Petersen, S. (2013) Numerical modelling of minor waterway barriers for fish passage in the Mary River catchment. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
Waterway barriers have been constructed on waterways throughout Queensland and in many cases have obstructed the movement of native fish species.
This project uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to numerically model fish passage designs recommended by the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) minor waterway barrier works guidelines and aims to assess and refine the designs relevant to the free movement of native fish species of the Mary River catchment.
The construction of waterway barriers within Australian streams impacts on fish migration and is identified as a major cause of decline in native fish populations and localised extinction of some species. This project uses CFD modelling to expand on the laboratory, field and literary research used to develop the DAFF waterway barrier works guidelines.
Literary review was undertaken to determine the movement behaviour and swim performance of native fish species of the Mary River catchment. To assess the suitability of CFD as a design tool ANSYS CFX validation models were established based on data sourced from prior field and laboratory fish passage studies. Design models based on the requirements of the DAFF guidelines were then developed and assessed.
The results of the CFD modelling suggest that the DAFF minor waterway barrier requirements generally provide conditions adequate for fish passage however high flow velocity was identified as a barrier to fish passage in the `Green' and `Amber' DAFF fish passage design models. The design requirements of the DAFF self-assessable code WWBW01 were therefore considered inadequate in terms of the hydraulic conditions applicable to the swimming ability of native fish species of the Mary River catchment.
Further work is to be undertaken to further investigate alternatives to the design treatments included in the DAFF guidelines and to investigate refinement options.
The DAFF minor waterway barrier guidelines provide general requirements for facilitating fish passage through waterway barriers, however the requirements are not region or site specific therefore may not be suitable for all situations and conditions.
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