Development of a fish leaping framework for low-head barriers

• The proposed leaping framework includes four major sub-models.
• Importance of barrier shape and flow regime on leapingis investigated.
• The framework can be adapted to a wide range of barriers and fish species.

Leaping is an indispensable part of the upstream spawning migration of a fish species. The natural barriers replaced with artificial dams and obstacles can obstruct the leaping process and destruct the life cycle of fish species, causing their extinction in extreme scenarios. To help design and improve the artificial barriers, many studies have been conducted to model the leaping success of fish species. However, generic results were scarcely obtained to be extended for a wide range of barriers. The main reasons can be identified as the lack of thorough understanding of the interaction between fish locomotion and water flow regime upstream of the investigated barriers. Hence, the aim of this study is to propose a leaping framework compatible with a diverse range of fish species and barriers. This framework includes a detailed hydraulic sub-model as well as locomotion model capable of tracing fish in both water and air environments. The functionality of the proposed framework is further discussed using a selected case study.