Author

Levi Kivari

Date Approved

2016

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Biology

Committee Member

Ulrich Reinhardt

Committee Member

Steven Francoeur

Committee Member

Peter Bednekoff

Committee Member

Peter Hrody

Abstract

This study examined the effects of finfish length and behavior on passage success on the wetted ramp, a proposed passage device for finfishes at low-head aquatic barriers. There were two hypotheses: there is a size effect to passage success because larger fish have relatively less propulsive surface area in partial submersion, and fish respond to changes in ramp angle of inclination during a passage attempt. Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) were observed, using a high speed camera, as they attempted to scale the wetted ramp. Smaller fish traveled farther and were also able to accelerate on the ramp despite entering at lower velocities. Larger fish had relatively greater head and tail amplitudes and greater body bending during strokes, suggesting the use of a less efficient swimming mode. Finfish as a group did not respond behaviorally to a change in ramp angle of inclination. The wetted ramp appears to be a size selective passage device, suggesting its use at low-head obstructions to service smaller-bodied finfishes.

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Biology Commons

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