An efficiency analysis of a nature-like fishway for freshwater fish ascending a large Korean river

Abstract

Using traps and passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry, we investigated the effectiveness of the nature-like fishway installed at Sangju Weir on the Nakdong River, Korea. In 11 regular checks over the study period, 1474 individuals classified into 19 species belonging to 5 families were collected by the traps, representing 66% of the species inhabiting the main channel of the Nakdong River. PIT tags were applied to 1615 individuals belonging to 22 species, revealing fishway attraction and passing rates of 20.7% and 14.5%, respectively. Interspecific differences were also shown. For 63.2% of fishes, it took more than a day to pass through the fishway. Some individuals spent a longer time (> 28 days) inside the fishway, suggesting the fishway was also being used for purposes other than passage. In this study, we verified species diversity of fish using a nature-like fishway installed in a large river in Korea. The results of this study provide a useful contribution to the development of fishways suitable for fish species endemic to Korea and for non-salmonid fish species worldwide.