Downstream fish passage: the new challenge of the hydropower sector for the conservation of the Brazilian fish fauna

Abstract

Fish passes have been built in Brazil in order to mitigate the adverse effect of hydropower dams on the movement of migratory fish. The effectiveness of these mechanisms depends on the successful upstream and downstream passage, the latter a fundamental aspect that has been neglected. The implementation of mechanisms into the dam structure, which facilitate or allow the passage downstream, represent a major challenge to the engineering applied to biodiversity conservation in Brazil. The aim of this study is to evaluate the international and Brazilian experiences on downstream passage of eggs, larvae and adults, as well as the main challenges to be faced. Alternatives to improve downstream fish passage would contribute to match hydropower generation with the conservation of the Brazilian fish fauna.