Fish passage experience at small-scale hydro-electric power plants in France

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 609; no. 1; pp. 97 - 108
• Main Author: Larinier, Michel
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands 01.09.2008; Springer Netherlands; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal migration; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Ecology; Eifac 2006: Dams; Electric power; Electric power plants; Environmental degradation: ecosystems survey and restoration; Fish; Fish ladders; Flood control; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Hydroelectric plants; Hydroelectric power; Life Sciences; Migratory species; Rivers; Synecology; Weirs and Fish; Zoology; Upstream and downstream migration; Small-scale hydropower plant; Fishways; Downstream bypass; Hydroelectric power plant; Aquatic environment; Fishpass; Power plant; Hydrobiology; Small scale; Upstream; Small-scale hydropower plant Upstream and downstream migration; Animal migration; France; Downstream; Fishways Downstream bypass
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1007/s10750-008-9398-9

There are more than 1,700 small-scale hydro-electric power stations in France today, which can be found on the majority of rivers with migratory species in them. This article gives an overview of the different types of fish facilities in use at these small-scale hydro plants. The relative advantages and drawbacks of each type of fish pass are discussed, with reference to the requirements of migratory species and the site-specific constraints. Emphasis is placed on the problems of attraction and maintenance. The article also mentions the various techniques used to evaluate existing or recently constructed fish passes. Experience in using bypass facilities combined with trashracks for downstream juvenile salmonids and eels are related. The author points out the severe cumulative impact which may occur due to the existence of several small-scale hydro projects on the same river. He presents his view on the priorities for research on fish passage facilities, especially on “fish friendly” small-scale hydropower intakes.