Eel passage research to fund six PhDs

Funding for research into eel passage at land drainage and flood defence pumping stations provided by the Environment Agency (EA), internal drainage boards, regional flood and coastal committees, the EU European Marine and Fisheries Fund, University of Hull (UoH), and ADA has enabled six new MSc/PhD scholarships to be advertised.

This new research cluster, called REDEEM, will focus on understanding fish and eel behaviour to assess the effectiveness of existing and new technologies for minimising entrainment at pumping stations and develop innovative measures to provide applied outcomes. Specifically, the research will focus on understanding the spatial distribution of fish and eels in pumped catchments, the processes that lead to entrainment and the effectiveness of altered operating regimes, fish-friendly pumps, and novel downstream bypass channels for minimising entrainment.

The cluster will bring together knowledge and expertise in state-of-the-art acoustic telemetry (under Home Office Licence), multi-beam imaging sonar, eDNA and flow modelling techniques performed by staff and researchers across the EA, UoH and the Institute of Zoology (ZSL). The size and scope of the cluster will enable it to be agile and reactive to new developments and opportunities. The knowledge arising from this applied research investigation is anticipated to inform and revise guidance for cost effective measures mitigating fish and eel entrainment at pumping stations and water intakes at national, European and global levels.

For more information about the project visit the University of Hull’s website or contact, Jon Bolland (J.Bolland@hull.ac.uk) or Ros Wright (ros.wright@environment-agency.gov.uk) regarding study site suggestions and research opportunities.

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