Application of agent-based modelling for selecting configuration of vertical slot fishway

Abstract

Physical and 3D numerical hydrodynamic flow models and an agent-based model are developed with the principal objective of analysing fish behaviour in two vertical slot fishway configurations. Fish energy consumption due to swimming represents a crucial criterion for selecting an appropriate fishway configuration. The modelled fish detects ambient flow conditions, makes decisions based on its sensing and cognitive abilities, adapts to the changes in its environment, and moves toward the regions of less turbulent kinetic energy. The results show that fishways with longer pools enable passage of fish at a lower energy consumption.

Keywords

• fishway
• physical model
• numerical model
• agent-based model