Danube Under Pressure: Hydropower Rules the Fish

Waidbacher, Herwig; Drexler, Silke-Silvia; Meulenbroek, Paul

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-73250-3_24

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Moreover, it allows for the hydrodynamic and ecological impact analysis and evaluation of specific river restoration measures as well, such as the construction of small, near‐bank artificial islands (often applied in the Austrian Danube, see for example, Habersack, Hein, Liedermann, and Bondar‐Kunze (2016)) or side arms which are of major importance for fish reproduction (Meulenbroek et al, 2018). Future restoration measures aiming to improve riverine habitats (Waidbacher, Drexler, & Meulenbroek, 2018) should also consider the potential impacts of ship waves on structural stability and the littoral ecosystem as well, which—in absence of a suitable evaluation methodology—was not possible before.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A numerical modeling‐based predictive methodology for the assessment of the impacts of ship waves on YOY fish

Fleit

Hauer

Baranya

2020

River Research & Apps

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The effects of inland navigation on the aquatic ecosystem are numerous. One of the most relevant impacts from the ecohydraulic point of view is ship‐induced waves, resulting in the local and temporary alteration of the hydrodynamic regime, especially in shallow water areas. In this paper, a novel hydrodynamic modeling‐based evaluation framework is presented and tested for the prediction of habitat use and drift risk of juvenile fish during wave events of different intensities. A vertically resolved numerical wave tank was built up using field measurements of a real vessel‐generated wave event from the Hungarian Danube. High‐frequency pressure time series were utilized to numerically reproduce the phase accurate wave trains, while acoustic Doppler velocity time series were exploited for the verification of the model. Results of the spatiotemporally resolved hydrodynamic model were combined with data from the literature to explore a case study of juvenile Nase (Chondrostoma nasus). Results highlighted the significant horizontal extension (10–15 m) of the area exposed to decreased habitat suitability and increased drift risk. Moreover, the model revealed significant vertical variabilities in the investigated near‐bank area as well, emphasizing the relevance of depth resolved hydrodynamic modeling in ecohydraulic investigations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A numerical modeling‐based predictive methodology for the assessment of the impacts of ship waves on YOY fish

Fleit

Hauer

Baranya

2020

River Research & Apps

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“…Accepting the Danube as an originally braided river with highly diverse habitats (Hohensinner et al 2013), a systematic approach to the creation and connection of habitats is necessary to improve the ecological situation of such a system under pressure and to achieve the requirements formulated in the EU-WFD. Especially in highly modified waterbodies, the provision of functioning spawning and juvenile habitats are two of the most essential tasks to strengthen the remaining fish stocks (Keckeis and Schiemer 2002;Pander and Geist 2010;Jungwirth et al 2014;Waidbacher et al 2018). In planning river modifications, interruptions, or by-passes, the ecological functioning of these key habitats must be incorporated.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The importance of a constructed near-nature-like Danube fish by-pass as a lifecycle fish habitat for spawning, nurseries, growing and feeding: a long-term view with remarks on management

Meulenbroek

Drexler

Nagel

et al. 2018

Mar. Freshwater Res.

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Major sections of today’s rivers are man made and do not provide the essential requirements for riverine fish. A nature-like fish by-pass system in Vienna-Freudenau was assessed for its function as a fish habitat. The study was conducted continuously over 3 years; 15 years after construction of the by-pass. The chosen nature-like construction of the by-pass system functions like natural tributaries. More than 17000 fish and 43 species, including several protected and endangered species, in all life stages, including eggs, larvae, juveniles and adults, were captured. Furthermore, the indicator species of the free-flowing Danube, nase (Chondrostoma nasus) and barbel (Barbus barbus), migrated into the fish by-pass and successfully spawned before returning. Therefore, our results suggest that by-pass systems can function as an important habitat for the conservation of native fish fauna. The heterogenic habitat configuration provides conditions for all ecological guilds and, consequently, increases biodiversity. Finally, approved management tools are discussed. We suggest that fish by-pass channels may be suitable at other sites in the Danube catchment.

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