The sensitivity classification of European lampreys and fishes made available by FIThydro which applies beyond hydropower to different human-induced pressures, independently of particular causes of fish mortality, can support implementing conservation targets based on species’ sensitivity. European Fish Hazard Index, a screening tool for environmental risk posed by hydropower plants on fish is the first standardized, European-wide applicable screening tool for potentially hazardous hydropower installation. It can be adjusted to local species pools and conservation concerns and acts as a screening part of any decision support system. Furthermore, Cumulative Impact Assessment Guidance provides two generic approaches, based on barrier locations and impoundments, independent of species communities, can comprehensively assess the cumulative impacts of a variety of interacting effects on migratory species.
FIThydro developed and enhanced various Solutions, Methods, Tools and Devices (SMTDs) (
https://www.fithydro.wiki/index.php/Solutions,_methods,_tools,_and_devices(opens in new window)) addressing upstream and downstream migration, turbines, hydromorphology, hydropeaking, E-flows, fish characterization and habitat. The ranges of application of those SMTDs were defined and were applied in test cases which can help the operators and consultants to better choose, conceptualise and combine suitable mitigation measures.
The SMTDs will contribute to solving the problems presented to fish individuals, and ultimately to fish populations, by hydropower, enhancing the economic contributions and ecosytem services provided by riverine ecosystems. Once the improved tools and devices are commercialized, they may be used by the HPP operators, consultants and universities to address fish behaviour upstream and downstream to support decisions about the mitigations measures to be applied.
A catalogue of mitigation measures to improve conditions for fish in hydropower rivers has been made available on the FIThydro wiki. A compilation of costs of these measures and the Bayesian Network modelling was used to demonstrate a method for assessing different scenarios of mitigation measures at Test Cases that is also applicable for other hydropower plants. The method gives support in choosing cost-effective mitigation measures. FIThydro wiki, where relevant mitigation measures are documented together with Methods, tools and devices to help plan, implement and monitor mitigation measures. The wiki also contains information about all Test Cases in FIThydro as examples on challenges for hydropower and fish, and possible solutions and mitigation measures to maintain sustainable fish populations and at the same time ensure important renewable power production.
Main EU and national policies (water and nature protection policies as well energy and climate mitigation targets), and financing tools relevant to the planning and operation of hydropower were reviewed. FIThydro assessed the needs and expectations of regional and European stakeholders in terms of key problems and possible solutions for the assessment and planning of fish-friendly hydropower production. Further, research-based social science methods were used to evaluate the public perception of hydropower. The Decision Support System was developed for the planning of mitigation options in hydropower plants, which has integrated findings from various tasks of the project. Finally, A screening of market conditions relevant to the uptake of FIThydro innovative technologies, which links up to exploitation activities was carried out.
Dissemination for the various outputs of FIThydro was realized through non-scientific publications, journal and conference papers, and presentations in national and international workshops and conferences.
