scientific projects in the field of ecohydraulics. This large facility, that has been continuously used in past and ongoing research, has the main purpose of developing methodologies for the protection and conservation of fish populations in river with small obstacles (weirs and small dams).

• To study and develop solutions to allow fishes to overcome hydraulic structures in rivers
• Study of fish behavior in the transposition of river hydraulic structures, like weirs and small dams

The prime output of this project is the definition of recommendations and guidelines for improving existing and/or designing new fishway facilities for the passage of fish fauna in the Iberian rivers. The project will also increase the understanding of fish species movements across obstacles and will ultimately contribute to increase river connectivity and sustainable inland fisheries.