Striking a Delicate Balance between Hydroelectricity Demand, Invasive Species Concerns, and the Need for Fish Passage at Hydropower Dams in the Midwest

Historically, many Midwestern migratory fish species had free and unobstructed access to feeding and spawning areas in rivers throughout their range in the Midwest, including the Great Lakes.  Within the past 100 years, however, the need for flood control and hydroelectric power has resulted in the construction of dams, which has interrupted much of these great migrations and has contributed to the decline of several species throughout the Midwest.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been working closely with state and local partners in the Midwest to design and build fishways that allow for continued hydroelectricity production while also maintaining the rivers as effective migratory corridors.  In a unique and recent convergence of concerns, however, resource agencies and dam owners alike have expended considerable effort in preventing further spread of aquatic invasive species, but for different reasons.  As planning continues on fishway projects in the Midwest, stakeholders need to take great care in how project operation may impact the health of the aquatic ecosystem, especially in light of aquatic threats.   We will explore fish passage projects at FERC dams in the Midwest and discuss how emerging concerns and demands are impacting project planning, design, and long term operation.