Science in Practice Portal

The use of barrier dams to prevent undesirable fish from gaining access to reclaimed or otherwise protected waters is an integral part of reclamation programs. This is especially true in programs dealing with rare and endangered fishes. Barriers should not only provide an adequate vertical drop, but should also include a device to disperse overflowing water to impede the formation of a pool or submerged wave below the barrier. Such a device is described for relatively constant flow or spring fed streams.