Abstract
We investigated on behalf of the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) which method (upstream or selective tidal transport STT) fish use for migration at the mouth of a Zeeschelde tributary stream, namely the Driesesloot.
We compare two management forms at the outlet structure. Under the current water management, drainage is gravitational (the T0 situation): fish can only migrate upstream when the flow velocity is not too high. Under the alternative water management, the check valve of the drainage structure was opened at both downstream and upstream tides (the T1 situation)
We found that opening the check valves (T1 situation) leads to significantly increased fish abundance and species richness.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of migration periods, with spring and autumn being peak times for spawning migration and migration to juvenile habitat. To remediate migration bottlenecks at tidal estuaries and thus restore connectivity, it is important to facilitate STT by letting in water.
We compare two management forms at the outlet structure. Under the current water management, drainage is gravitational (the T0 situation): fish can only migrate upstream when the flow velocity is not too high. Under the alternative water management, the check valve of the drainage structure was opened at both downstream and upstream tides (the T1 situation)
We found that opening the check valves (T1 situation) leads to significantly increased fish abundance and species richness.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of migration periods, with spring and autumn being peak times for spawning migration and migration to juvenile habitat. To remediate migration bottlenecks at tidal estuaries and thus restore connectivity, it is important to facilitate STT by letting in water.
Original language | Dutch |
---|
Publisher | Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek |
---|---|
Number of pages | 46 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Publication series
Name | Rapporten van het Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek |
---|---|
No. | 1 |
Thematic List 2020
- Wildlife management
- Water