Environmental Impact Research Program: Environmental Effects of Navigation Traffic: Studies on Fish Eggs and Larvae.
Abstract
Adult and juvenile fishes are usually capable of detecting and avoiding or withstanding most of the environmental effects of navigation traffic. However, since larval fishes are less capable of avoidance movements and more susceptible to environmental disturbances, they can be negatively affected by navigation traffic. Reported direct effects of traffic on larval fishes include turbulence, shear forces, currents, hull and propeller impacts, abrasion, wave and drawdown effects, and resuspension of sediments. Indirect effects of navigation traffic include releases of fuel, oils, exhaust gases, and other wastes associated with the operation of each tow; the construction and operation of more or larger lock and dam facilities needed for increased traffic; and the greater risk of catastrophic spills of toxic materials. Laboratory experiments were designed to investigate the effects of selected disturbances (turbulence, resuspension of sediment, and atmospheric exposure) on four species of larval fishes: paddlefish, channel catfish, grass carp, and common carp. Keywords: Commercial navigation traffic; Environmental impact; Laboratory simulation; Shipping; Physical effects studies. (kt)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA214294
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne
- K. Jack Killgore
- William D. Pearson