Behavioural responses of eel (Anguilla anguilla) approaching a large pumping station with trash rack using an acoustic camera (DIDSON)
European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., migrating to the sea encounter many man-made structures that can hamper and delay migration or induce mortality. Studying smallscale behavioural movements in front of these man-made structures could provide insight in further mitigating adverse effects. The behavi...
| Published in: | Fisheries Management and Ecology |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2020
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/behavioural-responses-of-eel-anguilla-anguilla-approaching-a-larg https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12427 |
| Summary: | European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., migrating to the sea encounter many man-made structures that can hamper and delay migration or induce mortality. Studying smallscale behavioural movements in front of these man-made structures could provide insight in further mitigating adverse effects. The behaviour of eel approaching a trash rack in front of a large pumping station was investigated using a dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON). Eels approaching the trash rack swam through the rack (40.5%) but also showed turning behaviour at (44.7%) or in front of the rack (14.7%). Eels approaching the rack had varying body positions, predominantly head or tail first, but also curled up into a ball or drifted sideways. After turning in front or at the trash rack, eels showed upstream and downwards swimming towards the canal bottom. The results suggest a stepwise response to potential cues, when firstly the body position is changed in such a way that secondly, later on, enhances eventual fastupstream escapement when perceived necessary. Implications for management of these behavioural observations are discussed. |
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