Fish Passage Assessments and Feasibility Studies

Providing free fish passage is a major objective of the EU Water Framework Directive in achieving good ecological status. It is also important in the context of the EU Eel Regulations, and has other social and economic benefits. Many structures such as weirs, mill structures, locks and sluices present impassable barriers to fish, which restricts access to valuable spawning grounds and nursery habitat. These structures also compartmentalise fish populations and prevent interaction between them.

There are a number of ways in which fish passage can be provided, depending on the size or nature of the barrier, and the type of fish for which an improvement is to be designed. Structures ranging from formal fish passes through to nature-like bypass channels or easements can be designed and created to offer options for passage to both coarse fish and salmonid species.

OHES is able to offer feasibility studies and assessments of barriers to determine the best option for providing fish passage in a range of situations. We are then able to provide detailed design options and reports, and project management of the construction phase. Whether you need a formal engineered structure or a natural fish pass option, we will be able to help. Contact us for further information or click here to read a case study..

 

 

 

 

Contact OHES

Call +44 (0) 870 240 3329 or
email info@ohes.co.uk