Fishways are designed to fit the type of fish, distance they need to travel, and speed of the water in each ecosystem. Fishways can be designed to blend in with a water pass or ecosystem, or not.
Explore how one type of fishway works, which will inspire the project that you’ll build today!
Fishway Design Considerations
Take some time to research different types of fishways to learn how engineers take the following factors into consideration.
- Species-Specific Needs: Different fish species have varying swimming abilities, sizes, and behavioral patterns.
- Flow Rate: Adequate water flow must attract fish without creating excessive velocity.
- Accessibility: Entry and exit points must align with the natural migration path.
- Resting Areas: Pools or resting spots are critical for fish to regain energy.
- Invasive Species: Preventing certain fish from accessing the fishway for habitat protection.
- Habitat Monitoring: Collecting data such as number of fish and types of fish using the fishway, speed and quantity of water.