Could a remote-controlled boat help UK fish to flourish?
River eco-systems improved with Cranfield research
A new remote-controlled boat being developed at Cranfield University for the Environment Agency could assist in the recovery of some fish populations in the UK by improving migration routes and access to vital food and breeding grounds.
The surveying device, or ‘boat’, will gather detailed information about the hydrodynamics of rivers to identify why some man-made passages are more attractive to fish than others.
Connected rivers provide fish with access to essential resources, but large structures such as dams and flood barriers can block routes and cause habitats to become fragmented. A large number of fish passages have been created over the last decade to tackle the problem, however evidence suggests that many of these only work well for a narrow range of species or life stages.
Thomas Kriechbaumer, PhD researcher on the project at Cranfield University, said: “The problem is that fish often can’t find and enter the passages we create. They don’t “feel” like a natural river to the fish because the hydraulic properties of the water are different, and so they won’t pass through.
“This new ‘boat’ will help us gather detailed information about the hydrodynamics of rivers. Once we can measure what the fish experience, we can assess how attractive a certain passage is to them and give recommendations for minimising the ‘blocking’ effect that large structures have on freshwater ecosystems, and improve existing passages for the fish.”
The new remote-controlled devices will send out sonar signals and ‘listen’ to the sound that is returned using acoustic technology. The sound that comes back indicates how fast the water is moving, the depth of the water, and flow complexity.
Whilst similar techniques are already being used, the new device will be sleeker and easier to manoeuvre than existing technologies, meaning scientists can get into the nooks and crannies of each river.
Dr Monica Rivas-Casado, the Principal Investigator and specialist in applied environmental statistics at Cranfield, said: “These precise measurements could make all the difference. The better we can understand the natural habitats and preferences of the fish, the easier we can encourage them to use artificial passages. This will ultimately improve habitats and ecosystems, leaving us with healthier rivers.”
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About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a wholly postgraduate institution with a worldwide reputation for excellence and expertise in aerospace, automotive, defence, engineering, environment and water, health, management and manufacturing. As the UK’s most business-engaged University, and led by research which is applied to real life situations, we are world-leading in our contribution to global innovation. For more information visit: www.cranfield.ac.uk
Environment at Cranfield
At Cranfield, we combine our scientific expertise in the management of water, soil and biodiversity with world-class innovation in environmental engineering and business management to provide truly sustainable solutions. Across policy, risk and regulatory advice, customised training programme development and leading Master’s programmes, Cranfield works across the full environment spectrum to deliver a wide range of sustainability options.
Further Information: Fiona Siebrits, Press and Publications Manager, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University. T: +44 (0) 1234 758040, Email: f.c.siebrits@cranfield.ac.uk
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