Report on Downstream migration of European silver eel at three German hydropower stations

The published study examines migration routes and losses of European silver eel past three run-of-the river hydropower stations in Germany. These were the Unkelmühle power station in the Sieg, the power station in Gengenbach in the Kinzig (both tributaries to the Rhine), and Kuhlemühle power station in the Diemel (tributary to the Weser). These three power stations represent the use of different technologies to reduce negative impact on downstream migrating fish. The Unkelmühle power station is designed with several bypass routes where fish can pass outside the turbines. Narrowly spaced bar racks have been installed in front of the turbine intakes to prevent fish from entering the turbines. At the power station in Gengenbach, the position of a movable turbine can be adjusted to let downstream migrating fish pass above or under the turbine. At the Kuhlemühle power station, an Archimedes screw turbine is installed.