What is a fishway?
A fishways is a passage that enables fish to swim upstream through or around a structure, such as a lock, weir or barrage. Generally, the entrance to a fishway has a modified flow to attract fish towards it and direct them into it. Once inside, the fish pass through successive chambers that increase on a gradual inclination in height. For example, every 30 metres a fish swims, it increases one metre in height up the barrier’s wall. The chambers are designed to move water in a manner which fish can negotiate, and still water pools are provided for fish to rest as they negotiate the fishway. A protective mesh covers the top of the chamber ensuring the fish are not eaten by predators. In some fishways the fish can exit from a number of points, depending on the conditions of the river; this also reduces their vulnerability to predators. Fishway under construction at Lock 9 – Photo: Alf Richter Fishways have been constructed through the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s ‘Sea to Hume Dam’ pr
