Fish under pressure: Examining behavioural responses of Iberian barbel under simulated hydropeaking with instream structures.

ABSTRACT: Hydropeaking is the rapid change in the water flow downstream of a hydropower plant, driven by changes in daily electricity demand. These fluctuations may produce negative effects in freshwater fish. To minimize these impacts, previous studies have proposed habitat enhancement structures as potential mitigation measures for salmonids. However, the recommendation of these mitigation measures for cyprinids remains scarce and their effects unknown. In this study, the effects of potential habitat mitigation structures under simulated hydropeaking and base-flow conditions are examined for Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) in an indoor flume. Solid triangular pyramids and v-shaped structures were evaluated as potential flow-refuging areas and compared with a configuration without structures.

SUBMITTER: Costa MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6343894 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature