Meeting Abstract

P1-121   -   Substrate Efficiency in American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) while Climbing Fish Ladders Curran , M*; Nussbaum , N; Ward , A; University of South Dakota ; Adelphi University ; Adelphi University Michael.Curran01@coyotes.usd.edu

Anthropogenic forces such as dams often restrict and halt the migratory life cycles seen in diadromous fish species. American eels (Anguilla rostrata) are a catadromous fish species where dams pose a significant threat due to their unique body shape and various life stages. Multiple types of fish ladders have been designed and produced for American eels to aid upstream and downstream migration. In order to assist individuals climbing the ladder, substrates of various varieties ranging from rocks and pebbles to synthetic nylon fibers have been used to help individual eel species have a higher success rate up the fish ladder. This study used two synthetic (nylon fibers and milieu pegboard) and two natural (burlap sack and coconut fibers) substrates to determine the locomotor efficiency of fish moving up the fish ladder. We calculated distance ratio (DR), wave amplitude, wave frequency, wavelength, slip, and velocity for the head and tail. The largest number of successful attempts were on the Milieu pegboard design but is the most restrictive when it comes to the size of the individual. Synthetic substrates produced more attempts, successful attempts, and greater DR at the head and tail points. Fish had the greatest slip on the natural substrates compared to the natural substrates. American eel individuals produced the greatest success on the milieu pegboard design, but the nylon fibers allow a greater range of various sizes to climb up the fish ladder. These findings can help understand more about the American eels locomotor performance while climbing fish ladders.