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Weir removal in salmonid streams: implications, challenges and practicalities

Hydrobiologia volume 609, pages 83–96 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Low-head dams and weirs can greatly limit the distribution and abundance of Atlantic salmon and other migratory salmonids in streams. Weirs can significantly increase the vulnerability of migratory fish to anglers, alter natural migration patterns, and exacerbate the effects of opportunistic predators. Overcrowding of fish at downstream pools can also facilitate the spread of parasites and infectious diseases, magnify the impact of pollution incidents, and increase the risk of mass mortalities, particularly at low flows. Not surprisingly, augmenting the accessible stream area constitutes one of the best ways to restore depleted salmonid populations. In this context, the removal of unused or illegal weirs can be an efficient, cheap solution to increase stream accessibility. Here, I examine some impacts of weirs on Atlantic salmon populations, and document with case studies the removal and breaching of weirs in several Iberian streams.

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Acknowledgements

Special thanks are due to all the people who helped and supported the weir demolition projects discussed here, in particular Paco Vaamonde, Pablo Caballero, Manolo Rego, Jesús de la Fuente, José Manuel Araujo, Angel Serdio, Sonia Consuegra, Pedro Brufao and César Rodríguez. Sonia Consuegra and two anonymous referees made useful comments on the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environmental Sustainability, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP, Swansea, UK

    Carlos Garcia de Leaniz

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  1. Carlos Garcia de Leaniz
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Correspondence to Carlos Garcia de Leaniz.

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Guest editors: R. L. Welcomme & G. Marmulla

Hydropower, Flood Control and Water Abstraction: Implications for Fish and Fisheries

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Garcia de Leaniz, C. Weir removal in salmonid streams: implications, challenges and practicalities. Hydrobiologia 609, 83–96 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-008-9397-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-008-9397-x

Keywords

  • Dam removal
  • Salmonids
  • River restoration
  • Fish movements
  • Atlantic salmon
  • River connectivity