Upstream migration of Atlantic salmon at a power station on the River Nidelva, Southern Norway

Abstract

The upstream migration of 17 radio-tagged adult Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., past hydroelectric developments on the River Nidelva, Southern Norway, was examined. Salmon migrated quickly from the site of release in the lower part of the river up to the tunnel outlet of Rygene power station, but were substantially delayed at the outlet. The salmon stayed in the outlet area for 0-71 days (median = 20), and mainly took up a position inside the dark power station tunnel. Water discharge in the tunnel was 57-176 m3 s-1, while residual flow in the river between the outlet and the dam 2.5 km further upstream was 3 m3 s-1. Ten salmon passed the outlet and entered the residual flow stretch, but none passed the dam. Six of the 10 salmon returned to the tunnel outlet. No major migration barriers were identified in the residual flow stretch, suggesting lack of motivation among the salmon to migrate due to either low water discharge compared with the main river, or several minor migration barriers along the river stretch.