Abstract

We constructed a model that predicted path selection of Atlantic salmon. Our basic assumption for the model was that Atlantic salmon optimize migration by selecting a path that minimizes water resistance. The model prediction was compared with observations in a fishway, and the results were within expectations. It appeared like the fishway design and flow configuration at our study site caused some problems for the fish to discover both of the available paths. Therefore, only 53% of female fish and 67% of male fish selected the optimal path in the beginning of the fishway, but 92% of female fish and 97% of male fish selected the optimal path at the end of the fishway. Velocity over ground was very low, which is likely because every weir in the fishway was an obstacle for the fish. This knowledge can be used to improve future fishway design, or improve flow configuration for existing fishways. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords

Atlantic salmon; fish migration; path selection; hydrodynamics; ADV; fishway

Published in

River Research and Applications
2016, volume: 32, number: 4, pages: 795-803

Authors' information