Selective Fish Passage: Easing the Tension Between Native Fish Restoration and Invasive Species Control

There is an important, emerging need to develop methods of selective, bi-directional passage of fishes. Tensions exist between management actions seeking to benefit fish production through increasing connectivity within tributaries, and between tributaries and lakes or oceans (e.g. dam removal), and actions seeking to benefit native fishes by limiting the spread and reproduction of invasive species (e.g. barriers to movement). These tensions are being recognized globally, although their importance can vary across river systems. With important points on both sides, one possible compromise is the development of methods for selective bi-directional fish passage that facilitates passage of native and desirable fishes, and blockage of non-desirable fishes.