The influence of dams on fish hikes

The influence of dams on fish hikes

Fish hikes are a natural and essential part of the life cycle of many fish species. Millions of fish tend to hike between sweet and salt water areas while certain phases of their lives. It is a phenomenon that plays a crucial role in reproduction, growth and survival rate of these species. However, the construction of insenses and other water infrastructures has a significant impact on these natural migration patterns, often with serious, long -term consequences for the affected fish populations.

background: fish hikes

The importance of fish hikes

Fish use waters in different ways. Some species need flowing water to lay their eggs, others need standing water. Some need fresh water, other salt water. The hikes between these different types of water are a fundamental aspect of the reproductive cycle of many species. For example, spawn salmon, one of the best known wandering species, in fresh water flows and then migrate into the open ocean water to mature and develop before returning up to the river to spawn.

types of fish hike

There are mainly two types of fish hikes: anadrome and catadrome hikes. Anadrome fish, such as salmon, grew up as young animals in fresh water and hike into the sea to live as adults. They only return to their home flows to spawn. In contrast, catadromas live fish species, such as the eel, mainly in fresh water and hike to the spawning in the sea.

The role of dams

dams and their functions

Dams serve a variety of purposes, including water storage for drinking water and irrigation, electricity generation and flood control. They also have a significant impact on the river ecosystems in which they are introduced.

The influence of dams on fish hikes

The construction of dams literally blocks rivers, causing the fish's hiking routes to be disturbed. This can cause the fish to be unable to return to their spawning sites, or that young fish are unable to hike into the ocean. This can have devastating effects in particular for anadrome species such as salmon. For them, the lack of a passage to their traditional spawning spaces often means death.

Problematic effects of dams

fish populations and biodiversity

Dams can result in a dramatic decline in fish populations. The interruption of natural fish hikes can lead to entire generations of fish die out, which can result in a chain reaction of ecological consequences. In addition, reducing biodiversity can make fish populations more susceptible to outbreaks of illness and climate changes.

Effects on the

Fish hikes also play a key role in the distribution of nutrients in the ecosystem. If they are interrupted, this can lead to a lack of nutrients that affect the entire aquatic food chain.

solutions

Fish climbing systems and fish stairs

One of the best -known approaches to solve the problem are fish climbing systems or fish stairs that help fish pass dams. While these methods can help, they also have their restrictions. Not all types of fish can use these facilities effectively, and they can be impractical even with large dams.

River restoration and dam reduction

Another solution consists in the river restoration and dam reduction. This approach restores the natural river systems and enables fish to hike freely again. It is a more complex and expensive solution, but this can ensure the long -term health of fish populations and the entire ecosystem.

final remark

The influence of dams on fish hikes is a complex topic that requires special attention. It is important that we work on solutions that meet the needs of fish, the requirements of the people and the health of our planet. This is the only way we can ensure that the fish hikes, these fascinating and essential natural processes, are preserved for future generations.