Session A4: Fishway Monitoring Practice and Guidance in Germany

Abstract: There has been an interest to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of fish passes by means of biological monitoring as long as these facilities have been built to safeguard fish migration or restore fish passage at obstacles. Although monitoring of fish passes has been performed for over a century in German-speaking countries, there exists no standard on monitoring and performance assessment. Techniques, methodologies and evaluation of the results are very different in practice. Therefore it is difficult to compare results between different sites and fish pass designs, to derive fish pass requirements, and to improve fish pass designs. In order to develop a methodology and valuation mode for monitoring of both fish passes for upstream migration, and downstream fishways and fish protection facilities, a working group was established within the German DWA Technical Committee on Fishways. Initially the group developed a fishway performance classification, and provided expert advice for the new German DWA Standard M 509 “Fish passes and other hydraulic structures passable for fish” (2014). In this new Standard design parameters of fish passes are derived from the biological requirements of fishes. Compliance with the specified technical parameters is seen as key for assessing the function of fishways. In terms of quality assurance, compliance is required in the design phase, as well as during construction and operation. Numerous monitoring methods are available to examine different aspects of fishways, e.g. (entrance) attraction and passage. These methods are presented and evaluated as to their applications in the new Standard. In all there is no standard method. Every study design must be adapted to the respective location and question(s) to be answered. The presentation will illustrate the new German approach to fish pass design, monitoring, performance assessment and classification, and quality management process. Presenting Author: Marq is a specialist in fish passage, river restoration, hydraulic & dam engineering, hydropower, and integrated catchment management. His work experience comprises policy and feasibility studies, project management, and technical designs including hydraulic modeling, economic assessments and construction supervision for public and private clients. Due to several professional affiliations, for example being chairman of the Expert Committee on Fishways of the German Water Association (DWA), and member of the “EIFAAC Group on Fish Passage Best Practices” of the European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission, Marq is familiar with and involved in water policy issues, longterm water management strategies and development of best practice guidelines