Fish Passage in Culverts; Dealing with the Multidisciplinary Framework of
Biological and Engineering Information.
Overall Description:
Goal: To illustrate the most effective and efficient methods for the protection of fish and
fish habitat while building, maintaining, and operating culverts on a provincial highway
network.
Outcomes of this workshop: This workshop will explain TRANS’ process for the
installation of culverts at fish bearing watercourses and describe how fish passage is
achieved. Common terminology will be explained and used.
This will aid in developing mechanisms (e.g. standards) that will lead to a streamlined
approach for designing and installing culverts along provincial highways in Alberta.
Format: The ‘Workshop’ will be designed to deliver a series of small lectures, initiate
discussion sessions, and have ‘break-out’ workgroups. This provides an avenue to
formally transfer knowledge and information between attendees.
Sponsored by:
Alberta Transportation
With Participation by Representatives from Alberta Transportation, Fisheries and
Oceans, Canada, other GoA agencies, and consultants.
Workshop Abstract:
Background:
Historically, culverts have been a blockage to fish passage in many instances. ‘Older
style’ culverts, with no embedment below the streambed, were designed to convey
water but did not necessarily allow for fish passage. Advances in hydraulic design and
an increased understanding of fish passage requirements in recent years has resulted
in fish friendly culverts being installed. However, progress in this area has been limited
by the lack of understanding between biologists and engineers of both hydraulic design
and fish passage requirements. Interpreting and explaining the similarities between
culvert design and fish passage principles is required for an integrated approach that
will result in culvert structures that are both cost effective and consistent with fisheries
management objectives.
Agenda – Fish Passage in Culverts; Dealing with the Multidisciplinary Framework of Biological
and Engineering Information
Registration and Coffee at 8 am – start-up 8:30 am
Proposed Time
8:30 am to 8:40 am
8:40 am to 9:15 am
Item
Presenter
‘Housekeeping Items’
Richard Roberts
Introduction
Dana Becker
Part 1 - Fish
 Background - Culverts and Fish
Dana Becker
Part 2 – Culverts
 What is a Culvert?
 Culvert Components
 Culvert Design and Construction
 Culverts – Pros / Cons
Des Williamson
9:15 am to 10:00 am
10:00 am to 10:15 am
Health Break
10:15 am to 11:00 am
Part 3 - Why is fish passage important?
 Context for Alberta Transportation
 Biology Basics (as they relate to fish
passage)
 What is known about fish swimming
capabilities?
11:00 am to 11:20 am
Questions/Discussion
11:20 pm to 12:10 pm
Part 4 - Culvert Hydraulics
 Hydrotechnical Design Parameters
 Channel Hydraulics
 Culvert Hydraulics
 Culvert Sizing
12:10 pm to 1:10 pm
1:10 pm to 2:05 pm
Lunch and discussion
Part 5 - Mixing engineering and biology
 Where Fish Passage is required
 Fish Passage Criteria
 Example
Dana Becker
Des Williamson
All
Dana Becker
2:05 pm to 2:25 pm
2:25 pm to 2:45 pm
Part 6 - Fish Passage

Scenario (small groups if time allows)
Caroline Watt
Caroline Watt
2:45 pm to 3:00 pm
Health Break
3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
3:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Part 7 - Risk Assessment and Monitoring and
Evaluation
Dana Becker
Questions and Discussion, Feedback
Wrap Up
Everyone