The Use of a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Method to Select the Most Favourable Type of Fish Pass in Mountainous Areas
Type
Journal article
Language
English
Date issued
2024
Author
Faculty
Wydział Inżynierii Środowiska i Inżynierii Mechanicznej
PBN discipline
environmental engineering, mining and energy
Journal
Water (Switzerland)
ISSN
2073-4441
Volume
16
Number
21
Pages from-to
art. 3118
Abstract (EN)
Fish passes are a key element enabling the migration of aquatic organisms in the context of restrictions resulting from the presence of weirs. Multi-criteria decision analysis, AHP, and Rembrandt methods were used to assess the effectiveness of fish passes on mountain rivers. Three common types of fish passes were considered: slotted fish pass, block ramps, and a circulation channel with boulders. The results of the study indicated that block ramps proved to be the most favourable solution, achieving the highest preference values in both methods (Rembrandt: 0.77, AHP: 0.63). The key factors influencing the effectiveness of the fish passes are the availability of space and the water requirements, which reached values of 0.38 and 0.27 in the Rembrandt method and 0.33 and 0.28 in the AHP method, respectively. The differences between the results of both methods were minimal and did not have a significant impact on the final choice. The discussion emphasised the advantage of nature-like fish passes, such as block ramps, which better preserve the ecological continuity of rivers and can be more easily adapted to local hydrological conditions. The study also indicated the need for continuous monitoring of the fish passes and their optimisation to reduce problems related to sedimentation and flow blocking. The obtained results can provide a valuable basis for decision making in the planning and construction of fish passes, especially in demanding mountainous conditions, contributing to improving the effectiveness of fish migration and minimising negative impacts on the natural environment.
License
CC-BY - Attribution
Open access date
October 31, 2024